Exodus 15:4
Exodus 15:4 in Multiple Translations
Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea; And his chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.
Pharaoh's war-carriages and his army he has sent down into the sea: the best of his captains have gone down into the Red Sea.
He threw Pharaoh's chariots and his army into the sea. Pharaoh's best officers were drowned in the Red Sea.
Pharaohs charets and his host hath he cast into the Sea: his chosen captaines also were drowned in the red Sea.
Chariots of Pharaoh and his force He hath cast into the sea; And the choice of his captains Have sunk in the Red Sea!
He has cast Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea. His chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Pharao’s chariots and his army he hath cast into the sea: his chosen captains are drowned in the Red Sea.
He has thrown the king’s chariots and his army into the sea; His best officers all drowned in the Red Sea (OR, Gulf of Suez).
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 15:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 15:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
וְ/חֵיל֖/וֹ
יָרָ֣ה
בַ/יָּ֑ם
וּ/מִבְחַ֥ר
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖י/ו
טֻבְּע֥וּ
בְ/יַם
סֽוּף
מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
N-fp
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/חֵיל֖/וֹ
chayil
H2428
Helech
Conj | N-ms | Suff
יָרָ֣ה
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַ/יָּ֑ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
best
Conj | N-ms
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖י/ו
shâlîysh
H7991
third
N-mp | Suff
טֻבְּע֥וּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
to sink
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
בְ/יַם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
סֽוּף
çûwph
H5488
reed
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 15:4
מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
N-fp
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
וְ/חֵיל֖/וֹ
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
יָרָ֣ה
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
בַ/יָּ֑ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וּ/מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
"best"
Conj | N-ms
This word means best or choicest, describing something of the highest quality. It is used to describe God's chosen people in the Bible.
Definition: choicest, best Also means: miv.chor (מִבְחוֹר "choice" H4004)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st), chosen. See also: Genesis 23:6; Jeremiah 22:7; Isaiah 22:7.
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖י/ו
shâlîysh
H7991
"third"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a high-ranking officer or captain, often carrying a shield. It also describes a musical instrument or a large quantity. The word is used in different contexts, including the stories of King David and his military leaders.
Definition: 1) third part 1a) name of a measure
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: captain, instrument of musick, (great) lord, (great) measure, prince, three (from the margin). See also: Exodus 14:7; 2 Kings 10:25; Psalms 80:6.
טֻבְּע֥וּ
ṭâbaʻ
H2883
"to sink"
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
To sink is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, which can also mean to drown or settle down, as seen in various KJV translations. It appears in different forms, such as sink, fasten, or settle, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. This verb is used to describe something going down or being submerged.
Definition: 1) to sink, sink into, sink down, pierce, settle down, drown, be settled, be planted 1a) (Qal) to sink, sink down 1b)(Pual) to be sunk 1c) (Hophal) to cause to sink
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: drown, fasten, settle, sink. See also: Exodus 15:4; Psalms 69:15; Psalms 9:16.
בְ/יַם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
סֽוּף
çûwph
H5488
"reed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a type of reed or water plant, often used to describe the Red Sea. It appears in Exodus as the body of water the Israelites crossed. The word is also translated as flag or weed in some versions.
Definition: 1) reed, rush, water plant 1a) rushes 1b) sea of rushes - used of Red Sea
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: flag, Red (sea), weed. Compare H5489 (סוּף). See also: Exodus 2:3; Joshua 2:10; Psalms 106:7.
Study Notes — Exodus 15:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 15:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
- Sermons on Exodus 15:4
Context — The Song at the Sea
2The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
3The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name.
4Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5The depths have covered them; they sank there like a stone. 6Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 14:13–28 | But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. And the Egyptians chased after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen—and followed them into the sea. At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. |
| 2 | Exodus 14:6–7 | So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. |
Exodus 15:4 Summary
Exodus 15:4 tells us that the LORD is all-powerful and can defeat even the strongest enemies, like the Egyptian army. The verse says that Pharaoh's chariots and army were thrown into the sea, and the best officers were drowned in the Red Sea. This shows us that the LORD is in control and can rescue us from any situation, just like He did for the Israelites (as seen in Exodus 14:13-31 and Psalm 106:9-11). We can trust in the LORD's strength and salvation, and praise Him for His power and love, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 15:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Exodus 15:4?
The historical context of Exodus 15:4 is the parting of the Red Sea, where the LORD miraculously delivered the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army, as described in Exodus 14:13-31 and Psalm 106:9-11.
Who are the 'finest of his officers' mentioned in this verse?
The 'finest of his officers' refers to the top military leaders of the Egyptian army, who were considered the best and most skilled, but were still no match for the power of the LORD, as seen in Exodus 15:4 and Isaiah 31:3.
What is the significance of the Red Sea in this verse?
The Red Sea represents a place of judgment and defeat for the enemies of the LORD, as seen in Exodus 15:4 and Isaiah 63:11-14, where the LORD's power and authority are displayed over the forces of nature and human armies.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Exodus?
This verse relates to the overall theme of Exodus, which is the LORD's deliverance and redemption of His people, as seen in Exodus 6:6-8 and Exodus 15:13, where the LORD's power and love are demonstrated through His actions on behalf of the Israelites.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the concept of the LORD's power and deliverance to my own life, just as the Israelites experienced in Exodus 15:4?
- How can I trust in the LORD's strength and salvation, as described in Exodus 15:2, when faced with challenges and enemies in my own life?
- What are some 'Red Sea' moments in my life where the LORD has miraculously delivered me, and how can I praise and exalt Him for those experiences, as seen in Exodus 15:1-3?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, recognize and acknowledge the LORD's majesty and power in my life, as described in Exodus 15:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:4
Pharaoh's chariots and his hosts hath he cast into the sea,.... Which was done by the Angel of the Lord, who was Jehovah himself, our Immanuel, and man of war, as appears from Exodus 14:17, an emblem
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:4
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
With great force, like an arrow out of a bow; as the Hebrew word signifies.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh’ s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.Ver. 4. In the Red Sea.] So called, haply, from that red man, Esau or Edom, who usurped the dominion of that sea, now called Sinus Arabicus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
(4) His chosen captains.—Comp. Exodus 14:7, where the same word is used. Are drowned.—Rather, were drowned.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
Verse 4. Pharaoh's chariots - his host - his chosen captains] On such an expedition it is likely that the principal Egyptian nobility accompanied their king, and that the overthrow they met with here had reduced Egypt to the lowest extremity. Had the Israelites been intent on plunder, or had Moses been influenced by a spirit of ambition, how easily might both have gratified themselves, as, had they returned, they might have soon overrun and subjugated the whole land.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:4
4. and his host] Cf. Exodus 14:4; Exodus 14:9; Exodus 14:17; Exodus 14:28. And his chosen (Heb. the choice of his) knights] See on Exodus 14:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:4
2-5. First strain. JAH — A poetic abbreviation of JAHVEH, restricted in use to the higher kinds of poetry, and found often in compound names, as Yirm’jah, (Jeremiah;) also in certain formulas, as
Sermons on Exodus 15:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing still and trusting in the salvation of the Lord, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He encourages the |
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(Exodus) Exodus 14:13-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He emphasizes that it is God who works on their behalf and they simply need to a |
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Flee the Lusts of the Flesh - Escape for Your Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and pure life. He encourages listeners to flee from bad talk, foul mouthing, and stealing, and instead, |
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Paul's Hymn of Love by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and patience in our lives. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Peter's question about forgiveness, to illustrate |
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The Prayer of Faith by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to learn how to overcome the devil's influence in their lives. He highlights the lack of spiritual understanding and |
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The Five Smooth Stones by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of facing opposition and persecution in his ministry. Despite doors being shut and attempts to destroy him, he did not lose anyone |
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Say Goodbye to Captivity by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and passion that comes from having a heart filled with God's word. He starts by reading from Exodus 14, where Moses tells the Isra |