Exodus 1:17
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּירֶ֤אןָ
feared
H3372
וַתִּירֶ֤אןָ
feared
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 14
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙
But the midwives
H3205
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙
But the midwives
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 14
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
H430
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָשׂ֔וּ
and did
H6213
עָשׂ֔וּ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
commanded
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
commanded
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
alive
H2421
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
12 of 14
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.Exodus 1:21And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Luke 12:5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Daniel 6:13Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.Psalms 31:19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!Ecclesiastes 8:12Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:Genesis 42:18And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
Historical Context
This act of resistance shows that even in totalitarian Egypt, moral conscience could resist state-sanctioned murder. The midwives' successful defiance suggests either a large Hebrew population (making compliance unverifiable) or divine protection. Their courage sparked the preservation of a generation including Moses, Aaron, and others who would lead the Exodus.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate fear of God that enables you to resist ungodly authorities when necessary?
- What does the midwives' example teach about the relationship between faith and courageous action?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive (וַתִּירֶאןָ הַמְיַלְּדֹת אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים, vatirenah hameyaldot et-ha'Elohim)—Feared God is the pivotal phrase: reverence for God trumps fear of Pharaoh. This is the first instance of civil disobedience in Scripture, establishing a biblical precedent (Acts 5:29). The midwives' action demonstrates saving faith—fear of God producing righteous works (James 2:25-26 cites similar faith in Rahab). Saved the men children alive (וַתְּחַיֶּיןָ, vatechayenah) uses the causative form: they actively caused life, opposing death's decree. God will reward their faith with households of their own (v. 21).