Exodus 1:18
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת
for the midwives
H3205
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת
for the midwives
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
4 of 13
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
מַדּ֥וּעַ
unto them Why
H4069
מַדּ֥וּעַ
unto them Why
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
7 of 13
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן
have ye done
H6213
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן
have ye done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֣ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
alive
H2421
וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
11 of 13
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Historical Context
Royal summons to explain policy failures indicates serious governmental concern. That Pharaoh personally questions midwives (rather than executing them immediately) suggests either their social standing, the scale of the problem (widespread non-compliance), or divine restraint on his anger. This scene previews the confrontations between Moses and Pharaoh (Exodus 5-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond wisely when questioned by authorities about your obedience to God over human commands?
- What does Pharaoh's need to question rather than simply execute reveal about God's protective hand on the faithful?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? (וַיִּקְרָא מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם לַמְיַלְּדֹת, vayikra melekh Mitsrayim lameyaldot)—Pharaoh's interrogation reveals his realization that the genocide isn't occurring. The question Why have ye done this thing? suggests either suspicion of deliberate disobedience or confusion at the policy's failure. The king who commanded death is now forced to ask for explanation—a subtle reversal showing God beginning to frustrate Pharaoh's plans. The interrogation sets up the midwives' shrewd response (v. 19), which may be tactical deception or genuine observation of Hebrew women's vigor.