Exodus 1:19
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
And the midwives
H3205
וְיָלָֽדוּ׃
And the midwives
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
2 of 17
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֧א
H3808
לֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת
are not as the Egyptian women
H4713
הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת
are not as the Egyptian women
Strong's:
H4713
Word #:
8 of 17
a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim
הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
Because the Hebrew
H5680
הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
Because the Hebrew
Strong's:
H5680
Word #:
9 of 17
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֵ֔נָּה
H2007
הֵ֔נָּה
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
12 of 17
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
בְּטֶ֨רֶם
ere
H2962
בְּטֶ֨רֶם
ere
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
Historical Context
Some scholars debate whether this is righteous deception (like Rahab's in Joshua 2:4-5) or literal truth. Ancient sources do note differences in birthing experiences among populations. Regardless, the narrative presents the midwives' answer as successful protection of God's people, later validated by divine blessing (v. 20-21).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate tension between complete transparency and wise discretion when protecting the vulnerable?
- What does Hebrew women's "liveliness" despite oppression teach about God's blessing overcoming adverse circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them (כִּי־חָיוֹת הֵנָּה, ki-chayot henah, "for they are vigorous/lively")—The midwives' answer emphasizes Hebrew women's vitality contrasting with Egyptian women's weakness. Lively (חָיוֹת, chayot) means "full of life/vigorous," suggesting the blessing of God manifesting in physical strength. Whether this is complete truth, partial truth, or tactical deception, it highlights the irony: Pharaoh's oppression couldn't weaken Israel—God's blessing made them strong even in bondage. The response satisfies Pharaoh (v. 20) and protects the midwives while allowing them to continue their work.