Exodus 1:20
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥יטֶב
dealt well
H3190
וַיֵּ֥יטֶב
dealt well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
1 of 7
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
Therefore God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
Therefore God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 7
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
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת
with the midwives
H3205
לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֑ת
with the midwives
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
3 of 7
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
הָעָ֛ם
and the people
H5971
הָעָ֛ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
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:Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.Proverbs 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.Hebrews 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.Psalms 111:5He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.Psalms 103:11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Psalms 61:5For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.Psalms 85:9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Historical Context
Divine blessing often manifests in tangible ways—prosperity, protection, and multiplication. The connection between the midwives' obedience and Israel's continued growth emphasizes that national survival depended on individual faithfulness. God's "dealing well" with them inspired continued resistance and preserved the generation that would experience the Exodus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's blessing on the midwives encourage you to choose faithfulness over compliance with unjust demands?
- In what ways have you seen individual righteousness produce broader community blessing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty (וַיֵּיטֶב אֱלֹהִים לַמְיַלְּדֹת, vayeitev Elohim lameyaldot)—God dealt well is divine approval and blessing on their civil disobedience rooted in the fear of God. The verb (יָטַב, yatav, "do good/treat favorably") contrasts with Pharaoh's evil treatment. The result: the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty—the exact opposite of Pharaoh's intention (1:10). This demonstrates a consistent biblical principle: God blesses those who honor Him over human authority. The midwives' faith produced national blessing, as individual righteousness often does (Genesis 18:26-32).