Exodus 1:21
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֕י
H1961
וַיְהִ֕י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת
And it came to pass because the midwives
H3205
הַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֖ת
And it came to pass because the midwives
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
4 of 9
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 9
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
Cross References
1 Kings 11:38And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.1 Samuel 2:35And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.Psalms 37:3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.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:1 Kings 2:24Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.1 Samuel 25:28I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.Psalms 127:1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, establishing a household (family with descendants) was the highest blessing. The midwives risked their lives and potentially their social standing; God ensured their names and legacy endured. Archaeological and genealogical evidence suggests some priestly families may have descended from these midwives.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's reward of "houses" to the midwives encourage you when faithfulness requires sacrifice?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust that honoring God will result in His blessing, even when outcomes are uncertain?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses (וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם בָּתִּים, vaya'as lahem batim)—He made them houses means God gave them families/descendants, not merely physical buildings (cf. 2 Samuel 7:11, 27 where God "builds a house" for David). The Hebrew idiom "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) signifies dynasty, family lineage, posterity. This is remarkable because childless women might have feared remaining barren as midwives who defied the king's infanticide. Instead, God rewards their life-preserving work with their own enduring households. This principle echoes throughout Scripture: those who honor God in their work receive His blessing (Proverbs 3:9-10).