Exodus Chapter 14 · Verse 31

Authorized King James Version

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And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּ֨רְא saw H7200
וַיַּ֨רְא saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל And Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל And Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּ֣ד work H3027
הַיָּ֣ד work
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 4 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה that great H1419
הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה that great
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 5 of 17
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֤ה did H6213
עָשָׂ֤ה did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 7 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 8 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם upon the Egyptians H4714
בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם upon the Egyptians
Strong's: H4714
Word #: 9 of 17
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ feared H3372
וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ feared
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 10 of 17
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
הָעָ֖ם and the people H5971
הָעָ֖ם and the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 11 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּֽאֲמִ֙ינוּ֙ and believed H539
וַיַּֽאֲמִ֙ינוּ֙ and believed
Strong's: H539
Word #: 14 of 17
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 15 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה Moses H4872
וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 16 of 17
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
עַבְדּֽוֹ׃ and his servant H5650
עַבְדּֽוֹ׃ and his servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 17 of 17
a servant

Cross References

John 2:11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.John 11:45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.Psalms 119:120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.Exodus 19:9And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.Exodus 4:31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.Acts 8:13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.1 Samuel 12:18So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

Analysis & Commentary

The response 'Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians' indicates they recognized divine action, not natural coincidence. The result was threefold: 'the people feared the LORD'—proper reverence; 'believed the LORD'—trust in His character; 'and his servant Moses'—recognition of appointed leadership. This triple response shows genuine miracle produces worship, faith, and respect for God's instruments. Visible power creates appropriate fear and faith.

Historical Context

This victory established Moses' credibility as God's prophet. Previous complaints (verses 11-12) gave way to recognition of his God-given authority. The miracle vindicated Moses' leadership.

Questions for Reflection