Exodus 15:16
Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Original Language Analysis
תִּפֹּ֨ל
shall fall
H5307
תִּפֹּ֨ל
shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
1 of 17
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וָפַ֔חַד
and dread
H6343
וָפַ֔חַד
and dread
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
4 of 17
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
בִּגְדֹ֥ל
upon them by the greatness
H1419
בִּגְדֹ֥ל
upon them by the greatness
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
5 of 17
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
זְרֽוֹעֲךָ֖
of thine arm
H2220
זְרֽוֹעֲךָ֖
of thine arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
6 of 17
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
יִדְּמ֣וּ
they shall be as still
H1826
יִדְּמ֣וּ
they shall be as still
Strong's:
H1826
Word #:
7 of 17
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יַעֲבֹ֖ר
pass over
H5674
יַעֲבֹ֖ר
pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
10 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַם
till the people
H5971
עַם
till 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
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַֽד
H5704
עַֽד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
13 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יַעֲבֹ֖ר
pass over
H5674
יַעֲבֹ֖ר
pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
14 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Psalms 74:2Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.Deuteronomy 2:25This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.Joshua 2:9And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.1 Samuel 25:37But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone.2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.Jeremiah 31:11For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.Exodus 11:7But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.Deuteronomy 11:25There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Historical Context
This paralysis of enemies occurred in Joshua's conquests where Canaanite kings were demoralized (Joshua 10:2, 11:20). God's reputation made conquest possible through psychological rather than merely military means.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's psychological defeat of enemies (paralyzing fear) complement physical victory?
- What does God 'purchasing' you teach about ownership rights over your life and direction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The cause of enemy fear: 'Fear and dread shall fall upon them.' The phrase 'by the greatness of thine arm' credits divine power for psychological victory. The result: 'they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.' The repetition 'pass over' echoes Passover—God's people 'pass over' obstacles while enemies are paralyzed. The term 'purchased' (qanah, קָנָה) indicates ownership by right of redemption price paid.