Exodus 15:19
For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּרִכְבּ֤וֹ
with his chariots
H7393
בְּרִכְבּ֤וֹ
with his chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
5 of 19
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וּבְפָֽרָשָׁיו֙
and with his horsemen
H6571
וּבְפָֽרָשָׁיו֙
and with his horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
6 of 19
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
הַיָּֽם׃
into the sea
H3220
הַיָּֽם׃
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וַיָּ֧שֶׁב
brought again
H7725
וַיָּ֧שֶׁב
brought again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵהֶ֖ם
H5921
עֲלֵהֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵ֣י
the waters
H4325
מֵ֣י
the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
12 of 19
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
הַיָּֽם׃
into the sea
H3220
הַיָּֽם׃
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
13 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וּבְנֵ֧י
upon them but the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֧י
upon them but the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָֽלְכ֥וּ
went
H1980
הָֽלְכ֥וּ
went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
16 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
This transitional verse bridges the poetic song (vv. 1-18) and the narrative continuation (vv. 20-27). Its prose format emphasizes historical factuality rather than merely poetic imagery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the repeated emphasis on historical factuality rather than myth strengthen faith's foundation?
- What does the same location producing opposite outcomes teach about covenant relationship determining destiny?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prose summary repeats the miracle: 'the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them.' This rehearsal ensures the event's historicity is emphasized—not poetic exaggeration but actual occurrence. The contrast 'but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea' reiterates the different outcomes for the two groups. Same location, opposite results, based on covenant relationship.