Exodus 15:20
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Original Language Analysis
הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה
the prophetess
H5031
הַנְּבִיאָ֜ה
the prophetess
Strong's:
H5031
Word #:
3 of 14
a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife
אֲח֧וֹת
the sister
H269
אֲח֧וֹת
the sister
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
4 of 14
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיָדָ֑הּ
in her hand
H3027
בְּיָדָ֑הּ
in her hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 14
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
וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ
went out
H3318
וַתֵּצֶ֤אןָ
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
כָֽל
H3605
כָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 150:4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.1 Samuel 18:6And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick.Psalms 68:25The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.Numbers 26:59And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.Judges 11:34And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.Psalms 149:3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.Judges 4:4And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.Micah 6:4For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.Exodus 2:4And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.Luke 2:36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Historical Context
Timbrels (tambourines) and dancing were standard ancient Near Eastern celebration elements. Miriam's leadership role shows that Israel recognized both male and female prophets. She's named alongside Moses and Aaron in Micah 6:4 as Israel's leaders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Miriam's prophetess role challenge both limiting women's ministry and ignoring biblical gender distinctions?
- What does gender-inclusive worship in response to redemption teach about the gospel breaking down walls?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The introduction of Miriam, 'the prophetess, the sister of Aaron,' shows women's leadership roles in Israel. Her taking 'a timbrel in her hand' initiates communal celebration. The phrase 'all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances' pictures corporate worship led by women. Gender-inclusive worship characterizes Israel's response to redemption. Miriam's prophetess designation indicates she spoke God's word, foreshadowing women's roles in New Testament church (Acts 21:9, 1 Corinthians 11:5).