Exodus 15:21
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּ֥עַן
answered
H6030
וַתַּ֥עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לַֽיהוָה֙
ye to the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙
ye to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
H1342
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
Strong's:
H1342
Word #:
7 of 12
to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
H1342
גָּאָ֔ה
for he hath triumphed
Strong's:
H1342
Word #:
8 of 12
to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic
וְרֹֽכְב֖וֹ
and his rider
H7392
וְרֹֽכְב֖וֹ
and his rider
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
10 of 12
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
Cross References
Exodus 15:1Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Historical Context
Antiphonal (call-and-response) worship appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 15:21, Psalm 136, Nehemiah 12:31, 38). Miriam's leading women in response to Moses' song establishes this pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- How does antiphonal worship (call and response) engage congregation actively rather than creating spectators?
- What does the identical content of Moses' and Miriam's songs teach about theological unity across different expressions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Miriam's responsive song, 'Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea,' parallels verse 1, creating antiphonal worship. The call 'Sing ye' invites participation—worship as communal activity, not performance. The identical content to Moses' song shows unity in theology across gender and role. This corporate worship, with responsive singing between leader and congregation, models biblical worship patterns.