Exodus 15:5
The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Original Language Analysis
תְּהֹמֹ֖ת
The depths
H8415
תְּהֹמֹ֖ת
The depths
Strong's:
H8415
Word #:
1 of 6
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
יְכַסְיֻ֑מוּ
have covered
H3680
יְכַסְיֻ֑מוּ
have covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
יָֽרְד֥וּ
them they sank
H3381
יָֽרְד֥וּ
them they sank
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
3 of 6
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:11And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.Exodus 14:28And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.Exodus 15:10Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
Historical Context
The imagery of sinking 'as a stone' was proverbial for complete, irreversible loss. In ancient thought, drowning meant no proper burial and thus no afterlife—ultimate destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of enemies sinking 'as a stone' picture the finality of Christ's victory over sin and death?
- What defeated enemy are you treating as still threatening rather than recognizing its complete destruction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery 'the depths have covered them' emphasizes complete drowning. The simile 'they sank into the bottom as a stone' pictures rapid, permanent descent. Egyptian bodies didn't float but sank immediately, ensuring no survival or recovery. The finality of judgment is emphasized—enemies don't merely suffer setback but complete destruction. This fulfilled God's promise of honor through Egypt's defeat.