King James Version
What Does Exodus 1:16 Mean?
“And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.”
Context
14
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
15
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
16
And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
17
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
18
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **Upon the stools.**—Literally, *upon the two stones. *It has been suggested that a seat corresponding to the modern *hursee elwilâdeh *is meant. This is a “chair of a peculiar form,” upon which in modern Egypt the woman is seated during parturition. (See Lane, *Modern Egyptians, *vol. iii. p. 142.) But it does not appear that this seat is composed of “two stones;” nor is there any distinct evidence of its employment at the time of child-birth in Ancient Egypt. The emendation of Hirsch—*banim *for *âbnaim, *is very tempting. This will give the sense, “When ye look upon the children.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 1:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge