King James Version

What Does Exodus 1:16 Mean?

Exodus 1:16 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 1:16 · KJV

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?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Upon the stools (עַל־הָאָבְנָיִם, al-ha'ovnayim, lit. "upon the stones/bricks") refers to the birthing stool, a seat with an opening used in ancient deliveries. The selective infanticide of males reflects Pharaoh's dual strategy: eliminate future warriors while preserving females who could be absorbed into Egyptian population. This satanic attack on the seed recalls Genesis 3:15's promise and anticipates Herod's slaughter (Matthew 2:16). God will preserve His deliverer (Moses) through ironic means—Pharaoh's own household (2:5-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Birth stools (Hebrew ovnayim, dual form suggesting two bricks/stones for each foot) are depicted in Egyptian tomb reliefs. Female infanticide was rare in the ancient world; male infanticide served military and political purposes. This genocide sets up Moses' miraculous preservation as providentially ordained.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Pharaoh's attack on Hebrew boys illuminate Satan's ongoing war against God's redemptive purposes?
  2. What does this passage teach about the value God places on every human life, even when powerful forces seek destruction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 16

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙2 of 16

“When ye do the office of a midwife”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת3 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽעִבְרִיּ֔וֹת4 of 16

“to the Hebrew women”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

וּרְאִיתֶ֖ן5 of 16

“and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עַל6 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאָבְנָ֑יִם7 of 16

“them upon the stools”

H70

a pair of stones (only dual); a potter's wheel or a midwife's stool (consisting alike of two horizontal disks with a support between)

אִם8 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בֵּ֥ן9 of 16

“if it be a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הוּא֙10 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַֽהֲמִתֶּ֣ן11 of 16

“then ye shall kill”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֹת֔וֹ12 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאִם13 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בַּ֥ת14 of 16

“him but if it be a daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הִ֖וא15 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וָחָֽיָה׃16 of 16

“then she shall live”

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 1:22Matthew 21:38Revelation 12:4

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