King James Version
Exodus 1:17 in the King James Version says “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”
Exodus 1:17 · KJV
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:
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.
But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
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?
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“But the midwives”
H3205to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“commanded”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
“alive”
H2421to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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.
Exodus 1:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge