King James Version

What Does Exodus 1:19 Mean?

Exodus 1:19 in the King James Version says “And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 1:19 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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?

19

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.

20

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

21

And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (כִּי־חָיוֹת הֵנָּה, ki-chayot henah, "for they are vigorous/lively")—The midwives' answer emphasizes Hebrew women's vitality contrasting with Egyptian women's weakness. Lively (חָיוֹת, chayot) means "full of life/vigorous," suggesting the blessing of God manifesting in physical strength. Whether this is complete truth, partial truth, or tactical deception, it highlights the irony: Pharaoh's oppression couldn't weaken Israel—God's blessing made them strong even in bondage. The response satisfies Pharaoh (v. 20) and protects the midwives while allowing them to continue their work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Some scholars debate whether this is righteous deception (like Rahab's in Joshua 2:4-5) or literal truth. Ancient sources do note differences in birthing experiences among populations. Regardless, the narrative presents the midwives' answer as successful protection of God's people, later validated by divine blessing (v. 20-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you navigate tension between complete transparency and wise discretion when protecting the vulnerable?
  2. What does Hebrew women's "liveliness" despite oppression teach about God's blessing overcoming adverse circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתֹּאמַ֤רְןָ1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְיָלָֽדוּ׃2 of 17

“And the midwives”

H3205

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

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֔ה4 of 17

“unto Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

כִּ֣י5 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֧א6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כַנָּשִׁ֛ים7 of 17

“women”

H802

a woman

הַמִּצְרִיֹּ֖ת8 of 17

“are not as the Egyptian women”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת9 of 17

“Because the Hebrew”

H5680

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

כִּֽי10 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָי֣וֹת11 of 17

“for they are lively”

H2422

vigorous

הֵ֔נָּה12 of 17
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

בְּטֶ֨רֶם13 of 17

“ere”

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

תָּב֧וֹא14 of 17

“come in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵהֶ֛ן15 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיָלָֽדוּ׃16 of 17

“And the midwives”

H3205

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

וְיָלָֽדוּ׃17 of 17

“And the midwives”

H3205

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

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 1:19 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 1:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 2:4-242 Samuel 17:19-201 Samuel 21:2

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