King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:1 Mean?

Exodus 14:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Exodus 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

3

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The divine initiative 'the LORD spake unto Moses' launches the Red Sea narrative. Each stage of redemption begins with God's word, not human planning. This instruction will lead Israel into apparent danger (trapped between sea and army), testing faith. God's ways often seem counterintuitive—leading toward crisis to demonstrate His power. The following commands will put Israel in a position where only divine intervention can save them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This communication occurred at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. God's instruction would lead Israel to reverse direction, appearing to Pharaoh as confused wanderers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's instruction sometimes leading into apparent danger test and refine faith?
  2. What current situation seems like a dead end but may be God's setup for demonstrating His power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָֹ֖ה2 of 5

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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