King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:16 Mean?

Exodus 14:16 in the King James Version says “But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Exodus 14:16 · KJV


Context

14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

15

And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

16

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

18

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to Moses: 'lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it' combines divine power with human agency. The rod (already used in plagues) serves as God's appointed instrument. The act—stretching hand toward impossible obstacle—requires faith. The promise 'the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea' states the impossible outcome before any evidence appears. Faith acts on God's word before seeing results.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This rod, used to bring judgment on Egypt, now brings salvation to Israel. Its reuse connects the plagues to Red Sea crossing as one unified redemptive act. Moses' lifted hand pictures Christ's lifted arms on the cross.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'rod' (means or tool) has God given you to use in faith despite impossible circumstances?
  2. How does lifting your hand toward the obstacle in obedience to God's word demonstrate genuine faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הָרֵ֣ם2 of 16

But lift thou up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת3 of 16
H853

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

מַטְּךָ֗4 of 16

thy rod

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

וּנְטֵ֧ה5 of 16

and stretch out

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

יָֽדְךָ֛7 of 16

thine hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל8 of 16
H5921

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

הַיָּ֖ם9 of 16

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וּבְקָעֵ֑הוּ10 of 16

and divide

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

וְיָבֹ֧אוּ11 of 16

shall go

H935

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

בְנֵֽי12 of 16

it and the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל13 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּת֥וֹךְ14 of 16

ground through the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַיָּ֖ם15 of 16

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

בַּיַּבָּשָֽׁה׃16 of 16

on dry

H3004

dry ground


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 14:16 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 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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