King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:20 Mean?

Exodus 14:20 in the King James Version says “And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it ga...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.”

Exodus 14:20 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

20

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

21

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Read Exodus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The pillar's dual function—'it gave light to them' (Israel) while 'it was a cloud and darkness to them' (Egypt)—demonstrates one divine presence producing opposite effects based on relationship. Light to believers, darkness to unbelievers. The result: 'the one came not near the other all the night' means God prevented Egyptian advance overnight. The same gospel is life to believers, death to unbelievers (2 Corinthians 2:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This supernatural darkness/light barrier prevented Egyptian attack during the night while Israel prepared to cross. The pillar that guided now protected, showing God's presence meeting every need.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the same divine presence bringing light to some and darkness to others picture the gospel's dividing effect?
  2. What does God preventing enemy approach teach about His timing in deliverance—protection while preparing salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיָּבֹ֞א1 of 20

“And it came”

H935

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

בֵּ֣ין׀2 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה3 of 20

“and the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

מִצְרַ֗יִם4 of 20

“of the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּבֵין֙5 of 20
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה6 of 20

“and the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וַיְהִ֤י8 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֶֽעָנָן֙9 of 20

“and it was a cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ10 of 20

“and darkness”

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

וַיָּ֖אֶר11 of 20

“to them but it gave light”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

אֶת12 of 20
H853

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

הַלָּֽיְלָה׃13 of 20

“all the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְלֹֽא14 of 20
H3808

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

קָרַ֥ב15 of 20

“to these so that the one came not near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

זֶ֖ה16 of 20

“the other”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֶל17 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֶ֖ה18 of 20

“the other”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

כָּל19 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַלָּֽיְלָה׃20 of 20

“all the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

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 14:20 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 14:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2:15-16Isaiah 8:14Proverbs 4:18-19Psalms 18:11

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Exodus 14 →

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