King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:21 Mean?

Exodus 14:21 in the King James Version says “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 nig... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 14:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' obedience—'stretched out his hand over the sea'—activates God's power. The LORD's action: 'caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night' combines supernatural and natural means. The 'strong east wind' (ruach qadim azah, רוּחַ קָדִים עַזָּה) was fierce enough to divide waters. The result: 'made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided' created a path through impossibility. God uses creation to accomplish redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The timing 'all that night' while the cloud barrier held Egypt back allowed the sea floor to become dry enough for passage. The east wind from the desert was hot and powerful, capable of extraordinary effects.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God using natural means (wind) for supernatural ends (divided sea) demonstrate His sovereignty over creation?
  2. What impossible obstacle is God preparing to divide in your life while holding back the enemy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֵּ֨ט1 of 21

stretched out

H5186

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

מֹשֶׁ֣ה2 of 21

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 21
H853

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

יָדוֹ֮4 of 21

his 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

עַל5 of 21
H5921

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

הַיָּ֖ם6 of 21

caused 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

וַיּ֣וֹלֶךְ7 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

יְהוָ֣ה׀8 of 21

and the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת9 of 21
H853

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

הַיָּ֖ם10 of 21

caused 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

בְּר֨וּחַ11 of 21

wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קָדִ֤ים12 of 21

east

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

עַזָּה֙13 of 21

back by a strong

H5794

strong, vehement, harsh

כָּל14 of 21
H3605

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

הַלַּ֔יְלָה15 of 21

all that night

H3915

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

וַיָּ֥שֶׂם16 of 21

and made

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֶת17 of 21
H853

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

הַיָּ֖ם18 of 21

caused 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

לֶחָֽרָבָ֑ה19 of 21

dry

H2724

a desert

וַיִּבָּֽקְע֖וּ20 of 21

were divided

H1234

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

הַמָּֽיִם׃21 of 21

land and the waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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