King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:22 Mean?

Exodus 14:22 in the King James Version says “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 t...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 14:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The statement 'the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground' describes the impossible made real. Walking 'into the midst of the sea' required faith—entering where water should be. The waters 'were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left' pictures walls of water held supernaturally. This creates a corridor of salvation through judgment. Paul later types this as baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)—passing through waters of death into new life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The crossing likely occurred at the northern end of the Red Sea or one of the lake regions. Regardless of location, the miracle was the wall-like waters held back while Israel walked through on dry ground.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does walking 'into the midst of the sea' require in terms of faith when God commands but you see no path?
  2. How does passing through water-walls picture baptism—passing through death (waters) to resurrection life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ1 of 11

“went”

H935

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

בְנֵֽי2 of 11

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל3 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּת֥וֹךְ4 of 11

“into the midst”

H8432

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

הַיָּ֖ם5 of 11

“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

בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה6 of 11

“upon the dry”

H3004

dry ground

וְהַמַּ֤יִם7 of 11

“ground and the waters”

H4325

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

לָהֶם֙8 of 11
H0
חוֹמָ֔ה9 of 11

“were a wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

מִֽימִינָ֖ם10 of 11

“unto them on their right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃11 of 11

“and on their left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:29Psalms 66:6Exodus 15:19Psalms 78:13Exodus 14:29Exodus 15:8

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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