King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:26 Mean?

Exodus 14:26 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, up...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.”

Exodus 14:26 · KJV

Context

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,

25

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. that they: or, and made them to go heavily

26

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

27

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. overthrew: Heb. shook off

28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Read Exodus 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Moses—'Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians'—reverses the miracle. What provided salvation to Israel becomes judgment on Egypt. The same waters that walled protection now bring destruction. The comprehensive targets—'chariots, and...horsemen'—ensure total defeat. God's judgments are thorough, His deliverances complete.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' obedient stretch of his hand triggered the waters' return. The timing came after Israel crossed safely but while Egypt was in mid-sea—perfect for judgment, evidence of divine orchestration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the same means (the sea) bringing salvation to some and judgment to others picture the gospel's dividing effect?
  2. What does God's timing—water returning at the perfect moment—teach about His precision in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 17

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 17

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

נְטֵ֥ה5 of 17

“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 17
H853

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

יָֽדְךָ֖7 of 17

“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 17
H5921

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

הַיָּ֑ם9 of 17

“over 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

וְיָשֻׁ֤בוּ10 of 17

“may come again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הַמַּ֙יִם֙11 of 17

“that the waters”

H4325

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

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

מִצְרַ֔יִם13 of 17

“upon the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

עַל14 of 17
H5921

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

רִכְבּ֖וֹ15 of 17

“upon their chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְעַל16 of 17
H5921

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

פָּֽרָשָֽׁיו׃17 of 17

“and upon their horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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 14:26 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 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:16Exodus 8:5Exodus 1:22Matthew 8:27Judges 1:6-7Exodus 7:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 14 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes