King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:29 Mean?

Exodus 14:29 in the King James Version says “But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their r...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”

Exodus 14:29 · KJV

Context

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.

29

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

30

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

31

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. work: Heb. hand

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The explicit contrast—'But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea'—emphasizes the different outcomes for the two groups in the same location. Both were 'in the midst of the sea'; outcome depended on relationship with God. The repetition 'the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left' reinforces the miracle's magnitude. Same circumstances, opposite outcomes, based on covenant relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse deliberately contrasts verses 22 and 28, showing that Israel's path of salvation was Egypt's path of judgment. The same miracle produced radically different results for the two groups.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the same circumstance (the divided sea) producing opposite outcomes picture salvation's dividing line?
  2. What does walking on dry ground where enemies drowned teach about covenant protection in judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וּבְנֵ֧י1 of 11

“But 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל2 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

הָֽלְכ֥וּ3 of 11

“walked”

H1980

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

בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה4 of 11

“upon dry”

H3004

dry ground

בְּת֣וֹךְ5 of 11

“land in the midst”

H8432

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

הַיָּ֑ם6 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

וְהַמַּ֤יִם7 of 11

“and the waters”

H4325

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

לָהֶם֙8 of 11
H0
חֹמָ֔ה9 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 14:29 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 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:22Isaiah 63:12-13Isaiah 51:10Joshua 3:16Isaiah 43:2Psalms 78:52-53

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