King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:31 Mean?

Exodus 14:31 in the King James Version says “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the L... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 14:31 · KJV


Context

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The response 'Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians' indicates they recognized divine action, not natural coincidence. The result was threefold: 'the people feared the LORD'—proper reverence; 'believed the LORD'—trust in His character; 'and his servant Moses'—recognition of appointed leadership. This triple response shows genuine miracle produces worship, faith, and respect for God's instruments. Visible power creates appropriate fear and faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This victory established Moses' credibility as God's prophet. Previous complaints (verses 11-12) gave way to recognition of his God-given authority. The miracle vindicated Moses' leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should witnessing God's 'great work' produce both reverent fear and trusting faith in your heart?
  2. What does believing both 'the LORD' and His servants teach about respecting leaders God appoints?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיַּ֨רְא1 of 17

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל2 of 17

And Israel

H3478

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

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

הַיָּ֣ד4 of 17

work

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

הַגְּדֹלָ֗ה5 of 17

that great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֤ה7 of 17

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה8 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם9 of 17

upon the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ10 of 17

feared

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הָעָ֖ם11 of 17

and the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת12 of 17
H853

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

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה13 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

וַיַּֽאֲמִ֙ינוּ֙14 of 17

and believed

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

בַּֽיהוָ֔ה15 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

וּבְמֹשֶׁ֖ה16 of 17

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַבְדּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

and his servant

H5650

a servant


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 14:31 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 14:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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