King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:11 Mean?

Exodus 15:11 in the King James Version says “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? gods: or, mighty ones?

Exodus 15:11 · KJV


Context

9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. destroy: or, repossess

10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

11

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? gods: or, mighty ones?

12

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question 'Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?' asserts incomparability. The term 'gods' (elim, אֵלִם) acknowledges other claimants to deity while denying their reality or power. The parallel question 'who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?' lists three divine attributes: holiness (separation from evil), praiseworthiness (even His judgments deserve worship), wonder-working (miraculous power). No competitor exists. This prefigures Mary's song (Luke 1:49).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt claimed multiple gods controlling various domains. The plagues and Red Sea victory demonstrated YHWH's supremacy over all Egyptian deities—Hapi (Nile), Heqt (frogs), Ra (sun), Pharaoh (divine king).

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'gods' (money, power, pleasure, self) compete with the LORD for your worship?
  2. How does meditating on God's incomparability affect your tendency toward functional polytheism (serving multiple loyalties)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִֽי1 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

כָמֹ֤כָה2 of 12
H3644

as, thus, so

בָּֽאֵלִם֙3 of 12

among the gods

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 12

Who is like unto thee O LORD

H3068

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

מִ֥י5 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

כָּמֹ֖כָה6 of 12
H3644

as, thus, so

נֶאְדָּ֣ר7 of 12

who is like thee glorious

H142

to expand, i.e., be great or (figuratively) magnificent

בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ8 of 12

in holiness

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

נוֹרָ֥א9 of 12

fearful

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

תְהִלֹּ֖ת10 of 12

in praises

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

עֹ֥שֵׂה11 of 12

doing

H6213

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

פֶֽלֶא׃12 of 12

wonders

H6382

a miracle


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 15:11 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 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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