King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:19 Mean?

Exodus 15:19 in the King James Version says “For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the wa... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:19 · KJV


Context

17

Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

18

The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.

19

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

21

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prose summary repeats the miracle: 'the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them.' This rehearsal ensures the event's historicity is emphasized—not poetic exaggeration but actual occurrence. The contrast 'but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea' reiterates the different outcomes for the two groups. Same location, opposite results, based on covenant relationship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This transitional verse bridges the poetic song (vv. 1-18) and the narrative continuation (vv. 20-27). Its prose format emphasizes historical factuality rather than merely poetic imagery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repeated emphasis on historical factuality rather than myth strengthen faith's foundation?
  2. What does the same location producing opposite outcomes teach about covenant relationship determining destiny?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּ֣י1 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָא֩2 of 19

went in

H935

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

ס֨וּס3 of 19

For the horse

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

פַּרְעֹ֜ה4 of 19

of Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

בְּרִכְבּ֤וֹ5 of 19

with his chariots

H7393

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

וּבְפָֽרָשָׁיו֙6 of 19

and with his 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

הַיָּֽם׃7 of 19

into 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

וַיָּ֧שֶׁב8 of 19

brought again

H7725

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

יְהוָ֛ה9 of 19

and the LORD

H3068

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

עֲלֵהֶ֖ם10 of 19
H5921

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

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

מֵ֣י12 of 19

the waters

H4325

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

הַיָּֽם׃13 of 19

into 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

וּבְנֵ֧י14 of 19

upon them 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל15 of 19

of Israel

H3478

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

הָֽלְכ֥וּ16 of 19

went

H1980

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

בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה17 of 19

on dry

H3004

dry ground

בְּת֥וֹךְ18 of 19

land in the midst

H8432

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

הַיָּֽם׃19 of 19

into 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


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 15:19 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 15:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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