King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:8 Mean?

Exodus 15:8 in the King James Version says “And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depth...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.”

Exodus 15:8 · KJV

Context

6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

7

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

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.

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The means of victory: 'with the blast of thy nostrils' anthropomorphizes God's breath as wind. This connects to 14:21's 'strong east wind'—natural means, supernatural orchestration. The result: 'the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap' pictures water defying gravity. The phrase 'the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea' suggests water solidified like ice—miraculous suspension of natural law. Creation obeys Creator.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'blast of nostrils' metaphor appears in Psalm 18:15 and Job 4:9, indicating God's power expressed through what seems natural. Wind and breath are linguistically related in Hebrew (ruach).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God using natural means (wind) for supernatural ends demonstrate His sovereignty over creation?
  2. What impossible situation needs God's 'breath' to suspend natural law in your favor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּבְר֤וּחַ1 of 12

“And with the blast”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אַפֶּ֙יךָ֙2 of 12

“of thy nostrils”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

נֶ֣עֶרְמוּ3 of 12

“were gathered together”

H6192

to pile up

מַ֔יִם4 of 12

“the waters”

H4325

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

נִצְּב֥וּ5 of 12

“stood upright”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

כְמוֹ6 of 12
H3644

as, thus, so

נֵ֖ד7 of 12

“as an heap”

H5067

a mound, i.e., wave

נֹֽזְלִ֑ים8 of 12

“the floods”

H5140

to drip, or shed by trickling

קָֽפְא֥וּ9 of 12

“were congealed”

H7087

to shrink, i.e., thicken (as unracked wine, curdled milk, clouded sky, frozen water)

תְהֹמֹ֖ת10 of 12

“and the depths”

H8415

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

בְּלֶב11 of 12

“in the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

יָֽם׃12 of 12

“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

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 15:8 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 15:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 4:9Psalms 78:13Exodus 14:21-22Isaiah 11:42 Thessalonians 2:82 Samuel 22:16

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