New International VersionThen the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
New Living TranslationSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?”
English Standard VersionSo the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?”
Berean Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
King James BibleAnd the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
New King James VersionSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?”
New American Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”
NASB 1995So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”
NASB 1977So the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”
Legacy Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”
Amplified BibleSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and allowed the boy babies to live?”
Christian Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live?”
American Standard VersionAnd the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?
Contemporary English VersionThe king called them in again and asked, "Why are you letting those baby boys live?"
English Revised VersionAnd the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives. He asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"
Good News TranslationSo the king sent for the midwives and asked them, "Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the boys live?"
International Standard VersionWhen the king of Egypt called for the midwives, he asked them, "Why have you done this and allowed the boys to live?"
NET BibleThen the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?"
New Heart English BibleThe king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the male-children alive? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
World English BibleThe king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and saved the boys alive?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king of Egypt calls for the midwives and says to them, “Why have you done this thing, and keep the boys alive?”
Young's Literal Translation and the king of Egypt calleth for the midwives, and saith to them, 'Wherefore have ye done this thing, and keep the lads alive?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king of Egypt will call to the midwives, and will say to them, Wherefore did ye this word, and ye will preserve alive the boys? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king called for them and said: What is that you meant to do, that you would save the men children ?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd summoning them, the king said, “What did you intend to do, so that you would save the boys?”
New American BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this, allowing the boys to live?”
New Revised Standard VersionSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the King of Egypt called the Midwives and he said to them, “Why are you making this response and are saving the boys?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them: 'Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the king of Egypt called the midwives, and said to them, Why is it that ye have done this thing, and saved the male children alive?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Oppression by a New King… 17The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. 18So the kingof Egyptsummonedthe midwivesand askedthem,“Whyhave you donethis?Why have you let the boyslive?”19The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”…
Cross References Acts 5:29But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Matthew 2:16When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.
Romans 13:1-2Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Hebrews 11:23By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.
Acts 4:19But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.
1 Peter 2:13-14Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
Daniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”
Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
1 Samuel 15:24Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
1 Kings 18:3-4and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD, / for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)
2 Kings 11:1-3When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. / But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed. / And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.
Esther 4:16“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”
Jeremiah 1:17-19Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. / Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. / They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.
Ezekiel 2:6-7But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. / But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
Proverbs 29:25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
Treasury of Scripture And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, Why have you done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? why have. 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a kingis, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Jump to Previous AliveBoysChildrenEgyptLiveMaleMale-ChildrenMen-ChildrenMidwivesSavedSummonedWhereforeWomenJump to Next AliveBoysChildrenEgyptLiveMaleMale-ChildrenMen-ChildrenMidwivesSavedSummonedWhereforeWomenExodus 1 1.The children of Israel, after Joseph's death, increase.8.The more they are oppressed by a new king, the more they multiply.15.The godliness of the midwives in saving the male children alive.22.Pharaoh commands the male children to be cast into the riverSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwivesThe king of Egypt, also known as Pharaoh, represents the oppressive power against the Israelites. This summoning indicates a direct confrontation between the ruler of Egypt and the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Historically, Pharaohs were considered divine figures, and their commands were expected to be obeyed without question. The midwives' actions demonstrate civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws, highlighting a theme of faithfulness to God over earthly authority. This moment foreshadows the later defiance of Moses against Pharaoh. and asked them,
The act of questioning the midwives shows Pharaoh's frustration and disbelief. In the ancient Near East, midwives held a crucial role in society, often respected for their skills and wisdom. This interrogation suggests that Pharaoh underestimated the resolve and faith of these women. The midwives' courage is reminiscent of other biblical figures who stood firm in their faith, such as Daniel in the lion's den. “Why have you done this?
Pharaoh's question reveals his expectation of obedience and his surprise at their defiance. This phrase underscores the moral dilemma faced by the midwives, who chose to fear God rather than man. Their actions align with the biblical principle found inActs 5:29, where Peter and the apostles declare, "We must obey God rather than men." The midwives' decision reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and protection. Why have you let the boys live?”
Pharaoh's concern with the survival of the Hebrew boys highlights his fear of the growing Israelite population, which he perceived as a threat to his power. This fear led to his genocidal decree, reminiscent of Herod's massacre of the innocents inMatthew 2:16, which sought to eliminate Jesus, the prophesied King. The preservation of the Hebrew boys, particularly Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt, serves as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the deliverance and salvation brought by Jesus. The midwives' actions contribute to God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His providence and the triumph of His purposes over human schemes. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who felt threatened by the growing population of the Israelites and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. 2. Hebrew MidwivesSpecifically, Shiphrah and Puah, who were ordered by Pharaoh to kill the male Hebrew infants but feared God and did not comply. 3. Israelites in EgyptThe descendants of Jacob who were living in Egypt and had grown numerous, causing concern for Pharaoh. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were living in bondage and where the events of Exodus 1 take place. 5. GodThe ultimate authority whom the Hebrew midwives feared and obeyed over Pharaoh. Teaching Points Fear of God Over Fear of ManThe Hebrew midwives demonstrate the importance of fearing God above human authorities. This reverence for God should guide our decisions, especially when human commands conflict with divine principles. Courage in ObedienceThe midwives' courage in defying Pharaoh's orders shows the strength that comes from trusting in God. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition. God's Sovereignty and ProtectionDespite Pharaoh's attempts to suppress the Israelites, God's plan for His people prevails. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and prosper His people against all odds. Moral IntegrityThe midwives' actions highlight the importance of maintaining moral integrity and righteousness, even when pressured to do wrong. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 1
Who were the Hebrew midwives in the Bible?
What does the Bible say about Christian protests?
Given Romans 13:5 implies a duty to submit for conscience's sake, how do we justify civil disobedience when authorities command actions contrary to moral law?
When did the Exodus occur?
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew So the kingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Egyptמִצְרַ֙יִם֙(miṣ·ra·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africasummonedוַיִּקְרָ֤א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readthe midwivesלַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת(lam·yal·lə·ḏōṯ)Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineageand askedוַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythem,לָהֶ֔ן(lā·hen)Preposition | third person feminine plural
Strong's Hebrew“Whyמַדּ֥וּעַ(mad·dū·a‘)Interrogative
Strong's 4069:Why? for what reason?have you doneעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן(‘ă·śî·ṯen)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makethis?הַזֶּ֑ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatWhy have you let the boysהַיְלָדִֽים׃(hay·lā·ḏîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3206:Something born, a lad, offspringlive?”וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ(wat·tə·ḥay·ye·nā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person feminine plural
Strong's 2421:To live, to revive
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OT Law: Exodus 1:18 The king of Egypt called (Exo. Ex) |
