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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 1:16 "When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/1-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/02_Exo_01_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 1:16 - Oppression by a New King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. 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If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see <i>them</i> upon the stools; if it <i>be</i> a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it <i>be</i> a daughter, then she shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see <i>them</i> on the birthstools, if it <i>is</i> a son, then you shall kill him; but if it <i>is</i> a daughter, then she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see <i>them</i> upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and he said, &#8220When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see <i>them</i> upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and he said, “When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see <i>them</i> upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it’s a daughter, she may live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it&#8217s a daughter, she may live.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He told them, "If a Hebrew woman gives birth to a girl, let the child live. If the baby is a boy, kill him!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birthstool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth, look at the child when you deliver it. If it's a boy, kill it, but if it's a girl, let it live."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"When you help the Hebrew women give birth," he said to them, "kill the baby if it is a boy; but if it is a girl, let it live." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When you help the Hebrew women give birth," he said, "watch them as they deliver. If it's a son, kill him; but if it's a daughter, let her live." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"When you assist the Hebrew women in childbirth, observe at the delivery: If it is a son, kill him, but if it is a daughter, she may live."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and he said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool; if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it shall be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it shall be a daughter, then she shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and he said, “When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and says, “When you cause the Hebrew women to bear, and have looked on the children, if it [is] a son, then you have put him to death; and if it [is] a daughter, then she has lived.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and saith, 'When ye cause the Hebrew women to bear, and have looked on the children; if it is a son -- then ye have put him to death; and if it is a daughter -- then she hath lived.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, In the delivering the Hebrew women, and seeing upon the stools, if it is a son, ye shall kill him; and if it is a daughter, preserve alive.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Commanding them: When you shall do the office of midwives to the Hebrew women, and the time of delivery is come: if it be a man child, kill it: if a woman, keep it alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />instructing them: “When you will act as a midwife to the Hebrew women, and the time of delivery has arrived: if it is male, put it to death; if it is female, retain it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“When you act as midwives for the Hebrew women, look on the birthstool: if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she may live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he said to them, When you do perform your duties as midwives to the Hebrew women, look out when they kneel to deliver; if it is a male, then you must kill him; but if it is a female, then let her live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said to them, “When you happen to deliver for a Hebrew woman, be looking, when kneeling; if it is a male, you kill him, and if it is a female, you save her.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and he said: 'When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, ye shall look upon the birthstool: if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, When ye do the office of midwives to the Hebrew women, and they are about to be delivered, if it be a male, kill it; but if a female, save it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/1-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=102" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/1.htm">Oppression by a New King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5680.htm" title="5680: hā·‘iḇ·rî·yō·wṯ (Art:: N-proper-fp) -- Perhaps desc. of Eber, also another name for an Isr. Patronymic from Eber; an Eberite or descendant of Eber.">“When you help the Hebrew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: bə·yal·leḏ·ḵen (Prep-b:: V-Piel-Inf:: 2fp) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">women give birth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ū·rə·’î·ṯen (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2fp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">observe them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/70.htm" title="70: hā·’ā·ḇə·nā·yim (Art:: N-md) -- A wheel, disk. From the same as 'eben; a pair of stones; a potter's wheel or a midwife's stool.">the birthstools.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">the child</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">is a son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wa·hă·mit·ten (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2fp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him;</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">but if</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">it is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: baṯ (N-fs) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">a daughter,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wā·ḥā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">let her live.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a></span><br />When 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Acts 7:19</a></span><br />He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18</a></span><br />“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/35-17.htm">Genesis 35:17</a></span><br />During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">2 Kings 8:12</a></span><br />“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-16.htm">Hosea 13:16</a></span><br />Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Psalm 106:37-38</a></span><br />They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. / They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">2 Kings 15:16</a></span><br />At that time Menahem, starting from Tirzah, attacked Tiphsah and everyone in its vicinity, because they would not open their gates. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-16.htm">Isaiah 13:16</a></span><br />Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a></span><br />They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-20.htm">Ezekiel 16:20-21</a></span><br />You even took the sons and daughters you bore to Me and sacrificed them as food to idols. Was your prostitution not enough? / You slaughtered My children and delivered them up through the fire to idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-3.htm">2 Chronicles 28:3</a></span><br />Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Leviticus 18:21</a></span><br />You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10</a></span><br />Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, When you do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the stools; if it be a son, then you shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.</p><p class="hdg">and see them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Exodus 1:22</a></b></br> And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-38.htm">Matthew 21:38</a></b></br> But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">Revelation 12:4</a></b></br> And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/50-13.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/genesis/50-23.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/genesis/44-34.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/exodus/1-13.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/genesis/35-17.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/exodus/1-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/46-25.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/genesis/50-26.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/38-27.htm">Delivery</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/genesis/34-12.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Help</a> <a href="/genesis/35-17.htm">Helping</a> <a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/49-13.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Midwife</a> <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/genesis/41-13.htm">Office</a> <a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-13.htm">Stool</a> <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">Stools</a> <a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/10-17.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Boy</a> <a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/exodus/2-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Delivery</a> <a href="/exodus/21-10.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Hebrew</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Help</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Helping</a> <a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Live</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Midwife</a> <a href="/exodus/12-14.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Office</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-10.htm">Stool</a> <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">Stools</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/1-1.htm">The children of Israel, after Joseph's death, increase.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/1-8.htm">The more they are oppressed by a new king, the more they multiply.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">The godliness of the midwives in saving the male children alive.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Pharaoh commands the male children to be cast into the river</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/exodus/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>When you help the Hebrew women</b><br />This phrase introduces the context of the midwives' role in ancient Egypt. The Hebrew word for "help" is "yalad," which means to bring forth or to deliver. The midwives were tasked with assisting in childbirth, a role of great responsibility and trust. Historically, midwives were crucial in ancient societies, often serving as the primary healthcare providers for women. The term "Hebrew" refers to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were living in Egypt at this time. This highlights the ethnic and cultural identity of the Israelites, who were distinct from the Egyptians.<p><b>and see them on the birthstool</b><br />The "birthstool" is a translation of the Hebrew word "obnayim," which refers to a pair of stones or a stool used during childbirth. This indicates a specific birthing practice in ancient times, where women would sit or squat on a stool to give birth. This method was common in the ancient Near East and is supported by archaeological findings and historical records. The use of a birthstool suggests a level of medical knowledge and practice among the Hebrews and highlights the midwives' expertise.<p><b>if it is a son, kill him</b><br />This phrase reveals the Pharaoh's cruel and oppressive decree aimed at controlling the Hebrew population. The Hebrew word for "son" is "ben," which signifies a male child. The command to "kill" is from the Hebrew "muth," meaning to put to death. This edict was a direct attack on the future of the Hebrew people, as sons were seen as carriers of the family name and lineage. Historically, this reflects the fear and insecurity of the Egyptian ruler regarding the growing number of Israelites, which he perceived as a threat to his power.<p><b>but if it is a daughter, let her live</b><br />The word "daughter" in Hebrew is "bat," indicating a female child. The command to "let her live" contrasts sharply with the fate of the male children. This reflects the cultural and societal norms of the time, where females were not seen as a threat in the same way males were. The decision to spare the daughters suggests that the Pharaoh did not view them as a potential challenge to his authority. This part of the verse underscores the gender dynamics and the value placed on male heirs in ancient societies.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Upon the stools.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">upon the two stones. </span>It has been suggested that a seat corresponding to the modern <span class= "ital">hursee elwiladeh </span>is meant. This is a "chair of a peculiar form," upon which in modern Egypt the woman is seated during parturition. (See Lane, <span class= "ital">Modern Egyptians, </span>vol. iii. p. 142.) But it does not appear that this seat is composed of "two stones;" nor is there any distinct evidence of its employment at the time of child-birth in Ancient Egypt. The emendation of Hirsch--<span class= "ital">banim </span>for <span class= "ital">abnaim, </span>is very tempting. This will give the sense, "When ye look upon the children."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The stools</span>. The explanation furnished by a remark of Mr. Lane ('Modem Egyptians,' vol. 3. p. 142) is more satisfactory than any other. In modern Egypt, he says, "two or three days before the expected time of delivery, the midwife conveys to the house the <span class="accented">kursee elwiladeh</span>, a chair of a peculiar form, upon which the patient is to be seated during the birth." A chair of the form intended is represented on the Egyptian monuments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/1-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“When you help the Hebrew</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעִבְרִיּ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘iḇ·rî·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5680.htm">Strong's 5680: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebrews -- perhaps descendant of Eber, also another name for an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">women give birth,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַלֶּדְכֶן֙</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yal·leḏ·ḵen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">observe</span><br /><span class="heb">וּרְאִיתֶ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·rə·’î·ṯen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them as</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they deliver.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָבְנָ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḇə·nā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_70.htm">Strong's 70: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pair of stones, a potter's wheel, a midwife's stool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the child]</span><br /><span class="heb">הוּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kill</span><br /><span class="heb">וַהֲמִתֶּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(wa·hă·mit·ten)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹת֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a daughter,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(baṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let her live.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וָחָֽיָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ḥā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2425.htm">Strong's 2425: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/1-16.htm">Exodus 1:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 1:16 And he said When you perform the (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/1-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 1:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 1:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>