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Why have you let the boys live?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, &#8220Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So 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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, &#8220Why have you done this and let the boys live?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The king called them in again and asked, "Why are you letting those baby boys live?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. He asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the king sent for the midwives and asked them, "Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the boys live?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the king of Egypt called for the midwives, he asked them, "Why have you done this and allowed the boys to live?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And 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?<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and saved the boys alive?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the king of Egypt calls for the midwives and says to them, “Why have you done this thing, and keep the boys alive?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the king of Egypt calleth for the midwives, and saith to them, 'Wherefore have ye done this thing, and keep the lads alive?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And 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?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king called for them and said: What is that you meant to do, that you would save the men children ? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And summoning them, the king said, “What did you intend to do, so that you would save the boys?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this, allowing the boys to live?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King of Egypt called the Midwives and he said to them, “Why are you making this response and are saving the boys?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And 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?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/1-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=121" 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">17</span>The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">So the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·ra·yim (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">summoned</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: lam·yal·lə·ḏōṯ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-fp) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">the midwives</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hen (Prep:: 3fp) -- ">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śî·ṯen (V-Qal-Perf-2fp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·lā·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">Why have you let the boys</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wat·tə·ḥay·ye·nā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2fp) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">live?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”…<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="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Hebrews 11:23</a></span><br />By 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19</a></span><br />But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a></span><br />Shadrach, 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10</a></span><br />Now 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24</a></span><br />Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-3.htm">1 Kings 18:3-4</a></span><br />and 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.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-1.htm">2 Kings 11:1-3</a></span><br />When 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a></span><br />“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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17-19</a></span><br />Get 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Ezekiel 2:6-7</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Proverbs 29:25</a></span><br />The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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?</p><p class="hdg">why have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">2 Samuel 13:28</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:4</a></b></br> Where the word of a king <i>is, there is</i> power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Live</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Male</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Male-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Men-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Midwives</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/genesis/50-11.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/numbers/31-17.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/exodus/2-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Live</a> <a href="/exodus/12-5.htm">Male</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Male-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Men-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.htm">Midwives</a> <a href="/exodus/14-30.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/exodus/1-19.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 /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives</b><br>The 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.<p><b>and asked them,</b><br>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.<p><b>“Why have you done this?</b><br>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 in <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a>, 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.<p><b>Why have you let the boys live?”</b><br>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 in <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt who felt threatened by the growing population of the Israelites and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebrew_midwives.htm">Hebrew Midwives</a></b><br>Specifically, Shiphrah and Puah, who were ordered by Pharaoh to kill the male Hebrew infants but feared God and did not comply.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites_in_egypt.htm">Israelites in Egypt</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob who were living in Egypt and had grown numerous, causing concern for Pharaoh.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites were living in bondage and where the events of <a href="/bsb/exodus/1.htm">Exodus 1</a> take place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority whom the Hebrew midwives feared and obeyed over Pharaoh.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god_over_fear_of_man.htm">Fear of God Over Fear of Man</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity.htm">Moral Integrity</a></b><br>The midwives' actions highlight the importance of maintaining moral integrity and righteousness, even when pressured to do wrong.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_bible's_hebrew_midwives.htm">Who were the Hebrew midwives in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_capstone_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian protests?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_justify_disobedience_to_immoral_laws.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_only_wild_grapes_in_god's_vineyard.htm">When did the Exodus occur?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/1-18.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">So the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלֶךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Egypt</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְרַ֙יִם֙</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">summoned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the midwives</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(lam·yal·lə·ḏōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - 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">and asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדּ֥וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> </span><span class="str2">Why? for what reason?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have you done</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śî·ṯen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this?</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Why have you let the boys</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְלָדִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·lā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">live?”</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·ḥay·ye·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </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/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/1-18.htm">Exodus 1:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 1:18 The king of Egypt called (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 1:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/1-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 1:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:19" /></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>