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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 1:17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/02_Exo_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 1:17 - Oppression by a New King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/1-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/1-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/1-16.htm" title="Exodus 1:16">◄</a> Exodus 1:17 <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm" title="Exodus 1:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but 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 />But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had spoken to them, but let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God [with profound reverence] and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but they let the boy babies live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they 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 />The Hebrew midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />But the two women were faithful to God and did not kill the boys, even though the king had told them to. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />However, the midwives feared God and didn't obey the king of Egypt's orders. They 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 />But the midwives were God-fearing and so did not obey the king; instead, they let the boys live. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God and didn't do what the king of Egypt told them. Instead, they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male-children alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby 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 midwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt has spoken to them, and they 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 midwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt hath spoken unto them, 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 midwives will fear God, and they did not according to what the king of Egypt said to them, and they 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded, but saved 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 />But the midwives feared God, and so they did not act according to the precept of the king of Egypt, but they kept the males safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt had ordered them, but let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 midwives feared God and did not do as the King of Egypt told them, and they were 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but 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 />But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt appointed them; and they saved the male children alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/1-17.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=113" 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">16</span>“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="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: ham·yal·lə·ḏōṯ (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, however,</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/3372.htm" title="3372: wat·tî·re·nā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">feared</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·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/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had instructed;</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hen (Prep:: 3fp) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">they let the boys</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: wat·tə·ḥay·ye·nā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- 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">18</span>So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you 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="/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="/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="/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="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<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.<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="/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="/1_peter/3-14.htm">1 Peter 3:14</a></span><br />But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a></span><br />But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”<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_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="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a></span><br />I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!<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="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a></span><br />Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-12.htm">Isaiah 8:12-13</a></span><br />“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. / The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.</p><p class="hdg">feared God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></b></br> And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God <i>is</i> not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; <i>for</i> I fear God:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15</a></b></br> But the former governors that <i>had been</i> before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/50-16.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">However</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Live</a> <a href="/genesis/37-31.htm">Male</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Male-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Men-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-15.htm">Midwives</a> <a href="/genesis/47-25.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Boys</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/1-21.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/1-21.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/exodus/9-32.htm">However</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Live</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Male</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Male-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Men-Children</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Midwives</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.htm">Saved</a> <a href="/exodus/1-18.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>The midwives, however, feared God</b><br>The midwives' fear of God indicates a reverence and respect for divine authority over human authority. This fear is not terror but a recognition of God's sovereignty and moral law. In the biblical context, fearing God often leads to wisdom and righteous actions (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The midwives' actions can be seen as an early example of civil disobedience in the Bible, where God's law is prioritized over human edicts. This fear of God aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes obedience to God above all (<a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a>).<p><b>and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed;</b><br>The king of Egypt, or Pharaoh, represents the oppressive political power of the time. His instruction to kill the Hebrew boys was a direct attempt to control and diminish the Israelite population, reflecting the historical context of Egyptian enslavement of the Israelites. The midwives' refusal to follow Pharaoh's command highlights their courage and moral conviction. This act of defiance is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Christ.<p><b>they let the boys live.</b><br>By allowing the boys to live, the midwives preserved the future of the Israelite people, including the birth of Moses, who would lead the Exodus. This act of preservation is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God uses individuals to protect His people and fulfill His promises (e.g., Rahab in <a href="/joshua/2.htm">Joshua 2</a>). Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ, where the preservation of life points to Jesus, who brings eternal life. The midwives' actions demonstrate God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through seemingly small acts of faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/midwives.htm">Midwives</a></b><br>These were Hebrew women tasked with assisting in childbirth. In this context, they were ordered by Pharaoh to kill Hebrew male infants at birth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh (King of Egypt)</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt who, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commanded the midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebrew_boys.htm">Hebrew Boys</a></b><br>The male infants whom Pharaoh ordered to be killed to control the population of the Israelites.<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 these events took place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god.htm">Fear of God</a></b><br>The reverence and respect for God that motivated the midwives to disobey Pharaoh's orders.<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 midwives' actions demonstrate the importance of prioritizing God's commands over human orders, especially when they conflict with God's moral law.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_faith.htm">Courage in Faith</a></b><br>The midwives showed great courage by risking their lives to do what was right. This teaches us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite Pharaoh's power, God's plan for His people prevailed. This reminds us that God is sovereign and protects those who honor Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity.htm">Moral Integrity</a></b><br>The midwives' decision to let the boys live reflects a commitment to moral integrity, which is a vital aspect of Christian character.<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_antifa_and_its_meaning.htm">What is Antifa and what does it represent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_romans_13_2_align_with_exodus_1_17.htm">How does Romans 13:2’s warning against resisting authority align with biblical accounts of resisting evil rulers (e.g., Exodus 1:17)? </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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The midwives feared God.</span>--The midwives, whether Hebrews or Egyptians, believed in a God who would punish wrong-doing, and therefore resolved not to obey the Pharaoh.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The midwives feared God</span>. The midwives had a sense of religion, feared God sufficiently to decline imbruing their hands in the innocent blood of a number of defenceless infants, and, rather than do so wicked a thing, risked being punished by the monarch. They were not, as appears by ver. 19, <span class="accented">highly</span> religious - not of the stuff whereof martyrs are made; they did not scruple at a falsehood, believing it necessary to save their lives; and it would seem that they succeeded in deceiving the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/1-17.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">The midwives, however,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמְיַלְּדֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·yal·lə·ḏōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">feared</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּירֶ֤אןָ</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tî·re·nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשׂ֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common 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">as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣לֶךְ</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">מִצְרָ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·rā·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">had told</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבֶּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(dib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיהֶ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they 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 - third 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/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">OT Law: Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God and didn't (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 1:18" /></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>