Exodus 1:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 1:17 mean?

Exodus 1:17 describes how the Hebrew midwives chose to obey God rather than the king of Egypt, refusing to kill the Hebrew baby boys as they had been commanded. Instead, the midwives allowed the boys to live, showing that their respect for God was greater than their fear of the king’s orders.

The setting is ancient Egypt, where the king (Pharaoh) had ordered the midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys to control the growing Israelite population. The verse highlights the midwives’ courage and moral choice in a dangerous situation. Their decision is presented as an act of reverence for God, even when it meant defying royal authority.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 1:17

• "feared" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to have deep respect or reverence, often toward God. Here, it shows that the midwives’ actions were motivated by a sense of awe and responsibility to God, not just fear of punishment.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority. The verse draws a contrast between obedience to God and obedience to human rulers.
• "saved...alive" (חָיָה, chayah): This word means to let live or preserve life. The text stresses that the midwives actively chose to let the boys live, not just passively ignoring the king’s command.

Why Exodus 1:17 matters

• Exodus 1:17 clarifies that the midwives’ actions were deliberate and rooted in their respect for God, not simply fear of Pharaoh or a desire to avoid trouble.
• The verse sets up a key theme in Exodus: God’s authority is higher than any earthly power, and faithful people may be called to make difficult choices.
• This verse helps explain how the Israelites continued to grow as a people, despite attempts to suppress them, and it introduces the idea of civil courage in the face of unjust commands.