Exodus 1:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 1:20 mean?

Exodus 1:20 says that God treated the midwives well, and as a result, the Israelite people continued to grow in number and became very strong. The verse highlights both God's favor toward the midwives and the increasing strength of the Israelites despite their oppression.

In the story, Pharaoh had ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn Israelite boys, but the midwives did not obey him. This verse describes how God responded by blessing the midwives. The verse also notes that the Israelite population kept increasing, which sets the stage for the growing tension between the Egyptians and the Israelites in the chapters that follow.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 1:20

• God (אֱלֹהִים, ’elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, used here to show that it was God, not chance, who rewarded the midwives.
• Well (יָטַב, yatav): This word means "to do good" or "to treat well." The verse is clear that God actively did something beneficial for the midwives, not just passively allowing things to go well.
• Multiplied (רָבָה, ravah): This word means "to become many" or "to increase." The verse emphasizes that the Israelite people did not just survive, but grew even more numerous.
• Mighty (עָצַם, atsam): This word means "to be strong" or "to be mighty." The text underlines that the Israelites became not only more numerous but also stronger as a community.

Why Exodus 1:20 matters

• The verse clarifies that God directly intervened to protect and reward those who acted with courage and integrity, even when it meant defying a powerful ruler.
• Exodus 1:20 highlights that attempts to oppress the Israelites actually led to their growth and strength, a theme that runs throughout the early chapters of Exodus.
• This verse connects to the larger story by showing how the faithfulness of a few individuals (the midwives) had a significant impact on the entire community, setting up the unfolding story of Israel’s deliverance.