And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

EXODUS 14:21KJV
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Exodus 14:21 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:21 mean?

Exodus 14:21 describes how Moses, following God’s instruction, stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD used a powerful east wind to push back the waters all night, turning the sea into dry land and dividing the waters. This verse shows the moment when the Israelites’ escape route from Egypt was miraculously opened.

In this scene, Moses is leading the Israelites out of Egypt, with Pharaoh’s army pursuing them. The verse highlights God’s direct intervention, using natural elements—a strong wind from the east—to create a path through the sea. The description emphasizes both Moses’ obedience and God’s power to save the people in a desperate situation.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:21

  • The word for “east” is קָדִים (qadim), which often refers to a dry, hot wind from the desert. Here, it shows that the wind came from the direction of the sunrise, a detail that grounds the event in the geography and climate of the region.
  • The word for “divided” is בָּקַע (baqa‘), meaning to split or break open. This word stresses that the waters were not just pushed aside but were split apart, creating a clear and dramatic separation.
  • The word for “dry” is חָרָבָה (charavah), which means dry ground or dry land. This emphasizes that the seabed was not muddy or wet, but completely dry, making it possible for the people to cross safely.

Why Exodus 14:21 matters

  • Exodus 14:21 clarifies that the parting of the sea was not an instant event but happened over the course of the night, showing a process rather than a sudden miracle.
  • The verse highlights the cooperation between Moses’ action and God’s power, showing that Moses’ obedience was matched by God’s response.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic rescue of the Israelites and the defeat of the Egyptian army, marking a turning point in the story of the Exodus and shaping the faith of later generations.

Where else these words appear

“dry” Hebrew H2724 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 7:22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
  • Joshua 4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
  • Ezekiel 30:12 And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken it.

“strong” Hebrew H5794 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
  • Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

“divided” Hebrew H1234 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:17 And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
  • Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

“east” Hebrew H6921 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Ezekiel 40:44 And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.
  • Ezekiel 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.