And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

EXODUS 14:22KJV
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Exodus 14:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:22 mean?

Exodus 14:22 describes how the Israelites walked right into the middle of the sea on dry land, with the water standing like walls on both their right and left sides. This verse highlights the extraordinary way the people escaped from Egypt, showing that the path through the sea was safe and dry for them, even though water surrounded them.

In this scene, the Israelites are fleeing from Pharaoh’s army, and God has just parted the Red Sea for them. The verse emphasizes the miracle by describing the sea as having become dry ground and the water forming protective walls, making it clear that this was no ordinary crossing but a dramatic rescue. The focus is on the safety and the clear path God provided in a moment of great danger.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:22

  • The word for "wall" (חֹמָה, ḥomah) means a solid, protective barrier, not just a small ridge or heap. This makes it clear that the water stood up in a way that would have looked like a real wall to those walking through, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event.
  • The word for "dry" (חָרָבָה, ḥaravah) means completely dry, not muddy or damp. This detail underlines that the Israelites did not have to struggle through wet or sticky ground but walked easily, as if on land.
  • The word for "midst" (תָּוֶךְ, tavek) means right in the middle, not just along the edge. This shows that the people were surrounded by water on both sides, highlighting the totality of the miracle.

Why Exodus 14:22 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the Israelites simply crossed a shallow or marshy area; the language stresses a true miracle with towering walls of water and completely dry ground.
  • The description of water as a "wall" on both sides connects to the earlier verses, showing that God provided not just a way of escape but also protection from every side.
  • Exodus 14:22 sets up the dramatic contrast with the Egyptians’ fate in the following verses, making the rescue of the Israelites stand out as a unique act of deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“dry” Hebrew H3004 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Psalms 66:6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

“left” Hebrew H8040 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.