And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

EXODUS 14:27KJV
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Exodus 14:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:27 mean?

Exodus 14:27 describes how Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, causing the waters to return to their full depth at daybreak, trapping the fleeing Egyptians and leading to their destruction in the middle of the sea by the LORD. This verse marks the moment when the parted waters come back together, ending the Egyptians’ pursuit of the Israelites.

In this scene, Moses acts at God’s command as the Israelites are escaping from Egypt. The Egyptians, who had chased the Israelites into the path made through the sea, try to retreat as the water rushes back. The verse emphasizes that the LORD (Yahweh) is the one who brings about the downfall of the Egyptians, showing His power and protection over the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:27

  • "Returned" — שָׁב (shav): This word means "to return" or "to go back." Here, it highlights that the sea is not just closing but going back to its natural state, emphasizing the reversal of the miracle that allowed the Israelites to cross.
  • "Strength" — אֵיתָן (eitan): This word often means "perennial," "enduring," or "full strength." The sea returns to its normal, powerful condition, not just closing gently but forcefully, which makes escape impossible for the Egyptians.
  • "Overthrew" — נָעַר (na'ar): This verb can mean "to shake off" or "to toss." It paints a vivid picture of the Egyptians being forcefully thrown or swept away in the midst of the sea, not just passively drowned.

Why Exodus 14:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the closing of the sea was not a gradual or accidental event, but a direct and powerful act of God in response to Moses’ action.
  • The use of words like "returned to its strength" and "overthrew" emphasizes the completeness and force of the event, showing that the Egyptians had no chance to escape once the waters returned.
  • Exodus 14:27 connects to the larger story by marking the turning point where the Israelites’ escape is secured and the Egyptian threat is decisively ended, highlighting God’s deliverance and faithfulness to His people.

Where else these words appear

“overthrew” Hebrew H5287 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 16:20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“strength” Hebrew H386 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 33:19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
  • Jeremiah 49:19 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?

“against” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

“appeared” Hebrew H6437 · used in 128 verses

  • Genesis 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.
  • Psalms 119:132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.