Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

EXODUS 15:16KJV
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Exodus 15:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:16 mean?

Exodus 15:16 describes how fear and dread will overwhelm the enemies of Israel, causing them to become motionless and powerless until God’s people safely pass through, because God has powerfully acted on their behalf. The verse emphasizes that the Israelites are God’s own people, whom He has “purchased” or claimed for Himself.

This verse is part of the song Moses and the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea. Moses is speaking to God, celebrating how God’s mighty acts will make other nations too afraid to stop Israel’s journey. The language paints a vivid picture of God’s protection and ownership over Israel as they move toward the land He promised them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:16

  • “Fear” (פַּחַד, pachad, H367) and “dread” (אֵימָה, eimah, H6343) both describe intense terror, but “eimah” especially points to a paralyzing fear that leaves people unable to act. This helps explain why the enemies are described as being “still as a stone.”
  • “Still” (דָּמַם, damam, H1826) means to be silent or motionless, not just quiet but completely unable to move, like being frozen in fear.
  • “Purchased” (קָנָה, qanah, H7069) means to acquire or claim ownership. Here, it stresses that Israel belongs to God in a special way, not just as a nation but as His own possession.

Why Exodus 15:16 matters

  • This verse shows that Israel’s safety comes not from their own strength, but from God’s power and reputation, which causes their enemies to be too afraid to resist.
  • The repetition of “pass over” highlights the journey motif, connecting the Red Sea crossing to future crossings, like the Jordan River, and underlining God’s ongoing protection.
  • Calling Israel the people God has “purchased” sets up a theme found throughout the Bible: God’s special relationship with His people is based on His initiative and commitment, not their merit.

Where else these words appear

“which” Hebrew H2098 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Psalms 17:9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
  • Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

“Fear” Hebrew H367 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • Job 9:34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
  • Job 41:14 Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.

“still” Hebrew H1826 · used in 29 verses

  • Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.
  • Psalms 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“dread” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.