Exodus 1:18
Exodus 1:18 in Multiple Translations
So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men-children alive?
And the king of Egypt sent for the women, and said to them, Why have you done this, and let the male children go on living?
The king of Egypt called the midwives in and demanded to know, “Why have you done this— letting the male children live?”
Then the King of Egypt called for the midwiues, and sayde vnto them, Why haue yee done thus, and haue preserued aliue the men children?
and the king of Egypt calleth for the midwives, and saith to them, 'Wherefore have ye done this thing, and keep the lads alive?'
The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and saved the boys alive?”
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the male-children alive?
And the king called for them and said: What is that you meant to do, that you would save the men children?
So the king summoned the two midwives and said to them, “Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the baby boys live?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
מֶֽלֶךְ
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
לַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹ֔ת
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֔ן
מַדּ֥וּעַ
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
אֶת
הַ/יְלָדִֽים
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
לַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹ֔ת
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Prep | V-Piel
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֔ן
Prep | Suff
מַדּ֥וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2fp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יְלָדִֽים
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 1:18
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִצְרַ֨יִם֙
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
לַֽ/מְיַלְּדֹ֔ת
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Prep | V-Piel
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶ֔ן
""
Prep | Suff
מַדּ֥וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הַ/דָּבָ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וַ/תְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2fp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/יְלָדִֽים
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
Study Notes — Exodus 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Oppression by a New King
16“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”
17The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.
18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
19The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.” 20So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 8:4 | For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 13:28 | Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
Exodus 1:18 Summary
In Exodus 1:18, the king of Egypt is upset with the midwives because they didn't kill the baby boys like he told them to. This shows that the king didn't value human life, but the midwives did because they feared God. We can learn from the midwives that it's important to stand up for what is right, even if it's hard, and to trust God to be with us (as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11). By valuing human life and obeying God, we can show that we fear Him and trust in His goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Egypt summon the midwives in Exodus 1:18?
The king of Egypt summoned the midwives because they had disobeyed his orders to kill the Hebrew baby boys, as seen in Exodus 1:16, and instead let them live, as stated in Exodus 1:17.
What was the king's motivation for wanting the baby boys killed?
The king's motivation for wanting the baby boys killed was likely due to the rapid growth of the Hebrew population, as mentioned in Exodus 1:7-10, and his fear of being overtaken by them, similar to the fears expressed by the Egyptians in Exodus 1:10.
How did the midwives' actions reflect their fear of God?
The midwives' actions reflected their fear of God because they chose to obey God's command to value human life, as seen in Genesis 1:27 and Exodus 20:13, rather than the king's command to kill the baby boys.
What can we learn from the midwives' bravery in this verse?
We can learn from the midwives' bravery that standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition, is a key aspect of fearing God, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Acts 5:29.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with a choice between obeying God or obeying those in authority over me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my fear of God in my daily life, just like the midwives did in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the norms of society, and how can I trust God to be with me in those situations?
- How can I apply the principle of valuing human life, as seen in this verse, to my interactions with others and my decisions in life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 1:18
And the king called for the midwives,.... Perceiving, by the increase of the Israelites, that they did not obey his commands: and said unto them, why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 1:18
And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 1:18
Exodus 1:18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?Ver. 18. Why have ye done this thing?] They might well have answered, as she did in Euripides, Obediemus Atridis honesta mandantibus: Sin vero inhonesta mandabut, non obediemus. If you command things honest we will obey you; not else. Or as that brave woman upon the rack, Non ideo negare vole, ne peream: sed ideo mentiri nolo, ne peccem. Jerome.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 1:18
15–22. The second measure. The Heb. midwives are commanded to slay all male infants that are born. V. 15 connects directly with v. 12.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 1:18
17-19. But the midwives feared — Feared the (one only) God rather than Pharaoh, and would not execute his murderous mandate.
Sermons on Exodus 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou |
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The Day of Power by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual conditions of the professing church, highlighting the dangers of general slumber, ignorance, hypocrisy, perversion, and rebellion. He emph |
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(2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic events that unfolded in Israel when Absalom, the son of King David, sought revenge for the violation of his sister Tamar. Absalom |