Exodus 15:21
Exodus 15:21 in Multiple Translations
And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to Jehovah, for he hath triumphed gloriously; The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
And Miriam, answering, said, Make a song to the Lord, for he is lifted up in glory; the horse and the horseman he has sent into the sea.
Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is supreme! He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.”
And Miriam answered the men, Sing yee vnto the Lord: for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath hee ouerthrowen in the Sea.
and Miriam answereth to them: — 'Sing ye to Jehovah, For Triumphing He hath triumphed; The horse and its rider He hath thrown into the sea!'
Miriam answered them, “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously. He has thrown the horse and his rider into the sea.”
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
And she began the song to them, saying: Let us sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously magnified, the horse and his rider he hath thrown into the sea.
and she sang this song to Yahweh: “Sing to Yahweh, because he has triumphed gloriously over his enemies. He has thrown the horses and their riders into the sea.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּ֥עַן
לָ/הֶ֖ם
מִרְיָ֑ם
שִׁ֤ירוּ
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
כִּֽי
גָאֹ֣ה
גָּאָ֔ה
ס֥וּס
וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ
רָמָ֥ה
בַ/יָּֽם
וַ/תַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
מִרְיָ֑ם
Miryâm
H4813
Miriam
N-proper
שִׁ֤ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
to sing
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
גָאֹ֣ה
gâʼâh
H1342
to rise up
V-Qal-Ptc
גָּאָ֔ה
gâʼâh
H1342
to rise up
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ס֥וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-ms
וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ
râkab
H7392
to ride
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
רָמָ֥ה
râmâh
H7411
to shoot
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 15:21
וַ/תַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
מִרְיָ֑ם
Miryâm
H4813
"Miriam"
N-proper
Miriam means rebellion and is the name of two Israelitesses, one the sister of Moses and Aaron, and another a woman of Judah. Miriam is first mentioned in Exodus as a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; daughter of: Mered (H4778)(?) and Bithiah (H1332); sister of: Shammai (H8060I) and Ishbah (H3431); half-sister of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Miriam = "rebellion" 1) elder sister of Moses and Aaron 2) a woman of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Miriam. See also: Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:15; Micah 6:4.
שִׁ֤ירוּ
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גָאֹ֣ה
gâʼâh
H1342
"to rise up"
V-Qal-Ptc
To rise up or grow, used to describe something or someone becoming majestic or triumphant, like a plant growing upwards towards the sun. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Isaiah. It means to be lifted up or exalted.
Definition: 1) to rise up, grow up, be exalted in triumph 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise up 1a2) to grow up 1a3) to be lifted up, be raised up, be exalted
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: gloriously, grow up, increase, be risen, triumph. See also: Exodus 15:1; Job 8:11; Ezekiel 47:5.
גָּאָ֔ה
gâʼâh
H1342
"to rise up"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To rise up or grow, used to describe something or someone becoming majestic or triumphant, like a plant growing upwards towards the sun. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Isaiah. It means to be lifted up or exalted.
Definition: 1) to rise up, grow up, be exalted in triumph 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise up 1a2) to grow up 1a3) to be lifted up, be raised up, be exalted
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: gloriously, grow up, increase, be risen, triumph. See also: Exodus 15:1; Job 8:11; Ezekiel 47:5.
ס֥וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
רָמָ֥ה
râmâh
H7411
"to shoot"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To deceive or betray someone, like causing them to fall or be misled. The word is used in the Bible to describe treacherous actions. It is translated as beguile or deceive in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to cast, shoot, hurl 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw 1a2) bow-shooters, bowmen (participle) 1b) (Piel) to throw down Aramaic equivalent: re.mah (רְמָא "to cast" H7412)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: beguile, betray, (bow-) man, carry, deceive, throw. See also: Genesis 29:25; 1 Samuel 28:12; Psalms 78:9.
בַ/יָּֽם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
- Sermons on Exodus 15:21
Context — The Song at the Sea
19For when Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground.
20Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
21And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”
22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water. 23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:1 | Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. |
| 2 | Revelation 15:3 | and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! |
| 3 | Revelation 7:10–12 | And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” |
| 4 | Revelation 5:9 | And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. |
| 5 | Revelation 19:1–6 | After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God! For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.” And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you who serve Him, and those who fear Him, small and great alike!” And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:1–30 | I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. What more could I have done for My vineyard than I already did for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit? Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: “Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied. For ten acres of vineyard will yield but a bath of wine, and a homer of seed only an ephah of grain. ” Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst. Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers! So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes. But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy. Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes, to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing beer, who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice. Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lay like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! None of them grows weary or stumbles; no one slumbers or sleeps. No belt is loose and no sandal strap is broken. Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance. In that day they will roar over it, like the roaring of the sea. If one looks over the land, he will see darkness and distress; even the light will be obscured by clouds. |
| 7 | Psalms 24:7–10 | Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is He, this King of Glory? The LORD of Hosts— He is the King of Glory. Selah |
| 8 | Judges 5:3 | Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 5:13 | The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud |
| 10 | Psalms 134:1–3 | Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD! May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion. |
Exodus 15:21 Summary
[Exodus 15:21 is a verse about worship and celebration. Miriam is singing a song to God, thanking Him for saving the Israelites from the Egyptian army. She's saying that God is powerful and worthy of praise, just like we see in Psalms 148:13. We can learn from Miriam's example and worship God with our voices, talents, and lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Miriam singing in Exodus 15:21?
Miriam's song is a celebration of God's deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians, as seen in Exodus 15:21, and it sets an example for believers to worship God in song, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.
Why does Miriam mention the horse and rider being thrown into the sea?
Miriam mentions the horse and rider being thrown into the sea to highlight God's power and victory over the Egyptian army, as described in Exodus 14:28 and Exodus 15:1-10, demonstrating His ability to save His people.
Is Miriam's song a call to worship for the Israelites?
Yes, Miriam's song in Exodus 15:21 is a call to worship, inviting the Israelites to sing to the Lord and acknowledge His exaltation, similar to the call to worship in Psalms 100:1-5, where believers are encouraged to make a joyful noise to the Lord.
How does Miriam's song relate to the broader theme of Exodus?
Miriam's song in Exodus 15:21 is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1-18, and it looks forward to the future worship of God in the Promised Land, as described in Deuteronomy 12:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God for His deliverance in my life, like Miriam did in Exodus 15:21?
- How can I use my talents and abilities to worship God and point others to His greatness, as Miriam did with her song?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and victory, like the Israelites did when they saw the Egyptian army defeated?
- In what ways can I join with others in worship and celebration of God's goodness, as the Israelites did in Exodus 15:1-21?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:21
And Miriam answered them,.... The men, for the word is masculine; that is, repeated, and sung the same song word for word after them, as they had done, of which a specimen is given by reciting the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:21
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
Miriam addressed either, 1. The women, last spoken of, and then it is an enallage of the gender. Or, 2. The men spoken of before. They sung by turns, or by parts, either the same words being repeated, or some other words of a like nature added. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
Exodus 15:21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.Ver. 21. Sing ye to the Lord.] This seems to have been the burden of the song: as Psalms 134:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
(21) Miriam answered them.—Miriam and her maidens at the close of each portion of the “Song”—i.e., at the end of Exo 15:5; Exodus 15:10; Exodus 15:12; Exodus 15:18—sang the refrain which is here given—a refrain very slightly altered from the opening verse of the “Song” itself, marking, no doubt, the time with their timbrels, and moving gracefully through a stately and solemn dance.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:21
21. answered] The word means (note the ì), answered antiphonally in song, even if,—as some think, connecting it with the Arab. ghanâ (Lex. 777a),—it does not mean simply sang (comp. Numbers 21:17 b; and esp. 1 Samuel 18:7; 1 Samuel 21:11; 1 Samuel 24:5 [where the same word is rendered, ‘sing one to another’]). them] The pron. is masc., so the reference might seem to be to the men (v. 1a), after they had sung v. 1b. But this antecedent is rather remote: and as in the 2nd and 3rd plur. the masc. form is often used with reference to women (G.-K. § 135o), it is probably better (with Bä.) to suppose the women in v. 20b to be referred to; cf. 1 Samuel 18:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:21
21. Miriam answered — That is, she led in these words the chorus or refrain. See on Exodus 15:1. Here closes the first division of the Book of Exodus.
Sermons on Exodus 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Does God Require of You by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what the Lord requires of believers. He challenges the idea that extravagant offerings or sacrifices can ple |
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(Hebrews) 2-Moses by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his commitment to serving God. The speaker highlights Moses' dedication by mentioning his 40 days of fasting and his |
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Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from |
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear |
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Death of a Promise - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon series entitled "The Death of a Promise," the preacher discusses the concept of God putting a sentence of death on a promise. He uses the example of Abraham and how |
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Joy in God by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God as our creator and the keeper of His laws. He contrasts the troubled state of those who |
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Sunshine in the Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses two teachings from Psalm 37:4. The first teaching is that the life of a believer is described as a delight in God, emphasizing that true religion is |