Exodus 1 18

Exodus 1:18 kjv

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?

Exodus 1:18 nkjv

So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?"

Exodus 1:18 niv

Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"

Exodus 1:18 esv

So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this, and let the male children live?"

Exodus 1:18 nlt

So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. "Why have you done this?" he demanded. "Why have you allowed the boys to live?"

Exodus 1 verses

Exodus 1 18 Meaning

This verse records Pharaoh's direct confrontation with the Hebrew midwives, demanding an explanation for their defiance of his genocidal decree to kill all newborn Hebrew male infants. It highlights the profound conflict between Pharaoh's oppressive will and the midwives' God-fearing obedience in preserving life. His "why" reveals his frustration and the perceived failure of his ruthless plan.

Exodus 1 18 Context

This verse occurs within Exodus chapter 1, which establishes the severe oppression faced by the Israelites in Egypt under a new king "who knew not Joseph." Pharaoh, fearful of their rapid multiplication, initiated increasingly harsh measures, culminating in a decree commanding the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all newborn Hebrew male infants (Exo 1:15-16). The midwives, however, "feared God" more than the king and defied his order, allowing the male children to live (Exo 1:17). Exodus 1:18 is Pharaoh's direct response to his failed plan, confronting the midwives in an interrogation that highlights the early stages of the titanic spiritual and physical conflict between YHWH's will and the absolute power of the Egyptian monarchy.

Exodus 1 18 Word analysis

• "And the king of Egypt": In Hebrew, וַיִּקְרָא מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם (vayyiqra melech Mitzrayim). "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) signifies the highest earthly authority, a figure of immense power and, in the Egyptian context, was considered a divine intermediary. "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim) is portrayed as the ultimate land of bondage and oppressive human government. This phrase emphasizes the formidable nature of the authority defying God's purposes.
• "called for the midwives": אֶל־הַמְיַלְּדוֹת (ʾel-haməyallədot). The term "midwives" (מְיַלְּדוֹת, meyallǝdot) refers to the named individuals, Shiphrah and Puah, emphasizing their direct and personal responsibility in the situation. The action of "calling" suggests a formal summons, highlighting the king's serious intention to enforce his will and confront their disobedience.
• "and said unto them": וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶן (vayyomer lahen). This phrase introduces direct speech, making the confrontation immediate and personal. It marks the king's active investigation into the failure of his genocidal order.
• "Why": לָמָה (lamah). This interrogative conveys accusation, disbelief, and a demand for an explanation. Pharaoh is not merely curious but expects a justification for what he views as flagrant insubordination to his divine authority.
• "have ye done": עֲשִׂיתֶן (asiten). This verb refers to their actions, or rather, their lack of the desired action. It points to a direct challenge to the king's command, as they "did" the opposite of what they were told.
• "this thing": הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה (haddavar hazzeh). "Thing" (דָּבָר, davar) here implies a matter or affair. It denotes the specific and grave nature of their perceived transgression from Pharaoh's perspective—their failure to comply with the order to kill.
• "and have saved": וַתְּחַיֶּיןָ (vattechayyena). From the root חָיָה (ḥāyāh), meaning "to live, to keep alive." This word is central; it specifies their active choice to preserve life, directly contravening Pharaoh's decree to kill. They became "life-savers."
• "the men children alive?": הַיְלָדִים הַזְּכָרִים חַיִּים (hayladim hazzechârîm chayyim). This phrase pinpoints the precise act of defiance. "Men children" (הַיְלָדִים הַזְּכָרִים) were specifically targeted by Pharaoh because male lineage perpetuated the nation and could form a fighting force. "Alive" (חַיִּים) highlights the stark contradiction to his genocidal intent, confirming the midwives’ effective and righteous resistance.

Exodus 1 18 Bonus section

The act of calling the midwives in itself is significant. Pharaoh, supposedly divine and all-powerful, is reduced to directly questioning his subjects about their failure to obey him. This implies that his comprehensive plan to curb the Israelites' growth through genocide was not going as intended, hinting at a higher power at work even before the overt plagues. The very possibility of midwives defying such an authority highlights Pharaoh's vulnerability to divine will working through human agents. The confrontation serves as a microcosm of the larger conflict that will unfold, demonstrating God's ability to frustrate the plans of the wicked through unexpected means and seemingly insignificant individuals, ensuring the survival and growth of His chosen people.

Exodus 1 18 Commentary

Exodus 1:18 reveals the escalation of conflict in Egypt, moving from the silent disobedience of the midwives to Pharaoh's direct and enraged interrogation. Pharaoh, an embodiment of godless power and the human will opposing God's plan, is shocked and frustrated that his absolute decree has been undermined by two humble women. His question, "Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?", encapsulates his awareness that his authority has been openly defied. This verse emphasizes the courageous faith of the midwives, who placed their fear of God above the fear of a powerful monarch, choosing to protect innocent life rather than partake in an atrocity. Their righteous resistance, though dangerous, served as a vital early step in God's broader plan for Israel's deliverance, demonstrating that true obedience belongs to God alone, especially when human commands conflict with divine will. It illustrates how even seemingly small acts of faith can initiate monumental shifts in divine history.