Exodus 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The midwives defy Pharaoh's order by fearing God and protecting the Hebrew boys.
The Context of Exodus 1:17
The midwives choose obedience to God over obedience to Pharaoh.
What Does Exodus 1:17 Mean?
The midwives refuse. Their fear of God—reverence, obedience to a higher authority—outweighs their fear of Pharaoh. They choose conscience over compliance, saving the male children alive. This is quiet, courageous resistance. They do not rebel openly; they simply do not comply. They deliver babies safely, allowing life to continue.
Their refusal affirms a fundamental truth: human loyalty to God supersedes loyalty to earthly rulers. The midwives recognized that God's covenant with Abraham promised descendants as numerous as the stars. To murder newborns would contradict God's purposes. Their faithfulness is pivotal; by saving these boys, they preserve the next generation of Israel, including Moses, the future deliverer.
Exodus 1:17 in the Original Language
feared God (יָרְאוּ אֱלֹהִים yāre'ū 'elōhîm) — a Hebrew phrase denoting reverence and obedience to God's authority, setting divine law above human command.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 1:17
What does Exodus 1:17 mean?
The midwives defy Pharaoh's order by fearing God and protecting the Hebrew boys.
What is the context of Exodus 1:17?
The midwives choose obedience to God over obedience to Pharaoh.