Exodus 1:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The midwives explain that Hebrew women deliver so quickly and vigorously that the babies are born before the midwives arrive.
The Context of Exodus 1:19
The midwives explain that Hebrew women deliver so quickly that the midwives cannot intervene.
What Does Exodus 1:19 Mean?
The midwives offer an explanation that is both practical and subtly subversive. They describe Hebrew women as 'lively'—vigorous, full of life force—and deliver themselves before the midwives even arrive. In other words, the midwives cannot kill what they do not attend. The explanation is plausible; many births proceed without complications and without a midwife present.
The genius of their answer is that it flatters and deflects. They seem to compliment the Hebrew women's vitality while suggesting that Pharaoh's order cannot be executed through them because the births happen too quickly and naturally. The midwives have found a way to resist without openly defying the king—they simply claim circumstance prevents compliance. Their faithfulness is preserved through faithful cleverness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 1:19
What does Exodus 1:19 mean?
The midwives explain that Hebrew women deliver so quickly and vigorously that the babies are born before the midwives arrive.
What is the context of Exodus 1:19?
The midwives explain that Hebrew women deliver so quickly that the midwives cannot intervene.