Exodus 1:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Hebrew people multiply rapidly and grow powerful in Egypt.
The Context of Exodus 1:7
The Hebrew people grow numerous and strong, fulfilling Abraham's covenant promise.
What Does Exodus 1:7 Mean?
Despite losing Joseph, the family's growth accelerates. The repeated verbs—fruitful, increased, multiplied, waxed mighty—emphasize divine blessing at work. God's original promise to Abraham ("I will make thy seed as the stars") is fulfilled through natural increase. The Hebrews thrive in Egypt's fertile delta, building numbers and strength generation after generation.
The land fills with them: from seventy to hundreds of thousands. This prosperity aligns with God's covenant blessing—whenever God's people follow Him, they flourish. Yet the verse also hints at coming conflict. Mighty people, numerous people, filling the land—these conditions threaten any ruler who sees them as competitors rather than valued residents.
Exodus 1:7 in the Original Language
fruitful, increased, multiplied — the Hebrew verbs (פָּרָה pārah, שָׁרַץ šāraṣ, רָבָה rābāh) echo God's creative blessing in Genesis 1, confirming this growth is divinely ordained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 1:7
What does Exodus 1:7 mean?
The Hebrew people multiply rapidly and grow powerful in Egypt.
What is the context of Exodus 1:7?
The Hebrew people grow numerous and strong, fulfilling Abraham's covenant promise.