Devine Scripture

Exodus 1:17

What does Exodus 1:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the women had the fear of God, and did not do as the king of Egypt said, but let the male children go on living.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the midwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt hath spoken unto them, and keep the lads alive;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded, but saved the men children.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the midwives fearedGod, and did not as the king of Egypt had said to them, but saved the male children alive.

Context

v.16and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the birth-stool; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.

v.17This passage

v.18And 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?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:12

    Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and prolong his days, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that fear before him:

  • Psalms 31:19

    Oh how great is thy goodness, Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, Before the sons of men!

  • Micah 6:16

    For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I may make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof a hissing: and ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

  • Acts 5:29

    But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.

  • Daniel 6:13

    Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

  • Proverbs 24:11

    Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Exodus 1:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary