Exodus 1:18

What does Exodus 1:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the king of Egypt sent for the women, and said to them, Why have you done this, and let the male children go on living?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the king of Egypt calleth for the midwives, and saith to them, `Wherefore have ye done this thing, and keep the lads alive?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the king called for them and said: What is it that you meant to do, that you would save the men children?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, Why have ye done this, and saved the male children alive?

Context

v.17But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

v.18This passage

v.19And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwife come unto them.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 8:4

    For the king’s word hath power; and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

  • 2 Samuel 13:28

    And Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, then kill him; fear not; have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Exodus 1:18.