Exodus 14:20
What does Exodus 14:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 14:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 14:20 means
The pillar of cloud, now positioned between the two armies, created an impenetrable barrier. For the Egyptians, it brought darkness, confusing and hindering their pursuit. Yet, for the Israelites, it emanated light, illuminating their path forward even in the night. This miraculous distinction highlights God's protective discernment, hindering His enemies while guiding His people. The effect was that the two camps could not approach each other throughout the entire night, providing Israel with precious time for their escape.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one came not near the other all the night.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one came not near the other all the night.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel; and there was a dark cloud between them, and they went on through the night; but the one army came no nearer to the other all the night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and cometh in between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and the cloud and the darkness are, and he enlighteneth the night, and the one hath not drawn near unto the other all the night.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Stood behind, between the Egyptians' camp and the camp of Israel: and it was a dark cloud, and enlightening the night, so that they could not come at one another all the night.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and was a cloud and darkness, and lit up the night; and the one did not come near the other all the night.
Context
This verse elaborates on the function of the repositioned pillar of cloud described in verse 19. It directly explains how God's presence acted as a barrier, providing a crucial delay and protection for Israel. This divinely imposed separation creates the window of opportunity needed for Moses to part the sea, allowing Israel to escape before the Egyptians can attack.
v.19And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them:
v.20This passage
v.21And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and Jehovah caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
- Psalms 18:11
He made darkness his hiding-place, his pavilion round about him, Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.
- Isaiah 8:14
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
- 2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;
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