Exodus 14:23
What does Exodus 14:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 14:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 14:23 means
Despite witnessing the miraculous parting of the waters, the Egyptians, driven by their hardened hearts and God's will, pursued the Israelites directly into the midst of the now-divided sea. Pharaoh's entire military, including all his horses, chariots, and horsemen, entered the watery pathway. Their determination to reclaim their laborers blinded them to the clear evidence of God's power, leading them directly into the trap God had set for their ultimate destruction, fulfilling His divine purpose to get honor upon them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the Egyptians went after them into the middle of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses and his war-carriages and his horsemen.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the Egyptians pursue, and go in after them (all the horses of Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen) unto the midst of the sea,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Egyptians pursuing went in after them, and all Pharao's horses, his chariots and horsemen, through the midst of the sea.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the Egyptians pursued and came after them — all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen, into the midst of the sea.
Context
This verse describes the Egyptians' fateful decision to pursue Israel into the divided sea, immediately following Israel's miraculous crossing in verse 22. This act of pursuit directly fulfills God's earlier prophecy that He would harden their hearts and they would follow. It sets the stage for God's final, devastating judgment upon Pharaoh and his army.
v.22And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
v.23This passage
v.24And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 15:9
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
- Isaiah 14:24
Jehovah of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely, as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
- Exodus 15:19
For the horses of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and Jehovah brought back the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea.
- Ecclesiastes 9:3
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
- Exodus 14:17
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
- 1 Kings 22:20
And Jehovah said, Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner; and another said on that manner.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 14
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 14.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Silence Before God
The Bible speaks of the importance of silence before God, encouraging reverent waiting and attentiveness to His voice. Quiet contemplation allows us to draw closer to Him and understand His will.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
What the Bible says about…