Exodus 1:16

KJV

And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, When ye do the office of a midwife {H3205} to the Hebrew women {H5680}, and see {H7200} them upon the stools {H70}; if it be a son {H1121}, then ye shall kill {H4191} him: but if it be a daughter {H1323}, then she shall live {H2425}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you attend the Hebrew women and see them giving birth," he said, "if it's a boy, kill him; but if it's a girl, let her live."

Berean Standard Bible

“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”

American Standard Version

and 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:16 records Pharaoh's chilling and genocidal decree to the Hebrew midwives, commanding them to murder all male Hebrew infants at birth while allowing females to live. This act of state-sponsored infanticide was a desperate and cruel attempt by the Egyptian king to curb the rapidly multiplying Israelite population, which he feared would grow too powerful and potentially align with Egypt's enemies. This direct assault on the burgeoning nation of Israel was a deliberate opposition to God's covenant promise of a numerous people, setting the stage for divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic escalation in Pharaoh's oppressive measures against the Israelites, following their initial enslavement and forced labor described in [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "Pharaoh's Oppression of Israel"). Despite the harsh conditions, the Hebrew population continued to multiply at an astonishing rate, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Pharaoh's fear, first expressed in [Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9-10 "Pharaoh's Fear of the Israelites"), intensifies into a direct and insidious plot against the very existence of the male lineage. This secret command to the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, immediately precedes their act of courageous defiance detailed in [Exodus 1:17-21](/exodus/1-17-21 "The Midwives' God-Fearing Disobedience"), which ultimately leads to Pharaoh's even more public and sweeping decree in [Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Public Decree to Drown Male Infants").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the rapid growth of a foreign population within a kingdom could indeed be perceived as a threat to national security and stability, especially if that population maintained distinct ethnic and religious identities. Pharaoh's paranoia was rooted in a common fear of internal rebellion or alliance with external enemies. Midwives played a crucial role in ancient societies, often holding positions of trust and authority within the community. Birthing stools, or "stools" as mentioned in the text (Hebrew: *'obnayim*), were common in ancient Egypt and the broader Near East, providing a practical aid for childbirth. Pharaoh's command exploited this intimate and vulnerable setting, placing the midwives in a unique position to execute his horrific order discreetly, aiming to control the population without causing overt public unrest or rebellion among the Israelites.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:16 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** versus **Human Tyranny**, as Pharaoh's desperate attempt to thwart God's plan for Israel's multiplication ultimately fails. The verse also underscores the **Sanctity of Life**, particularly the vulnerable, by detailing a direct assault on innocent infants, which stands in stark contrast to God's valuing of human life from conception. Furthermore, it initiates the **Cosmic Conflict** between the forces of evil (represented by Pharaoh and Egypt) and God's redemptive purposes for His covenant people, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance recounted in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"). This act of targeted infanticide is a direct attack on God's covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise to Abraham")) and that through his lineage, a deliverer would come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 1:16 presents Pharaoh's horrific command, revealing the depths of his fear-driven cruelty and his direct assault on the burgeoning Israelite nation. The verse states, "And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude to include commanding, declaring, appointing, or determining. Here, it denotes a direct, authoritative, and binding command from Pharaoh, emphasizing the gravity and official nature of his decree to the midwives.
* **midwife (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young," "to beget," or causatively, "to act as midwife." This word highlights the specific role and intimate access these women had to the birthing process, making them the ideal, albeit morally compromised, agents for Pharaoh's secret plan of infanticide.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, from the root meaning "to build," referring to a son as a builder of the family name. This term encompasses male offspring in the widest sense. Pharaoh's specific targeting of "sons" reveals his strategic aim to prevent the growth of a future generation of Hebrew warriors, leaders, and ultimately, the lineage through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled.
* **kill (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** H4191, a primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively); causatively, "to kill." This word explicitly states the brutal and murderous intent of Pharaoh's command, leaving no ambiguity about the fate he intended for the male Hebrew infants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said":** This opening phrase establishes Pharaoh's direct involvement and authority in issuing this decree. It is a personal and deliberate command from the highest power in Egypt, underscoring the severity and official nature of the order.
* **"When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools":** This clause sets the scene and identifies the specific agents (midwives) and the intimate, vulnerable context (childbirth on birthing stools). The "stools" (Hebrew: *'obnayim*, H70) refer to the birthing chairs or bricks commonly used, emphasizing the direct, hands-on nature of the midwives' role at the moment of birth. Pharaoh's instruction is precise, indicating he expects the act to occur immediately after birth, before the child is fully presented to the family.
* **"if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him":** This is the chilling core of Pharaoh's command. It reveals his specific target: male infants. The instruction to "kill him" is a direct order for infanticide, a brutal and desperate measure to control the population and prevent the rise of potential male leaders or warriors among the Israelites.
* **"but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live":** This contrasting clause highlights the discriminatory nature of the decree. Female infants were permitted to live, likely because they were not perceived as a military threat and could potentially be assimilated into Egyptian society or serve as slaves, without contributing to the growth of a male fighting force for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Pharaoh's attempt to diminish the Hebrew population by targeting male infants; this very act sets in motion the events that lead to the birth and preservation of Moses, the ultimate deliverer who will orchestrate the exodus and decimate Egypt's power. The verse also serves as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the epic struggle between God and Pharaoh that will dominate the narrative. Pharaoh's decree to kill the male children directly anticipates God's later judgment on Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn males (Exodus 12). Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** presented: the sanctity of life versus the depravity of human power seeking to destroy it. This contrast is amplified by the subsequent narrative, where the midwives' choice to preserve life stands in direct opposition to Pharaoh's decree of death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:16 stands as a stark testament to the clash between human evil and divine purpose. Pharaoh's decree to murder innocent male infants represents the pinnacle of human depravity and an audacious attempt to thwart God's covenant promises to Israel. Yet, the subsequent narrative powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty, as His purposes prevail despite the most extreme opposition. This verse underscores the profound biblical value placed on human life, especially the most vulnerable, and sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention to protect His people and bring forth His chosen deliverer.

* [Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "The Midwives' Defiance")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Children as a Heritage from the Lord")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:16, though describing a dark moment in ancient history, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to recognize the insidious nature of fear, prejudice, and unchecked power, which can lead to horrific acts against vulnerable populations. Pharaoh's decree serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of dehumanization and the slippery slope of seeking control through violence. This verse implicitly challenges us to uphold the sanctity of life in all its stages, advocating for the protection of the innocent and defenseless in our own societies and standing against any ideology that devalues human life. Furthermore, it encourages us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable evil and injustice. Just as God's plan for His people ultimately prevailed against Pharaoh's genocidal decree, we are reminded that He is able to work out His purposes and protect His own, even through the direst circumstances, calling us to moral courage and faithfulness in the face of injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's fear-driven decree in this verse parallel or differ from modern societal issues concerning the value of human life, particularly the vulnerable?**
* **What does this verse, when read in light of the midwives' subsequent actions, teach us about the tension between obeying human authority and obeying God?**
* **In what ways does Pharaoh's attempt to thwart God's plan encourage us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when circumstances seem hopeless?**
* **How can we, as believers, actively uphold the sanctity of life in our communities, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh only target male infants?**

Answer: Pharaoh specifically targeted male infants because they represented the future of the Hebrew nation in terms of both population growth and potential leadership. Killing male children would prevent the rise of a new generation of warriors or leaders who could challenge Egyptian authority, and it would more effectively diminish the population's future reproductive capacity, as males are essential for procreation and the continuation of the family line. This strategic move aimed to dissolve the Hebrew nation from within, preventing them from becoming a military or political threat to his rule, as detailed in [Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9-10 "Pharaoh's Strategic Fear").

**What does "upon the stools" mean?**

Answer: This phrase refers to *אֳבְנָיִם* (ovnayim, H70), which were birthing stools or bricks commonly used in the ancient Near East to assist women during childbirth. These were essentially two elevated stones or bricks that allowed the birthing mother to assume a squatting position, which was believed to facilitate delivery. The detail emphasizes the intimate and vulnerable setting where Pharaoh's horrific command was to be executed, placing the midwives in a direct position of power over the newborn's life or death immediately at the moment of birth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's desperate attempt to eradicate the male lineage of Israel in [Exodus 1:16](/exodus/1-16 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Male Infants") profoundly foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against God's redemptive plan, culminating in the ultimate assault on the lineage of the Messiah. This genocidal decree, aimed at preventing the rise of a deliverer for Israel, finds its striking parallel in King Herod's slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem, a direct and equally malevolent attempt to eliminate the newborn Christ, the ultimate Deliverer, as recorded in [Matthew 2:16-18](/matthew/2-16-18 "Herod's Massacre of the Innocents"). Just as God miraculously preserved Moses, the deliverer of Israel, from Pharaoh's decree through divine providence (e.g., [Exodus 2:1-10](/exodus/2-1-10 "The Birth and Preservation of Moses")), so too did He protect Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, from Herod's tyranny, ensuring His survival and the fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose. Christ's survival, His life, death, and resurrection, demonstrate that no human power or demonic scheme can thwart God's unwavering promise to provide salvation and establish His eternal kingdom, ultimately triumphing over all forces of evil and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Matthew 21:38

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

Revelation 12:4

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.