Exodus 1:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But the midwives {H3205} feared {H3372} God {H430}, and did {H6213} not as the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} commanded {H1696} them, but saved {H2421} the men children {H3206} alive {H2421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the midwives were God-fearing women, so they didn't do as the king of Egypt ordered but let the boys live.

Berean Standard Bible

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:17 powerfully illustrates the courageous faith of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who, driven by a profound reverence for God, defied Pharaoh's genocidal decree to murder all Israelite male infants. Their righteous act of civil disobedience, prioritizing divine command over tyrannical human authority, was instrumental in preserving the lives of the Hebrew boys, thereby safeguarding God's covenant people and advancing His sovereign plan for their survival and eventual deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapter of Exodus, which serves as a crucial bridge from the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to the foundational story of Israel's liberation and nation-building. Following the death of Joseph and his generation, the narrative quickly establishes the exponential growth of the Israelite population in Egypt, fulfilling God's covenant promises of multiplication (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Pharaoh, perceiving this growth as a national security threat, initiates a series of escalating oppressive measures, moving from forced labor (Exodus 1:11-14) to a direct command for infanticide (Exodus 1:15-16). Exodus 1:17 marks a pivotal turning point, showcasing the first instance of resistance to Pharaoh's tyranny, setting the stage for God's direct intervention through Moses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized, autocratic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine ruler, and his word was absolute law. The command to kill male infants was a brutal, yet not entirely unprecedented, measure of population control in the ancient Near East, often employed against perceived threats. Midwives held a vital role in society, privy to intimate family matters and possessing knowledge of birth and death. Pharaoh likely targeted them, assuming their vulnerable social standing would ensure compliance. The Israelites, as a rapidly growing foreign minority, were seen as a potential fifth column, justifying Pharaoh's increasingly desperate and cruel policies to maintain control and prevent their potential alliance with Egypt's enemies.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:17 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **sovereignty of God** over human rulers and their wicked schemes, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His divine purposes (compare [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations")). The verse also powerfully establishes the **fear of the Lord** as the ultimate guide for righteous action, contrasting it sharply with the fear of man (as seen in [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "The fear of man lays a snare")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **divine providence and protection** of God's covenant people, even when they are seemingly powerless and oppressed. Finally, the midwives' actions underscore the **sanctity of human life**, especially the vulnerable, as a core divine principle that human laws must not violate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **midwives (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," this word is also used medically to "act as midwife." In Exodus 1:17, it specifically refers to Shiphrah and Puah, the professional women who assisted in childbirth among the Hebrew women. Their role was crucial and intimate, placing them in a unique position to either execute or defy Pharaoh's command.
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to fear," but morally, it signifies "to revere" or "to be held in reverence." In this context, it does not denote cowering terror but rather a profound awe, respect, and moral conviction towards God. This "fear" is an active, obedient reverence that compels one to prioritize God's will and character above all else, even human authority. It is the foundation of their righteous action.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to speak" or "to arrange," but often carries the sense of "to bid" or "to command." Here, it refers to Pharaoh's explicit and authoritative decree to the midwives. The contrast between Pharaoh's command and God's implied command (to preserve life) highlights the moral dilemma faced by the midwives and their ultimate choice of allegiance.
* **saved...alive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to live," or causatively, "to revive" or "to keep alive." The repetition of the root (implied in the KJV "saved...alive") emphasizes the life-giving action of the midwives. Despite Pharaoh's death decree, the midwives actively preserved, nourished, and kept the male children alive, directly counteracting the king's destructive intent and aligning with God's life-affirming nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the midwives feared God":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental motivation behind the midwives' subsequent actions. Their "fear of God" is not a cowering dread of punishment but a profound, reverential awe and moral conviction that prioritizes God's character, commands, and will above all human authority. This deep spiritual allegiance provided the courage and moral compass necessary to defy the most powerful ruler of their time. It implies an understanding of God's sanctity of life, which stood in stark opposition to Pharaoh's decree.
* **"and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them":** This phrase describes the direct act of civil disobedience. Pharaoh's command was explicit: to kill all male Hebrew infants (Exodus 1:16). The midwives consciously and deliberately chose not to obey this order. This decision was a radical act of defiance against absolute power, demonstrating that their ultimate loyalty was to a higher authority—God—rather than to the tyrannical king. Their refusal was an active resistance, not merely passive non-compliance.
* **"but saved the men children alive":** This final clause details the positive outcome of their defiance. Not only did they refuse to kill, but they actively preserved and ensured the survival of the male infants. This active preservation of life directly thwarted Pharaoh's genocidal plan and was crucial for the continuation of the Israelite lineage, including the preservation of Moses, who would later become their deliverer. This action underscores the life-affirming nature of God's will, which the midwives chose to uphold.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:17 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Contrast** is paramount, setting the midwives' God-fearing obedience against Pharaoh's tyrannical command and his godless ambition. This highlights the fundamental conflict between divine will and human evil. There is also profound **Irony** at play: the most powerful man on earth, Pharaoh, is thwarted not by a mighty army, but by two seemingly powerless women. This underscores God's ability to use the weak and unexpected to dismantle the plans of the strong, a recurring biblical motif. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at God's larger plan of deliverance and His sovereign protection over His people. The preservation of these infants, particularly Moses, sets the stage for the dramatic events of the Exodus, where God's power will be fully revealed in rescuing His chosen nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:17 profoundly articulates the supremacy of the fear of God over the fear of man as the ultimate guide for moral action and righteous living. The midwives' decision to obey God rather than Pharaoh establishes a foundational biblical precedent for righteous civil disobedience, demonstrating that when human laws directly contradict divine commands, particularly those concerning the sanctity of life, obedience to God takes precedence. This act of faith also highlights God's sovereign providence and protection of His covenant people, often through unexpected and seemingly weak instruments, ensuring the continuation of His redemptive plan despite human opposition. Their actions underscore the inherent value and sanctity of human life, particularly in its most vulnerable stages, as a divine principle that must be upheld.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Peter and the apostles declare obedience to God over men")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom")
* [Exodus 1:20-21](/exodus/1-20-21 "God's blessing and the midwives' families")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:17 stands as a timeless beacon of courage and conviction for believers across generations. It challenges us to cultivate a profound and active "fear of God"—a reverential awe that translates into unwavering obedience to His moral will, even when it places us at odds with prevailing cultural norms or powerful human authorities. This narrative encourages us to recognize that God often chooses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary acts of faith, reminding us that our perceived weakness is no barrier to being used mightily by Him. It calls us to uphold the sanctity of human life in all its stages, to stand for truth and righteousness, and to trust in God's sovereign provision and protection, even in the face of daunting opposition or personal risk. The midwives' story inspires us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that our allegiance to God will never go unnoticed or unrewarded by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing God" truly mean in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent, and how does it manifest in my choices?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I am more concerned with pleasing people or conforming to societal expectations than with obeying God?**
* **How can I actively uphold the sanctity of human life and other biblical principles in a world that often contradicts them?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to an act of "righteous civil disobedience" or moral courage in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "feared God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Exodus 1:17, "feared God" (Hebrew: *yare' Elohim*) signifies a profound reverence, awe, and moral conviction towards God, rather than a cowering terror. It implies that the midwives held God in such high regard that His will and principles took precedence over any human command, including that of the most powerful earthly ruler, Pharaoh. This fear compelled them to act righteously, prioritizing the preservation of life as God's design.

**Was the midwives' disobedience to Pharaoh justified?**

Answer: Yes, the midwives' disobedience is presented as righteous and divinely approved. Biblical principles consistently affirm that when human laws or commands directly contradict God's moral standards, especially regarding the sanctity of life, obedience to God takes precedence. Their actions are explicitly commended by God, who subsequently blessed them for their faithfulness, as detailed in [Exodus 1:20-21](/exodus/1-20-21 "God's blessing and the midwives' families"). This act established a crucial precedent for prioritizing divine authority over human authority when the two conflict.

**What happened to the midwives after this event?**

Answer: [Exodus 1:20-21](/exodus/1-20-21 "God's blessing and the midwives' families") states that "God dealt well with the midwives" and "made them houses." This indicates divine favor and blessing upon them for their obedience and courage. The phrase "made them houses" is often interpreted as God granting them prosperity, security, and the establishment of their own families or households, including children. This was a significant blessing in ancient Israelite culture, affirming God's reward for those who honor Him, even at personal risk.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:17, while directly detailing God's preservation of His people through the courageous midwives, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate preservation of life found in Jesus Christ. The midwives' act of saving the "men children alive" points forward to Christ, the true "Lamb of God" (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who would ultimately lay down His life to give eternal life to all who believe. Their righteous defiance of Pharaoh's death decree prefigures Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross (as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), which secured salvation for humanity and triumphed over the power of sin and death. Just as the midwives preserved the physical lineage through which the Messiah would come, Christ, through His resurrection, became the source of spiritual life, ensuring the preservation of all those who are "born again" into His spiritual family (as taught in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You must be born again")). Their courage in the face of tyranny serves as an early testament to the divine principle that God's plan of salvation will always prevail, ultimately culminating in the life-giving work of His Son.

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

Acts 5:29

Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Exodus 1:21

And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.

Luke 12:5

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Acts 4:18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.