TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
Complete Jewish Bible
The midwives answered Pharaoh, "It's because the Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women -they go into labor and give birth before the midwife arrives."
Berean Standard Bible
The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”
American Standard Version
And 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.
World English Bible Messianic
The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the midwiues answered Pharaoh, Because the Ebrewe women are not as the women of Egypt: for they are liuely, and are deliuered yer the midwife come at them.
Young's Literal Translation
And the midwives say unto Pharaoh, `Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women, for they are lively; before the midwife cometh in unto them--they have borne!'
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Commentary on Exodus 1 verses 15–22
15 ¶ And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
16 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.
17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
18 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?
19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
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.
The Egyptians' indignation at Israel's increase, notwithstanding the many hardships they put upon them, drove them at length to the most barbarous and inhuman methods of suppressing them, by the murder of their children. It was strange that they did not rather pick quarrels with the grown men, against whom they might perhaps find some occasion: to be thus bloody towards the infants, whom all must own to be innocents, was a sin which they had to cloak for. Note, 1. There is more cruelty in the corrupt heart of man than one would imagine, Rom 3:15, Rom 3:16. The enmity that is in the seed of the serpent against the seed of the woman divests men of humanity itself, and makes them forget all pity. One would not think it possible that ever men should be so barbarous and blood-thirsty as the persecutors of God's people have been, Rev 17:6. 2. Even confessed innocence is no defence against the old enmity. What blood so guiltless as that of a child new-born? Yet that is prodigally shed like water, and sucked with delight like milk or honey. Pharaoh and Herod sufficiently proved themselves agents for that great red dragon, who stood to devour the man-child as soon as it was born, Rev 12:3, Rev 12:4. Pilate delivered Christ to be crucified, after he had confessed that he found no fault in him. It is well for us that, though man can kill the body, this is all he can do. Two bloody edicts are here signed for the destruction of all the male children that were born to the Hebrews.
I. The midwives were commanded to murder them. Observe, 1. The orders given them, Exo 1:15, Exo 1:16. It added much to the barbarity of the intended executions that the midwives were appointed to be the executioners; for it was to make them, not only bloody, but perfidious, and to oblige them to betray a trust, and to destroy those whom they undertook to save and help. Could he think that their sex would admit such cruelty, and their employment such base treachery? Note, Those who are themselves barbarous think to find, or make, others as barbarous. Pharaoh's project was secretly to engage the midwives to stifle the men-children as soon as they were born, and then to lay it upon the difficulty of the birth, or some mischance common in that case, Job 3:11. The two midwives he tampered with in order hereunto are here named; and perhaps, at this time, which was above eighty years before their going out of Egypt, those two might suffice for all the Hebrew women, at least so many of them as lay near the court, as it is plain by Exo 2:5, Exo 2:6, many of them did, and of them he was most jealous. They are called Hebrew midwives, probably not because they were themselves Hebrews (for surely Pharaoh could never expect they should be so barbarous to those of their own nation), but because they were generally made use of by the Hebrews; and, being Egyptians, he hoped to prevail with them. 2. Their pious disobedience to this impious command, Exo 1:17. They feared God, regarded his law, and dreaded his wrath more than Pharaoh's and therefore saved the men-children alive. Note, If men's commands be any way contrary to the commands of God, we must obey God and not man, Act 4:19; Act 5:29. No power on earth can warrant us, much less oblige us, to sin against God, our chief Lord. Again, Where the fear of God rules in the heart, it will preserve it from the snare which the inordinate fear of man brings. 3. Their justifying themselves in this disobedience, when they were charged with it as a crime, Exo 1:18. They gave a reason for it, which, it seems, God's gracious promise furnished them with - that they came too late to do it, for generally the children were born before they came, Exo 1:19. I see no reason we have to doubt the truth of this; it is plain that the Hebrews were now under an extraordinary blessing of increase, which may well be supposed to have this effect, that the women had very quick and easy labour, and, the mothers and children being both lively, they seldom needed the help of midwives: this these midwives took notice of, and, concluding it to the finger of God, were thereby emboldened to disobey the king, in favour of those whom Heaven thus favoured, and with this justified themselves before Pharaoh, when he called them to an account for it. Some of the ancient Jews expound it thus, Ere the midwife comes to them they pray to their Father in heaven, and he answereth them, and they do bring forth. Note, God is a readier help to his people in distress than any other helpers are, and often anticipates them with the blessings of his goodness; such deliverances lay them under peculiarly strong obligations. 4. The recompence God gave them for their tenderness towards his people: He dealt well with them, Exo 1:20. Note, God will be behind-hand with none for any kindness done to his people, taking it as done to himself. In particular, he made them houses (Exo 1:21), built them up into families, blessed their children, and prospered them in all they did. Note, The services done for God's Israel are often repaid in kind. The midwives kept up the Israelites' houses, and, in recompence for it, God made them houses. Observe, The recompence has relation to the principle upon which they went: Because they feared God, he made them houses. Note, Religion and piety are good friends to outward prosperity: the fear of God in a house will help to build it up and establish it. Dr. Lightfoot's notion of it is, That, for their piety, they were married to Israelites, and Hebrew families were built up by them.
II. When this project did not take effect, Pharaoh gave public orders to all his people to drown all the male children of the Hebrews, Exo 1:22. We may suppose it was made highly penal for any to know of the birth of a son to an Israelite, and not to give information to those who were appointed to throw him into the river. Note, The enemies of the church have been restless in their endeavours to wear out the saints of the Most High, Dan 7:25. But he that sits in heaven shall laugh at them. See Psa 2:4.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–22. Public domain.
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Methodius of OlympusAD 311
BANQUET OF THE TEN VIRGINS 4.2
Thus too it has been said that the Pharaoh of Egypt was a type of the devil, in that he cruelly ordered the males to be cast into the Nile and permitted the females to live. So too the devil, ruling over the great Egypt of the world “from Adam unto Moses,” made an effort to carry off and destroy the male and rational offspring of the soul in the flood of the passions, while he takes delight in seeing the carnal and sensual offspring increase and multiply.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
FLIGHT FROM THE WORLD 8.47
Indeed, in regard to other Hebrew women you find it written that the Hebrew women give birth before the midwives arrive. This is so because the souls of the just do not wait upon branches of learning arranged according to kinds of knowledge, nor do they require assistance in parturition, but they bring forth their offspring spontaneously and anticipate the expected time.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 5.7
Many lies indeed seem to be for someone's safety or advantage, spoken not in malice but in kindness: such was that of those midwives in Exodus, who gave a false report to Pharaoh, to the end that the infants of the children of Israel might not be slain. But even these are praised not for the fact but for the disposition shown; since those who only lie in this way will attain in time to a freedom from all lying.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
QUESTIONS ON EXODUS 1
On the midwives' lie, by which they deceived Pharaoh and kept him from killing the Israelite males when they were born: The midwives said that Hebrew women did not give birth as Egyptian women did. It is usual to ask whether such lies have been approved by divine authority. Scripture says that God favored the midwives. It is unclear whether God, in his mercy, pardoned the lie or judged that the lie itself deserved a reward. For the midwives did one thing by letting the infant boys live and another by lying to Pharaoh. In letting them live they performed a work of mercy; but they used that lie for their own ends, to keep Pharaoh from harming the infants. This act could be the occasion not for praise but for pardon. It does not seem to me that the authority to lie has been given to those of whom it is said, "And a lie has not been found in their mouths." For if the lives of certain people, being far below the level of the saints' lives, include these sins of lying, these people are living in accord with their natural abilities, especially if they do not yet know that they should expect heavenly gifts but busy themselves with earthly things. As for those who live in such a way that their conversation, as the apostle says, is in heaven, I do not think that they should regulate the style of their speech, insofar as it affects speaking the truth and avoiding falsehood, on the example of the midwives. But we should consider this question more carefully, on account of the other examples that are found in Scripture.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 1:19 records the courageous and divinely-inspired deception employed by the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, in response to Pharaoh's genocidal decree. When confronted by Pharaoh about their failure to execute his command to kill all male Israelite infants, they offered a plausible, yet strategically crafted, explanation: the Hebrew women were so vigorous and delivered their children with such speed that the midwives arrived too late to intervene. This astute reply not only protected the lives of countless infants but also underscored the midwives' profound fear of God, which transcended their fear of earthly authority, thereby contributing significantly to the preservation and growth of the Israelite nation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 1:19 masterfully employs Irony and Understatement. The profound irony lies in the fact that Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, is outwitted and outmaneuvered by two seemingly insignificant women. His grand, genocidal scheme is thwarted not by a mighty army, but by a clever verbal evasion. The midwives' explanation, while plausible, is an Understatement of the divine hand at work. They attribute the swift births to the women being "lively," subtly implying a natural phenomenon, rather than explicitly stating God's direct intervention, which would have been a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority. This narrative skill highlights the Contrast between human wickedness and divine providence, and the Foreshadowing of God's ultimate victory over Pharaoh, achieved through unexpected means. The midwives' Narrative Skill in crafting this believable excuse also serves as a testament to their wisdom and quick thinking under pressure.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:19 serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His active preservation of His covenant people, even in the face of tyrannical oppression. The midwives' courageous act, rooted in their fear of God rather than man, demonstrates how divine purposes can be accomplished through the seemingly humble and unexpected instruments. Their strategic evasion not only saved countless lives but also underscored the futility of human attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan. This incident foreshadows God's larger deliverance of Israel from Egypt, establishing a pattern of divine protection and intervention that permeates biblical history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:19 offers timeless lessons on integrity, courage, and divine providence that resonate deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan for His people will always prevail, regardless of the opposition or the apparent power of those who seek to thwart it. The midwives' decision to fear God more than Pharaoh provides a powerful model for ethical living, calling us to cultivate moral courage and to stand for what is right, even when it means defying unjust authorities or facing personal risk. Their faithfulness, even in a seemingly ordinary role, was used by God for extraordinary purposes, demonstrating that every believer, regardless of their station, can be an instrument in God's hands. This account encourages us to trust that God can use even our seemingly insignificant acts of obedience to accomplish His grand purposes, assuring us that faithfulness to God, even in the face of danger, brings divine favor and blessing, as seen in Exodus 1:20-21.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was the midwives' explanation to Pharaoh a lie?
Answer: The text does not explicitly label the midwives' statement as a "lie" in the modern sense. The Hebrew word châyeh ("lively") suggests vigor and quickness, so it is plausible that Hebrew women generally experienced swift deliveries. However, the primary intent of their statement was undoubtedly to deceive Pharaoh and protect the infants, thereby prioritizing God's command over Pharaoh's. The Bible commends their actions in Exodus 1:20 not for their precise truthfulness to Pharaoh, but for their fear of God and their courage in preserving life. This highlights a biblical principle where actions motivated by faith and aimed at preserving life or God's purposes are sometimes presented in a morally complex light, focusing on the ultimate righteous outcome.
What is the significance of the Hebrew women being "lively"?
Answer: The term "lively" (Hebrew: châyeh) emphasizes the extraordinary vitality and resilience of the Hebrew women. This perceived vigor, whether a natural characteristic or divinely enhanced, served as a highly plausible excuse for the midwives' non-compliance. Theologically, it highlights God's active hand in preserving His people, even down to the physical strength and swiftness of childbirth. This divine enablement ensured the rapid growth of the Israelite population despite Pharaoh's attempts to suppress them, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to multiply Abraham's descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:2.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:19, through the courageous and God-fearing actions of the Hebrew midwives, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to preserving His covenant people, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come. Pharaoh's attempt to destroy the male infants, a direct assault on the lineage of promise, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the New Testament. Just as God used the wisdom and courage of humble women to protect Israel's future, He ultimately sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who through divine wisdom and power, perfectly fulfilled God's redemptive purposes. Pharaoh's decree foreshadows Herod's similar attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus in Matthew 2:16, yet God's protective hand ensured Christ's survival. Jesus, the true and ultimate deliverer, was preserved from infancy to the cross, not merely to save physical lives, but to overcome the ultimate enemies of sin and death, securing eternal salvation for all who believe, thereby fulfilling the pattern of divine protection and sovereign purpose seen in this early Exodus narrative. His preservation from all human and demonic attempts to thwart His mission ensures the salvation of His people, echoing the miraculous preservation of Israel's lineage.