Exodus 1:20

KJV

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore God {H430} dealt well {H3190} with the midwives {H3205}: and the people {H5971} multiplied {H7235}, and waxed very {H3966} mighty {H6105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore God prospered the midwives, and the people continued to multiply and grow very powerful.

Berean Standard Bible

So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.

American Standard Version

And God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:20 powerfully illustrates God's active blessing upon the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, for their courageous, God-fearing defiance of Pharaoh's genocidal decree. This verse highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and providential care, demonstrating how He not only rewarded the midwives but also miraculously caused the Israelite population to continue multiplying and growing exceptionally mighty, thereby thwarting Pharaoh's oppressive schemes and advancing His divine plan for His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the opening chapter of Exodus, which sets the stage for Israel's deliverance. Following the death of Joseph and his generation, the Israelites "were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty" ([Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israelites Multiply in Egypt")). This rapid growth instilled fear in a new Pharaoh, who then subjected them to harsh labor ([Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "Pharaoh Oppresses Israel")). When this failed to curb their numbers, Pharaoh escalated his cruelty, commanding the Hebrew midwives to kill all male Israelite infants at birth ([Exodus 1:15-16](/exodus/1-15-16 "Pharaoh's Command to the Midwives")). However, the midwives "feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive" ([Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "The Midwives' Godly Fear")). Verse 20, therefore, serves as God's direct, favorable response to their righteous disobedience, immediately preceding the explicit statement that "God built them houses" ([Exodus 1:21](/exodus/1-21 "God Built Houses for the Midwives")) and Pharaoh's final, desperate decree to cast all male infants into the Nile ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Final Decree")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized and powerful empire, accustomed to controlling its populace and foreign residents. The fear of a rapidly growing foreign population, especially one that could potentially ally with enemies, was a genuine concern for Pharaoh. Midwives in ancient societies held a crucial role, often acting as primary healthcare providers for women and infants. While Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew, they served their own people, and Pharaoh's command placed them in an impossible moral dilemma: obey the king and commit murder, or obey God and risk their lives. The concept of "fearing God" (יָרֵא אֱלֹהִים) in this context implies not merely terror, but a reverential awe and obedience to God's moral law above any human authority, recognizing His ultimate power and justice. The emphasis on "multiplying" and "waxing mighty" also reflects the ancient Near Eastern value placed on large populations as a sign of strength, blessing, and divine favor, contrasting sharply with Pharaoh's attempts to diminish Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 1:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. It powerfully establishes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over human tyranny, showing that God's plans cannot be thwarted by even the most powerful earthly rulers. It underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God continues to fulfill His promise to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring, despite the dire circumstances ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). The midwives' actions introduce the theme of **Righteous Disobedience**, where obedience to God takes precedence over unjust human laws, setting a precedent for future acts of faith throughout the biblical narrative. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Providential Care** for His people, actively intervening to protect and prosper them amidst severe oppression, laying the groundwork for the miraculous deliverance to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** H430 - This plural noun, used here with a singular verb, refers to the supreme God of Israel. Its use emphasizes the divine, ultimate authority behind the actions described. It is God Himself, the sovereign Creator and Covenant-Keeper, who intervenes, not merely a benevolent force. The choice of this specific term highlights the absolute power and active involvement of the one true God in the affairs of His people, in stark contrast to the impotent gods of Egypt.
* **dealt well (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** H3190 - This primitive root signifies "to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)." It conveys God's benevolent, purposeful action towards the midwives. God did not merely refrain from punishing them; He actively prospered them, indicating a positive, intentional, and beneficial intervention. This "dealing well" is explicitly elaborated in the subsequent verse as God building "houses" for them, likely referring to families, descendants, and lasting prosperity.
* **multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** H7235 - This primitive root means "to increase (in whatever respect)." Here, it specifically denotes an increase in number, indicating the rapid and continuous population growth of the Israelites. Despite Pharaoh's attempts to curb their numbers through forced labor and infanticide, God ensured their exponential increase, demonstrating His power to override human decree and fulfill His covenant promises.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _ʻâtsam'_):** H6105 - This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous." When combined with the intensifier "very" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd_), it emphasizes an extraordinary degree of strength, power, and numerical superiority. The Israelites not only grew in number but became a formidable, robust people, defying all attempts at suppression. This term highlights their collective strength and resilience, divinely empowered to withstand the oppressive might of Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore God dealt well with the midwives:"** This clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The "therefore" links back to the midwives' fear of God and their courageous preservation of the Israelite male infants (Exodus 1:17-19). God's "dealing well" is His divine response, an act of blessing and reward for their faithfulness. It signifies His approval of their righteous disobedience to Pharaoh and His active intervention to prosper them, as further detailed in Exodus 1:21, where He "made them houses," implying families, descendants, and prosperity.
* **"and the people multiplied,"** This phrase indicates the continued and accelerated growth of the Israelite population. Despite Pharaoh's genocidal policies, God supernaturally ensured that the Hebrew people did not diminish but rather increased exponentially. This multiplication was a visible sign of God's blessing and His faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants.
* **"and waxed very mighty."** This final clause emphasizes not only the numerical growth but also the qualitative strength and power of the Israelite people. They became robust, resilient, and formidable, defying the attempts of the Egyptian empire to weaken or destroy them. The intensifier "very" underscores the extraordinary nature of this growth in strength, making it clear that their might was divinely endowed and beyond natural explanation given their oppressive circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 1:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing Pharaoh's malevolent attempts at genocide with God's benevolent and life-affirming actions. Pharaoh seeks to diminish and destroy, while God acts to bless, multiply, and strengthen. The phrase "waxed very mighty" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, emphasizing the extraordinary and supernatural nature of Israel's growth in power and numbers, far exceeding what would be expected under such oppressive conditions. This serves to highlight **Divine Intervention** as the primary force at work, demonstrating God's active hand in preserving His people. The verse also functions as a form of **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, implicitly referencing God's earlier covenant promises to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants, showcasing God's faithfulness to His word despite human opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:20 is a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It illustrates that human wickedness and tyrannical power, no matter how formidable, cannot ultimately thwart God's divine purposes. God not only rewards faithfulness (as seen in His blessing of the midwives) but also supernaturally intervenes to protect and prosper His chosen ones, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises. This verse sets the stage for the Exodus narrative by demonstrating God's power to create a numerous and strong nation, ready for deliverance and the establishment of His kingdom. It underscores that true might comes from divine favor, not human oppression.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham: A Great Nation")
* [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham: Multitude of Nations")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Peter's Declaration: We Must Obey God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, particularly in times of adversity or moral compromise. The midwives' courageous choice to "fear God" more than Pharaoh serves as a powerful example of prioritizing divine commands over unjust human decrees. This verse reminds us that true faithfulness often requires moral courage and a willingness to stand against prevailing societal or governmental pressures when they conflict with God's word. God honors such integrity, often responding with unexpected blessings and protection. Furthermore, the miraculous multiplication of the Israelites, despite Pharaoh's genocidal efforts, provides immense hope. It assures us that God's plans are unthwartable, His power is supreme, and He remains actively at work, even when circumstances seem dire or overwhelming. We can trust that God will preserve His people and advance His kingdom, often through means that defy human logic, demonstrating His sovereign control over all things, including the most oppressive regimes. This should inspire us to live boldly for Christ, confident in His ultimate victory and His providential care for those who trust Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fear human authority or consequences more than God?**
* **How does the example of the midwives encourage you to act with integrity and courage, even when it is costly?**
* **What seemingly insurmountable challenges are you facing, and how can the truth of God's unthwartable plan in Exodus 1:20 bring you hope and strengthen your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "dealt well" imply about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "dealt well" (Hebrew: *yâṭab*) implies several aspects of God's character. It reveals His **benevolence** and **justice**, showing that He is not indifferent to human suffering or righteous acts. It demonstrates His **attentiveness** to the faithful actions of His servants and His willingness to **actively intervene** to bless and prosper them. This "dealing well" is a manifestation of His **covenant faithfulness**, rewarding those who prioritize His will and fear Him above human authority, even when it involves significant personal risk. It underscores His character as a God who sees, remembers, and rewards.

**How did God specifically "deal well" with the midwives?**

Answer: While Exodus 1:20 states God "dealt well" generally, the very next verse, [Exodus 1:21](/exodus/1-21 "God built houses for the midwives"), clarifies the specific nature of this blessing: "because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses." This phrase "made them houses" is widely interpreted to mean that God granted them families, descendants, and lasting prosperity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, having a "house" (referring to a lineage or family) was a significant blessing, ensuring one's legacy and well-being. This was a direct, tangible reward for their courage and obedience, contrasting sharply with Pharaoh's attempts to destroy the "houses" of the Israelites.

**Why was the multiplication of the Israelites so significant in this context?**

Answer: The multiplication of the Israelites was profoundly significant for multiple reasons. Theologically, it was a miraculous and undeniable **fulfillment of God's covenant promises** to Abraham to make his descendants into a great and numerous nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). Practically, it demonstrated God's **sovereignty over Pharaoh's genocidal plans**, showing that no human power, no matter how mighty, could thwart His divine will. It also served to **prepare a numerous and strong people** for the upcoming exodus and the establishment of a nation in the Promised Land, highlighting God's providential care in preserving His chosen people for His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:20, with its portrayal of God's preservation and multiplication of His people against the tyrannical power of Pharaoh, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. Just as God supernaturally caused Israel to multiply despite Pharaoh's attempts to destroy them, so Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and King, builds His church against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against the Church")). The midwives' courageous act of preserving life, valuing it above human decree, foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of preserving eternal life for all who believe in Him, redeeming humanity from the spiritual tyranny of sin and death ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death, the Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Through Christ, God's covenant promises of a countless spiritual offspring are fully realized, as He gathers a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language into His kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Multitude from Every Nation")). The "waxing very mighty" of Israel points to the spiritual strength and growth of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the world, demonstrating God's sovereign power to bring life, growth, and victory out of oppression, death, and seemingly insurmountable odds, all through the finished 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

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Ecclesiastes 8:12

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his [days] be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

Proverbs 11:18

¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Psalms 111:5

He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

Luke 1:50

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.