Exodus 1:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, because the midwives {H3205} feared {H3372} God {H430}, that he made {H6213} them houses {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, because the midwives feared God, he made them founders of families.

Berean Standard Bible

And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 1:21 powerfully illustrates God's divine justice and profound blessing bestowed upon the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Their courageous defiance of Pharaoh's genocidal decree, rooted in a reverential "fear of God" that superseded any fear of the king, led them to preserve the lives of Israelite male infants. In response to their faithfulness, God rewarded them by "making them houses," a significant blessing signifying prosperity, the establishment of their lineages, and the flourishing of their families.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 1:21 concludes a pivotal passage (Exodus 1:8-22) detailing the escalating oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. Following the death of Joseph and his generation, a new pharaoh, who "did not know Joseph," rose to power and became increasingly threatened by the rapid multiplication of the Israelites. His initial strategy involved enslaving them with harsh labor (Exodus 1:11-14). When this failed to curb their growth, he resorted to a more extreme measure: commanding the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all male Israelite infants at birth (Exodus 1:15-16). However, the midwives, demonstrating remarkable moral courage and piety, "feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live" (Exodus 1:17). When confronted by Pharaoh, they offered an explanation for their actions (Exodus 1:18-19), which God then honored. Verse 21, therefore, serves as the divine consequence and reward for their righteous disobedience, immediately preceding Pharaoh's final, desperate, and public decree to cast all male Hebrew infants into the Nile (Exodus 1:22).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is set in ancient Egypt, a powerful empire known for its highly centralized authority and the pharaoh's absolute rule, often viewed as a divine king. Pharaoh's fear of the Israelites, a growing foreign population, stemmed from concerns about national security and potential rebellion, a common anxiety in ancient empires. The role of midwives was crucial in ancient societies, often involving intimate knowledge of families and births, making Pharaoh's command a direct attempt to leverage their position for his genocidal aims. The concept of "making houses" as a blessing was deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture, where the continuation of a family line and the establishment of a stable household were paramount indicators of prosperity, divine favor, and lasting legacy. This cultural understanding underscores the profound nature of God's reward to the midwives.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over human tyranny, as God's will ultimately prevails despite Pharaoh's power. It profoundly defines the **Nature of the "Fear of God,"** presenting it not as terror, but as a reverential awe and moral conviction that compels obedience to God's higher law, even at personal risk. The midwives' actions exemplify **God's Use of Ordinary Individuals** to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, demonstrating that His plan does not rely solely on powerful leaders but also on the faithfulness of humble servants. Furthermore, it underscores the **Sanctity of Life**, a foundational biblical principle, as the midwives actively preserve innocent lives. Finally, it foreshadows God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant** with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, by preserving the burgeoning Israelite nation even amidst severe oppression, ensuring their survival to become the great nation promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). The divine blessing of "making them houses" directly relates to the covenant promise of multiplication and flourishing, seen throughout [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies not merely being terrified but, more profoundly, to revere, to stand in awe, or to show reverence. In a moral sense, it implies a deep respect and obedience to a higher authority. For the midwives, this "fear of God" meant prioritizing His moral law – the preservation of life – above Pharaoh's wicked command, demonstrating a profound moral conviction and allegiance to divine will.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, often used with a singular verb, refers to the Supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. When used with the definite article, as implied here, it specifically denotes the one true God. The midwives' fear was directed toward the true God of Israel, not the deities of Egypt or the pharaoh himself, indicating their monotheistic allegiance and moral clarity.
* **houses (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning a dwelling, this word carries a much broader semantic range in biblical Hebrew. It frequently refers to a family, household, lineage, or even a dynasty. In this context, God's act of "making them houses" implies His blessing of prosperity, the establishment or continuation of their family lines, and the flourishing of their descendants, ensuring their legacy and well-being as a direct reward for their faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct causal link between the midwives' actions and God's subsequent blessing. Their "fear of God" (yir'at Elohim) is presented as the foundational motivation for their courageous disobedience to Pharaoh. This fear is not one of terror, but a profound reverence and moral conviction that compelled them to prioritize God's command to preserve life over the tyrannical decree of a human king. It highlights their unwavering allegiance to divine authority, even when faced with immense personal risk and the threat of royal wrath.
* **"that he made them houses."**: This concluding clause reveals the tangible and significant blessing God bestowed upon the midwives as a direct result of their faithfulness. The phrase "made them houses" (vayya'as lahem battim) is an idiomatic expression signifying that God granted them prosperity, ensured the continuation and flourishing of their families, or perhaps even established their lineages. In a culture where family and legacy were paramount, this was a profound and comprehensive reward, ensuring their well-being and the perpetuation of their names as a testament to God's active intervention and favor for those who honor Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Cause and Effect** to highlight the direct relationship between the midwives' piety and God's blessing. Their "fear of God" is presented as the explicit cause, leading directly to the divine effect of "making them houses." This structure emphasizes God's active involvement in human affairs and His responsiveness to righteous acts. Furthermore, the phrase "made them houses" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "houses" stands for the larger concept of family, lineage, prosperity, and legacy. This literary device enriches the meaning, conveying a comprehensive blessing that extends beyond mere physical dwellings to encompass the entire flourishing of their households and future generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 1:21 serves as a profound testament to God's active involvement in human history, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His readiness to bless those who courageously align themselves with His will. It fundamentally redefines "fear of God" as a reverential awe that inspires righteous action, rather than a paralyzing dread. This narrative underscores that true wisdom and security are found not in appeasing human power, but in obeying divine authority. The midwives' story is a foundational example of how God uses seemingly ordinary individuals to thwart the plans of the wicked and advance His redemptive purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly rulers and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Children are a Heritage from the Lord")
* [2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "God's Promise to Build David a House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 1:21 offers timeless and potent lessons for believers navigating a world often characterized by injustice and moral compromise. It challenges us to cultivate the same courageous "fear of God" that empowered the midwives, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance must always be to divine truth and righteousness, even when it directly conflicts with human authority or societal pressures. Their example encourages us to stand firm for the sanctity of life, for justice, and for what is morally right, regardless of the personal cost or unpopularity of such a stance. This verse assures us that God sees and honors our faithfulness, and while His blessings may not always manifest as material prosperity, He is faithful to sustain, protect, and bless those who prioritize His will, often extending His favor to their families and future generations, ensuring a lasting spiritual and perhaps even temporal legacy. It is a powerful call to live with conviction, trusting that God is our ultimate rewarder and protector.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to fear human authority or societal pressure more than God?**
* **How does the midwives' "fear of God" challenge your understanding of what it means to truly revere the Lord?**
* **What specific acts of courageous obedience might God be calling you to undertake in your current circumstances?**
* **How can you trust God to "make you houses" (i.e., bless your life and legacy) even when the path of obedience seems difficult or costly?**

### FAQ

**What does "feared God" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Exodus 1:21, "feared God" (Hebrew: *yir'at Elohim*) signifies far more than being terrified of God. It denotes a profound, reverential awe and respect for His character, His power, and His moral law. This deep reverence compelled the midwives to obey God's command to preserve life rather than Pharaoh's wicked decree to kill the Israelite male babies. It represents a moral conviction and an unwavering prioritization of divine authority over any human authority, even that of a powerful king. This concept is foundational in biblical wisdom literature, where the "fear of the Lord" is described as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")).

**What does "he made them houses" signify as a reward?**

Answer: The phrase "he made them houses" (Hebrew: *vayya'as lahem battim*) is a significant biblical idiom that extends beyond the literal construction of physical dwellings. In this context, "house" (*bayit*) often refers to a family, household, lineage, or even a dynasty. Therefore, God's reward signifies that He blessed the midwives with prosperity, numerous offspring, and the establishment or continuation of their family lines. It was a tangible blessing of flourishing and legacy, demonstrating God's direct intervention and favor for their obedience. This type of blessing, ensuring the continuation and prosperity of a family, was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture and is a recurring theme of divine blessing in the Bible, such as God's promise to build David a "house" or dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "God's Promise to Build David a House")).

**Were the midwives lying to Pharaoh, and was their deception justified?**

Answer: When questioned by Pharaoh, the midwives explained that Hebrew women were "lively" and gave birth before the midwives could arrive (Exodus 1:19). While this explanation may not have been entirely truthful, it served to protect innocent lives and defy an unjust, genocidal command. The text does not explicitly condemn their deception but rather highlights God's approval of their underlying motive—their fear of God and their commitment to preserving life. This narrative raises complex ethical questions about truth-telling in the face of tyranny and the concept of a "higher law." The primary focus of the biblical text, however, is God's commendation of their courage and obedience to His moral law, which prioritizes the sanctity of human life.

**Does God always reward obedience materially, as seen with the midwives?**

Answer: The midwives' story certainly demonstrates that God can and often does bestow material and familial blessings as a reward for obedience. However, it is crucial to understand that God's rewards are not exclusively material or always immediate. His blessings can take many forms, including spiritual peace, protection, wisdom, strength, favor, and eternal life. While the midwives experienced tangible prosperity and lineage continuation, the ultimate reward for faithfulness is often found in deeper communion with God and participation in His eternal kingdom. This verse assures us that God sees and honors all acts of faithfulness, even if the specific nature of the reward varies according to His sovereign wisdom and purpose for each individual, always leading to a greater good.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 1:21, though rooted in the Old Testament narrative of Israel's deliverance, powerfully prefigures Christ in several profound ways. The midwives' courageous obedience to God's will, even at the risk of their lives, foreshadows the ultimate obedience of Jesus Christ. He "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience Unto Death")), perfectly fulfilling the "fear of God" by always doing the Father's will. Just as God "made them houses" by preserving their lineages and granting them prosperity, Christ, through His sacrificial work on the cross and His resurrection, builds a spiritual "house"—His Church. This new "house" is a spiritual family and lineage of believers, drawn from every nation, tribe, and tongue, who are adopted into God's family through faith in Him ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Christ as Builder of the House") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Believers as God's Household")). The divine protection afforded to the Israelite infants through the midwives' actions anticipates Christ as the ultimate Deliverer who rescues humanity not merely from a tyrannical pharaoh, but from the far greater tyranny of sin and death itself, establishing a new covenant and an eternal "house" for all who believe in Him ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place for His Disciples")).

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

1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

1 Samuel 2:35

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to [that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

2 Samuel 7:27

For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

2 Samuel 7:29

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken [it]: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

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:

1 Kings 2:24

Now therefore, [as] the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.