Old Testament
Exodus 1:16
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He told them, "When you help the Hebrew women give birth, watch as the baby is delivered. If it's a boy, kill him. If it's a girl, let her live."
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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.
What Exodus 1:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a powerful figure instructs midwives to take drastic and cruel actions during childbirth. They are told to observe the gender of the newborns. If a boy is born, they must kill him, but if it’s a girl, she can live. This command reflects a desperate attempt to control the population of the Hebrew people, who were seen as a threat. The midwives are caught in a moral dilemma, forced to choose between obeying the law and preserving innocent lives. This moment highlights the tension between authority and personal ethics. It raises questions about the value of life and the responsibilities we have to protect the vulnerable. The midwives' response to this command will reveal their character and courage in the face of oppression. Their actions will have significant implications for the future of their people and the unfolding story of liberation. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with difficult choices.
How to apply Exodus 1:16 to your life
This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to unjust authority. Are we willing to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult? It encourages us to protect the vulnerable and make ethical choices in our lives, regardless of the consequences. Our actions can have a lasting impact on those around us, shaping the future for better or worse. Let’s choose courage over compliance in our daily lives, advocating for justice.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Exodus 1:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 1:16 mean?
Exodus 1:16 describes a command given to midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys at birth while allowing baby girls to live. This reflects the oppressive measures taken by the ruling authority to control the Hebrew population, highlighting the moral conflict faced by the midwives.
What is the significance of the midwives in Exodus 1:16?
The midwives in Exodus 1:16 represent courage and moral integrity as they are faced with the choice to obey a cruel command or protect innocent lives. Their actions set the stage for future resistance against oppression.
What does the phrase 'if it be a son, then ye shall kill him' mean in Exodus 1:16?
This phrase indicates the brutal directive given to midwives to kill newborn boys, reflecting the extreme measures taken to suppress the Hebrew population. It underscores the theme of life and death in the context of oppression.
How does Exodus 1:16 relate to themes of authority and oppression?
Exodus 1:16 illustrates the abuse of authority as the ruling power commands midwives to commit acts of violence against innocent children. This reflects the broader theme of oppression faced by the Hebrew people and the moral dilemmas that arise in such contexts.
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