Old Testament
Exodus 1:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The king summoned the midwives and demanded, "Why have you done this? Why are you letting the boys live?"
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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?
What Exodus 1:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the king of Egypt confronts the midwives who have been defying his orders. He questions them about their actions, specifically why they are allowing the baby boys to survive. This reflects the tension between authority and moral choice. The midwives, driven by their values and compassion, choose to protect innocent lives despite the king's harsh decree. Their bravery highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with powerful opposition. This story illustrates the struggle between fear and courage, as well as the impact of individual choices on the larger community. The midwives' actions serve as a reminder that sometimes, doing the right thing requires great personal risk and sacrifice. Their story encourages us to reflect on our own choices and the values we uphold in challenging situations, emphasizing that integrity can lead to profound change in the world around us. Ultimately, it’s about the power of compassion and the strength found in standing up for those who cannot defend themselves.
How to apply Exodus 1:18 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions, consider the values that guide your actions. Like the midwives, you may need to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against authority. Reflect on how your choices can impact others and strive to act with integrity in your daily life. Your courage can inspire change in your community and beyond. Remember, every small act of kindness matters immensely in the grand scheme of things.
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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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Exodus 1:18
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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 1:18 mean?
Exodus 1:18 describes the moment when the king of Egypt confronts the midwives for allowing baby boys to live, highlighting the conflict between his authority and their moral choice to protect innocent lives.
What is the significance of the midwives in Exodus 1:18?
The midwives in Exodus 1:18 represent courage and defiance against unjust authority, choosing to save lives despite the king's orders, which emphasizes the importance of moral integrity.
How does Exodus 1:18 relate to themes of courage and authority?
Exodus 1:18 showcases the theme of courage as the midwives stand up against the king's authority, demonstrating that moral choices can challenge and resist oppressive systems.
What lesson can we learn from Exodus 1:18?
From Exodus 1:18, we learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it means defying authority, and that individual actions can have a significant impact on the community.
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