Old Testament
Exodus 1:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Therefore, God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very strong.
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Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
What Exodus 1:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see how God rewarded the midwives for their bravery and compassion. They chose to protect the lives of the Hebrew babies despite the king's orders. Because of their actions, God blessed them, showing that He values those who stand up for what is right. The Hebrew people thrived and grew stronger, demonstrating that goodness can lead to strength and resilience. This moment highlights the importance of integrity and courage in the face of adversity. The midwives' faithfulness not only impacted their lives but also the future of their people. Their story reminds us that our choices can have far-reaching effects, and that standing up for justice is always worth it. God’s favor can lead to unexpected blessings, even in difficult situations, encouraging us to act with kindness and bravery in our own lives. We can trust that doing the right thing will ultimately lead to positive outcomes, both for ourselves and for those around us. This verse inspires us to be courageous in our convictions.
How to apply Exodus 1:20 to your life
When faced with difficult choices, remember the midwives' example. Stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard. Your actions can inspire others and lead to positive change. Trust that doing the right thing will bring blessings, both for you and those around you. Be courageous in your convictions every day, no matter the cost.
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 1:20
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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 1:20 mean?
Exodus 1:20 means that God rewarded the midwives for their bravery in saving Hebrew babies. Their actions led to God's blessing, resulting in the Hebrew people growing strong and numerous.
What is the significance of the midwives in Exodus 1:20?
The midwives in Exodus 1:20 are significant because they chose to defy the king's orders to kill Hebrew infants, demonstrating courage and compassion. Their faithfulness not only saved lives but also earned them God's favor.
How does Exodus 1:20 relate to courage and justice?
Exodus 1:20 illustrates the themes of courage and justice by showing how the midwives stood up against unjust orders to protect innocent lives. Their bravery serves as an example of how integrity can lead to positive outcomes.
What can we learn from Exodus 1:20?
From Exodus 1:20, we learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations. The verse encourages us to act with courage and integrity, knowing that our choices can have a significant impact.
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