Old Testament
Exodus 1:21
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Because the midwives feared God, he provided them with houses.
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And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
What Exodus 1:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the midwives who helped deliver Hebrew babies during a time when Pharaoh ordered their deaths. These women chose to honor God over obeying the king's cruel command. Because they respected and feared God, He rewarded them by providing them with homes. This act of faithfulness not only saved lives but also brought blessings upon them. Their courage and commitment to doing what was right in God's eyes led to a significant outcome. It shows that when we prioritize our relationship with God, we can expect His favor in our lives. The midwives' story reminds us that standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations, can lead to unexpected blessings. Their legacy is a powerful example of how faith can transform our circumstances and lead to divine provision. God honors those who honor Him, and this verse encapsulates that promise beautifully, illustrating the connection between faithfulness and God's blessings in our lives. It encourages us to trust in God, especially when faced with tough choices.
How to apply Exodus 1:21 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions, remember the midwives' example of courage and faith. Choose to honor your values and beliefs, even when it's challenging. Trust that God sees your efforts and will provide for you in unexpected ways. Your choices can lead to blessings not just for you, but for others as well. Stand firm in your convictions!
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 1:21
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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 1:21 mean?
Exodus 1:21 highlights the bravery of the midwives who defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew babies. Their fear of God led to their protection and reward, as God provided them with homes for their faithfulness.
What is the significance of the midwives in Exodus 1:21?
The midwives in Exodus 1:21 represent courage and faithfulness, choosing to obey God rather than a cruel king. Their actions not only saved lives but also demonstrated that honoring God can lead to divine blessings.
How does Exodus 1:21 relate to faith and courage?
Exodus 1:21 illustrates that true faith often requires courage, as the midwives risked their lives to save others. Their story encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions, trusting that God will provide for them.
What lessons can we learn from Exodus 1:21?
From Exodus 1:21, we learn the importance of prioritizing our values and faith, even in difficult situations. The midwives' example teaches us that standing up for what is right can lead to unexpected blessings and God's provision.
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