Old Testament
Exodus 14:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses stretched his hand out over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back with a powerful east wind that blew all night. The seabed became dry land, and the waters split apart.
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And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
What Exodus 14:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses, a leader facing a daunting challenge, raises his hand over the sea. The LORD responds with a powerful east wind that blows throughout the night, creating a miraculous path through the water. The seabed transforms into dry land, allowing the people to cross safely. This act demonstrates the incredible power of faith and divine intervention. The waters, once a barrier, now stand apart, showcasing that obstacles can be overcome with trust in a higher power. This story reminds us that even in our darkest hours, help can come in unexpected ways. It encourages us to believe in possibilities beyond our understanding, as the impossible can become possible when we have faith. The imagery of the sea parting serves as a metaphor for the challenges we face in life, suggesting that with determination and faith, we can find a way through our struggles and fears, just as the Israelites did that night. It’s a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our battles.
How to apply Exodus 14:21 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that faith can lead to unexpected solutions. Just as Moses trusted in the LORD, we too can find strength in our beliefs. Look for ways to overcome your obstacles, knowing that help may come when you least expect it. Stay hopeful and keep moving forward, even when the path seems unclear. Trust that you are supported in your journey toward resolution and peace.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–31)
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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 14:21
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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 14:21 mean?
Exodus 14:21 describes how Moses raised his hand over the sea, and God used a strong east wind to part the waters, creating dry land for the Israelites to cross. This event illustrates the power of faith and divine intervention in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
What is the significance of the east wind in Exodus 14:21?
The east wind in Exodus 14:21 is significant because it is the means by which God performed the miracle of parting the sea. It symbolizes God's control over nature and His ability to provide a way through difficult situations.
How does Exodus 14:21 relate to overcoming obstacles?
Exodus 14:21 relates to overcoming obstacles by showing that with faith and trust in God, barriers can be removed. The parting of the sea serves as a powerful reminder that challenges can be faced and conquered with divine help.
What can we learn from Exodus 14:21?
From Exodus 14:21, we learn that faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, even in dire situations. It encourages us to trust in a higher power and to remain hopeful when facing our own challenges.
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