Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” New Living Translation So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” English Standard Version So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” Berean Standard Bible So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you⁺ done this thing and kept alive the male children?” King James Bible 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? New King James Version So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” New American Standard Bible So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” NASB 1995 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” NASB 1977 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” Legacy Standard Bible So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?” Amplified Bible So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and allowed the boy babies to live?” Berean Annotated Bible So the king of Egypt (land of bondage) summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you⁺ done this? Why have you let the boys live? Christian Standard Bible So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this and let the boys live?” American Standard Version 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? Contemporary English Version The king called them in again and asked, "Why are you letting those baby boys live?" English Revised Version 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. He asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?" Good News Translation So the king sent for the midwives and asked them, "Why are you doing this? Why are you letting the boys live?" International Standard Version When the king of Egypt called for the midwives, he asked them, "Why have you done this and allowed the boys to live?" NET Bible Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this and let the boys live?" New Heart English Bible The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the boys alive?" Webster's Bible Translation And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the male-children alive? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” World English Bible The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and saved the boys alive?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king of Egypt calls for the midwives and says to them, “Why have you done this thing, and keep the boys alive?” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you⁺ done this thing and kept alive the male children?” Young's Literal Translation and the king of Egypt calleth for the midwives, and saith to them, 'Wherefore have ye done this thing, and keep the lads alive?' Smith's Literal Translation And the king of Egypt will call to the midwives, and will say to them, Wherefore did ye this word, and ye will preserve alive the boys? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king called for them and said: What is that you meant to do, that you would save the men children ? Catholic Public Domain Version And summoning them, the king said, “What did you intend to do, so that you would save the boys?” New American Bible So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this, allowing the boys to live?” New Revised Standard Version So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and allowed the boys to live?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of Egypt called the Midwives and he said to them, “Why are you making this response and are saving the boys?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king of Egypt called the midwives, and said to them, Why is it that ye have done this thing, and saved the male children alive? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Oppression by a New King…17The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live. 18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before a midwife arrives.”… Cross References So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives Exodus 8:8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.” Exodus 10:16 Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. Matthew 2:4 And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. and asked them, Genesis 42:7 And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” Daniel 3:14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? 1 Kings 22:15 When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” “Why have you done this? Joshua 7:19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” Genesis 3:13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.” 2 Samuel 12:9 Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You put Uriah the Hittite to the sword and took his wife as your own. You have slain him with the sword of the Ammonites. Why have you let the boys live?” Exodus 2:2-3 and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. / But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. Matthew 2:16 When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Acts 4:19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. 1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. Treasury of Scripture And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, Why have you done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? why have. 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Jump to Previous Alive Boys Children Egypt Live Male Male-Children Men-Children Midwives Saved Summoned Wherefore WomenJump to Next Alive Boys Children Egypt Live Male Male-Children Men-Children Midwives Saved Summoned Wherefore WomenExodus 1 1. The children of Israel, after Joseph's death, increase.8. The more they are oppressed by a new king, the more they multiply. 15. The godliness of the midwives in saving the male children alive. 22. Pharaoh commands the male children to be cast into the river So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives The king of Egypt, also known as Pharaoh, represents the oppressive power against the Israelites. This summoning indicates a direct confrontation between the ruler of Egypt and the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. Historically, Pharaohs were considered divine figures, and their commands were expected to be obeyed without question. The midwives' actions demonstrate civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws, highlighting a theme of faithfulness to God over earthly authority. This moment foreshadows the later defiance of Moses against Pharaoh. and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who felt threatened by the growing population of the Israelites and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. 2. Hebrew Midwives Specifically, Shiphrah and Puah, who were ordered by Pharaoh to kill the male Hebrew infants but feared God and did not comply. 3. Israelites in Egypt The descendants of Jacob who were living in Egypt and had grown numerous, causing concern for Pharaoh. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites were living in bondage and where the events of Exodus 1 take place. 5. God The ultimate authority whom the Hebrew midwives feared and obeyed over Pharaoh. Teaching Points Fear of God Over Fear of ManThe Hebrew midwives demonstrate the importance of fearing God above human authorities. This reverence for God should guide our decisions, especially when human commands conflict with divine principles. Courage in Obedience The midwives' courage in defying Pharaoh's orders shows the strength that comes from trusting in God. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition. God's Sovereignty and Protection Despite Pharaoh's attempts to suppress the Israelites, God's plan for His people prevails. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and prosper His people against all odds. Moral Integrity The midwives' actions highlight the importance of maintaining moral integrity and righteousness, even when pressured to do wrong. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 1:18?2. How does Exodus 1:18 demonstrate God's protection over the Hebrew midwives? 3. Why did Pharaoh question the midwives' actions in Exodus 1:18? 4. What can we learn about courage from the midwives in Exodus 1:18? 5. How does Exodus 1:18 connect to God's faithfulness in Genesis 12:2-3? 6. How can we apply the midwives' obedience to God in our lives today? 7. Why did the king of Egypt question the midwives' actions in Exodus 1:18? 8. How does Exodus 1:18 reflect the theme of divine intervention? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 1:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 1? 11. Who were the Hebrew midwives in the Bible? 12. What does the Bible say about Christian protests? 13. Given Romans 13:5 implies a duty to submit for conscience's sake, how do we justify civil disobedience when authorities command actions contrary to moral law? 14. When did the Exodus occur? What Does Exodus 1:18 Mean So the king of Egypt summoned the midwivesPharaoh has absolute civil power, yet his command to kill Hebrew sons (Exodus 1:15-16) is already being quietly resisted. • Scripture presents no hint that the king’s authority legitimizes evil; Romans 13:1-4 teaches respect for government, but only within God-ordained bounds. • The midwives’ fear of God (Exodus 1:17) comes first, echoing the priority later stated in Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men.” • God often allows His people to stand before rulers who oppose His purposes—Joseph before another Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16), Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:8; 3:16-18)—so that His righteousness is displayed. and asked them The verbal confrontation highlights a collision of loyalties. • The king expects unquestioning compliance; the midwives’ obedience to God puts them on trial (cf. John 19:10-11 where Jesus reminds Pilate that earthly authority is received “from above”). • Moments like this expose whether we fear people or the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). • God equips His servants for such encounters; Luke 21:12-15 promises a “mouth and wisdom” when believers are brought before kings. “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” Pharaoh’s question reveals: 1. His awareness that something supernatural is frustrating his plan of genocide, much like Herod’s thwarted slaughter in Matthew 2:16-18. 2. A moral blindness that calls good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). 3. The value God places on every child’s life—Psalm 127:3 declares, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD.” • The midwives’ decision affirms the Creator’s design (Genesis 1:27) and preserves the line through which Moses, the future deliverer, will arise (Hebrews 11:23). • Their civil disobedience is not rebellion for rebellion’s sake; it is obedience to a higher command, reflecting the principle in James 4:17 that failing to do the right we know is sin. summary Exodus 1:18 captures a pivotal moment where two midwives stand before the most powerful man in Egypt, accused of treason for valuing life. The verse spotlights the clash between human tyranny and divine authority, showing that reverence for God empowers ordinary believers to protect the innocent, confront evil, and advance God’s redemptive plan. Hebrew So the kingמֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Egypt מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ (miṣ·ra·yim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa summoned וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read the midwives לַֽמְיַלְּדֹ֔ת (lam·yal·lə·ḏōṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage and asked וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them, לָהֶ֔ן (lā·hen) Preposition | third person feminine plural Strong's Hebrew “Why מַדּ֥וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? have you done עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ן (‘ă·śî·ṯen) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make this? הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that Why have you let the boys הַיְלָדִֽים׃ (hay·lā·ḏîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring live?” וַתְּחַיֶּ֖יןָ (wat·tə·ḥay·ye·nā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person feminine plural Strong's 2421: To live, to revive Links Exodus 1:18 NIVExodus 1:18 NLT Exodus 1:18 ESV Exodus 1:18 NASB Exodus 1:18 KJV Exodus 1:18 BibleApps.com Exodus 1:18 Biblia Paralela Exodus 1:18 Chinese Bible Exodus 1:18 French Bible Exodus 1:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 1:18 The king of Egypt called (Exo. 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