Exodus 14:22
New International Version
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

New Living Translation
So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

English Standard Version
And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Berean Standard Bible
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

King James Bible
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

New King James Version
So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

New American Standard Bible
So the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right and on their left.

NASB 1995
The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Amplified Bible
The Israelites went into the middle of the sea on dry land, and the waters formed a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Christian Standard Bible
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.

American Standard Version
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Contemporary English Version
and the Israelites walked through on dry land with a wall of water on each side.

English Revised Version
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and the Israelites went through the middle of the sea on dry ground. The water stood like a wall on their right and on their left.

Good News Translation
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on both sides.

International Standard Version
the Israelis went into the middle of the sea on dry land, and the waters formed a wall for them on their right and on their left.

Majority Standard Bible
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

NET Bible
So the Israelites went through the middle of the sea on dry ground, the water forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.

New Heart English Bible
The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

World English Bible
The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the sons of Israel go into the midst of the sea on dry land, and the waters [are] a wall to them, on their right and on their left.

Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Israel go into the midst of the sea, on dry land, and the waters are to them a wall, on their right and on their left.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel will go in the midst of the sea on dry land; and the waters to them a wall from their right hand and from their left.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Israel went in through the midst of the sea dried up: for the water was as a wall on their right hand and on their left.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the sons of Israel went in through the midst of the dried sea. For the water was like a wall at their right hand and at their left hand.

New American Bible
so that the Israelites entered into the midst of the sea on dry land, with the water as a wall to their right and to their left.

New Revised Standard Version
The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the children of Israel entered within the sea by land and the waters were to them as a wall from their right hand and from their left.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the water of it was a wall on the right hand and a wall on the left.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Parting the Red Sea
21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, 22and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left. 23And the Egyptians chased after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen—and followed them into the sea.…

Cross References
Joshua 3:14-17
So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. / Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ...

Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the waters on foot; there we rejoiced in Him.

Isaiah 51:10
Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?

Nehemiah 9:11
You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters.

Psalm 78:13
He split the sea and brought them through; He set the waters upright like a wall.

Psalm 106:9
He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; He led them through the depths as through a desert.

Isaiah 63:12-13
who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble?

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Psalm 136:13-14
He divided the Red Sea in two His loving devotion endures forever. / and led Israel through the midst, His loving devotion endures forever.

Isaiah 43:16
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,

Acts 7:36
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.

Revelation 15:3
and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!

Exodus 15:8
At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

Exodus 15:19
For when Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground.


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground: and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

the children

Exodus 14:29
But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 15:19
For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Numbers 33:8
And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

and the waters.

Exodus 15:8
And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Habakkuk 3:8-10
Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? …

Zechariah 2:5
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

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Exodus 14
1. God instructs the Israelites in their journey
5. Pharaoh pursues after them
10. The Israelites murmur
13. Moses comforts them
15. God instructs Moses
19. The cloud removes behind the camp
21. The Israelites pass through the Red sea, which drowns the Egyptians














and the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This group, chosen by God, represents His covenant people. Historically, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and their journey through the Red Sea marks a pivotal moment of deliverance. Theologically, they symbolize the people of God, called to live in obedience and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for Israel, "Yisra'el," means "God prevails," underscoring the divine intervention and sovereignty in their journey.

went through the sea
The phrase "went through the sea" captures the miraculous nature of the event. The Hebrew word for "sea" is "yam," which often denotes a large body of water. This crossing is not merely a natural occurrence but a supernatural act of God, demonstrating His power over creation. The sea, a symbol of chaos and danger, is transformed into a pathway of salvation, prefiguring Christ's victory over sin and death.

on dry ground
"Dry ground" emphasizes the completeness of the miracle. The Hebrew term "charabah" indicates land that is completely dry, not muddy or damp. This detail highlights God's provision and care, ensuring safe passage for His people. It also signifies a new beginning, as the Israelites leave behind the bondage of Egypt and step into the freedom of God's promises.

with walls of water
The "walls of water" on either side of the Israelites are a testament to God's protective power. The Hebrew word "chomah" for "walls" suggests a strong, fortified barrier. This imagery conveys the idea of God as a refuge and fortress, safeguarding His people from harm. It also serves as a reminder of His ability to make a way where there seems to be none, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance.

on their right and on their left
The specification of "on their right and on their left" underscores the totality of God's protection. It indicates that the Israelites were completely surrounded by God's miraculous provision. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for God's omnipresence and His ability to shield His people from all sides. It reassures believers of God's constant presence and His commitment to guide and protect them through life's challenges.

(22) The waters were a wall unto them.--Any protection is in Scripture called "a wall," or "a rampart" (1Samuel 25:16; Proverbs 18:11; Isaiah 26:1; Jeremiah 1:18; Nahum 3:8). In the present case, the waters protected Israel on either flank--the Red Sea upon the right, the Bitter Lakes upon the left. Poetical writers, as was natural, used language still more highly metaphorical (Psalm 78:13; Exodus 15:8), and spoke of the waters as "standing on an heap." Hence, some moderns have gone so far as to maintain that on this occasion the water "gave up its nature, formed with its waves a strong wall, and instead of streaming like a fluid, congealed into a hard substance" (Kalisch). But this is to turn poetry into prose, and enslave oneself to a narrow literalism. . . . Verse 22. - The waters were a wall - i.e., a protection, a defence. Pharaoh could not attack them on either flank, on account of the two bodies of water between which their march lay. He could only come at them by following after them. The metaphor has been by some understood literally, especially on account of the expression in Exodus 15:8 - "The floods stood upright as an heap;" and again that in Psalm 78:13 - "He made the waters to stand as an heap." But those phrases, occurring in poems, must be taken as poetical; and can scarcely have any weight in determining the meaning of "wall" here. We must ask ourselves - is there not an economy and a restraint in the exertion by God even of miraculous power? - is more used than is needed for the occasion? - and would not all that was needed at this time have been effected by such a division of the sea as we have supposed, without the fluid being converted into a solid, or having otherwise the laws of its being entirely altered. Kalisch's statement, that the word "wall" here is "not intended to convey the idea of protection, but only of hardness and solidity," seems to us the very reverse of the truth. Protection is at any rate the main idea, and any other is secondary and subordinate.

CHAPTER 14:23-31

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and the Israelites
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

went
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

through
בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the sea
הַיָּ֖ם (hay·yām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

on dry ground,
בַּיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה (bay·yab·bā·šāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3004: Dry land, dry ground

with walls
חֹמָ֔ה (ḥō·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

of water
וְהַמַּ֤יִם (wə·ham·ma·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

on their right
מִֽימִינָ֖ם (mî·mî·nām)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3225: The right hand, side, the south

and on their left.
וּמִשְּׂמֹאלָֽם׃ (ū·miś·śə·mō·lām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8040: Dark, the north, the left hand


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OT Law: Exodus 14:22 The children of Israel went into (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 14:21
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