Exodus 1:18

The king of Egypt called the midwives in and demanded to know, “Why have you done this— letting the male children live?”

Free Bible Version

In The King James 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?

In Context

17But because the midwives revered God, they didn't do what the king of Egypt had ordered. They let the boys live as well.

19“Hebrew women aren't like Egyptian women,” the midwives told Pharaoh. “They give birth more easily—they have them before we midwives arrive.”

Read all of Exodus 1

Cross References

2 Samuel 13:28Absalom gave orders to his men, saying, “Pay attention! When Amnon is feeling happy from drinking wine and I tell you, ‘Attack Amnon!’ then kill him. Don't be afraid. I myself am giving you this order. Be strong and be brave.”

Matthew Henry on Exodus 1:16-22

15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Exodus 1:18