Exodus 1:17 “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt…”

Exodus 1:17

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

World English Bible

But the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.

American Standard Version

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

Geneva Bible 1599

Notwithstanding ye midwiues feared God, and did not as the King of Egypt commanded them, but preserued aliue the men children.

Darby Translation

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt had said to them, but saved the male children alive.

Young's Literal Translation

And the midwives fear God, and have not done as the king of Egypt hath spoken unto them, and keep the lads alive;

Bible in Basic English

But the women had the fear of God, and did not do as the king of Egypt said, but let the male children go on living.

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Cross references

“feared God”

Acts 5:29 Ecclesiastes 12:13 Matthew 10:28 Luke 12:5 Proverbs 16:6 Daniel 3:16–18

Acts 5:29 · BSB

But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 · BSB

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Matthew 10:28 · BSB

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 12:5 · BSB

But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

Proverbs 16:6 · BSB

By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

Daniel 3:16–18 · BSB

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Also

Exodus 1:21 Acts 4:18–20

Exodus 1:21 · BSB

And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.

Acts 4:18–20 · BSB

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

16“When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the birthstools. If the child is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.”

18So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”

Read Exodus 1