Bible Strands
Exodus 1:20
So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became even more numerous.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records God’s response to the midwives immediately after they defied Pharaoh’s command to kill Hebrew newborns. This moment occurs right after the midwives give Pharaoh an excuse about Hebrew women’s vigorous childbirth.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַ/יֵּ֥יטֶב (va/i.Yei.tev) literally means “he did good,” paired with אֱלֹהִ֖ים ('E.lo.Him) “God” to state God’s direct action toward the midwives. The verb וַ/יַּֽעַצְמ֖וּ (va/i.ya.'atz.Mu) means “they became mighty/exceedingly,” describing the rapid population growth of the people.
The thread — This pattern of divine blessing for those who fear God appears in Ecclesiastes 8:12, Isaiah 3:10, and Proverbs 11:18, which all note that righteousness or reverence yields tangible well-being.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that obedience to God’s moral authority, even against state power, triggers divine provision and historical consequences. It demands a practical assessment of where loyalty is placed when civil commands conflict with divine ones.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
Cross-references
- Ecclesiastes 8:12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.
- Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.
- Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
- Exodus 1:12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites.
- Psalms 111:5 He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- Exodus 1:7 but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
- Psalms 41:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.
- Psalms 61:5 For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.
- Psalms 85:9 Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.