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Exodus 1:17

King James Version (KJV)

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

Translations

Exodus 1:17 - Amplified Bible

But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded, but let the male babies live.

Exodus 1:17 - American Standard Version

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

Exodus 1:17 - 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.

Exodus 1:17 - Darby Bible

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

Exodus 1:17 - English Standard Version

But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.

Exodus 1:17 - King James Version

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

Exodus 1:17 - La Biblia de las Americas

Pero las parteras temìan a Dios, y no hicieron como el rey de Egipto les habìa mandado, sino que dejaron con vida a los niños.

Exodus 1:17 - The Message

But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn’t do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live. The king of Egypt called in the midwives. "Why didn’t you obey my orders? You’ve let those babies live!"

Exodus 1:17 - New American Standard Bible

But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.

Exodus 1:17 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Pero las parteras temìan (reverenciaban) a Dios, y no hicieron como el rey de Egipto les habìa mandado, sino que dejaron con vida a los niños.

Exodus 1:17 - 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.

Exodus 1:17 - Young's Living Translation

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

Exodus 1:17 - Additional Comments

God asks us to obey authorities, unless they go against God. The midwives could see that what the government was asking of them was against God, so they made the correct choice in obeying God, and going against the government's decree. May we have the boldness to obey God despite rules at work or in the law, or requests from superiors to violate God's laws. But may we also have the wisdom to know which is the correct choice.
I expect the king's request was kept secret, otherwise none of the Hebrew women would have allowed the midwives near them. But somehow the king heard that they were not doing what he had asked (vs 18).

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