22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live."

Other Translations of Exodus 1:22

King James Version

22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

English Standard Version

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, "Every son that is born to the HebrewsSamaritan, Septuagint, Targum; Hebrew lacks to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live."

The Message

22 So Pharaoh issued a general order to all his people: "Every boy that is born, drown him in the Nile. But let the girls live."

New King James Version

22 So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son who is born Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Targum add to the Hebrews. you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive."

New Living Translation

22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 1:22

Commentary on Exodus 1:15-22

(Read Exodus 1:15-22)

The Egyptians tried to destroy Israel by the murder of their children. The enmity that is in the seed of the serpent, against the Seed of the woman, makes men forget all pity. It is plain that the Hebrews were now under an uncommon blessing. And we see that the services done for God's Israel are often repaid in kind. Pharaoh gave orders to drown all the male children of the Hebrews. The enemy who, by Pharaoh, attempted to destroy the church in this its infant state, is busy to stifle the rise of serious reflections in the heart of man. Let those who would escape, be afraid of sinning, and cry directly and fervently to the Lord for assistance.