^{17 Ref} But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men-children alive.

^{18 Ref} 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?

^{19 Ref} And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwife come unto them.

^{20 Ref} And God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.

^{21 Ref} And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them households.