What Is the Parting of the Red Sea — In Biblical Context
The parting of the Red Sea was God's miraculous rescue of Israel from Pharaoh's army, dividing the waters so His people could cross on dry ground.
The parting of the Red Sea was God's miraculous rescue of Israel from Pharaoh's army, dividing the waters so His people could cross on dry ground.
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." — Exodus 14:21-22 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally let Israel go. But he quickly changed his mind and pursued them with his army, cornering them between the wilderness and the sea. The people cried out in terror, but Moses stretched out his rod over the sea at God's command. 'And the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.' Israel walked through on dry ground with walls of water on either side. When the Egyptians pursued, the waters returned and covered them — not one survived. The event is celebrated throughout Scripture: in the Song of Moses, in the Psalms, and as a type of baptism in 1 Corinthians 10. The Red Sea crossing demonstrates that when God redeems, no obstacle is too great and no enemy too powerful.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 14:21-22, sits inside Exodus 14. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."
Supporting Passages
"And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them."
"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Miracles & Supernatural
Does God Still Perform Miracles Today?
Miracles & Supernatural
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Miracles & Supernatural
Elisha's Miracles Bible Quiz
The prophet who received a double portion — axes, Naaman, and the Shunammite's s
Bible Verses About Miracles
10 curated KJV verses
1 Kings 17:14 Commentary
In-depth study • Supernatural Provision
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.