The expression they are vigorous, literally “they are alive,” may be translated as “they are hardy” (Jerusalem Bible) or “they are robust” (New American Bible). But the meaning of the whole clause is clear: “they give birth easily.”

Before the midwife comes to them suggests the speed in delivery rather than the slowness of the midwives. Midwife is singular in the Hebrew. The word “either” in Good News Translation assumes that there were only two midwives: “their babies are born before either of us gets there.” With only two midwives caring for so many Israelite women, their excuse would be reasonable. It is better to allow for the possibility that there were more than two midwives; then the excuse given can be understood as flimsy, and the real reason is clear, namely, that the midwives feared God (verses 17 and 21). (This is Brevard Childs’ interpretation.) In some languages it will be more natural style to put the clause before the midwife comes to them first and say “… And before the midwife gets there, they have already given birth [or, delivered a baby].” Contemporary English Version‘s model will be useful for many translators: “They answered, ‘Hebrew women have their babies much quicker than Egyptian women. By the time we arrive, the babies are already born.’ ”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .