Exodus 18:3
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָנֶ֑יהָ
sons
H1121
בָנֶ֑יהָ
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שֵׁ֤ם
of which the name
H8034
שֵׁ֤ם
of which the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 13
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָֽאֶחָד֙
of the one
H259
הָֽאֶחָד֙
of the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֵּ֣ר
I have been an alien
H1616
גֵּ֣ר
I have been an alien
Strong's:
H1616
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner
הָיִ֔יתִי
H1961
הָיִ֔יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Exodus 2:22And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.Acts 7:29Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.Psalms 39:12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.Exodus 4:20And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
Historical Context
Gershom was born during Moses' 40 years in Midian (Exodus 2:22). His name reflects Moses' sense of displacement before God called him to lead Israel from Egyptian exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses naming his son 'stranger' prepare him to lead a people of exiles?
- What does feeling 'alien' even in place of refuge teach about the believer's pilgrim identity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land—Gershom's name (גֵּרְשֹׁם, 'stranger there') memorializes Moses' exile identity in Midian. The naming statement 'I have been an alien' (גֵּר הָיִיתִי, ger hayiti) shows Moses felt displaced in Midian despite marriage and family. This alien identity prepares Moses to lead Israel, themselves aliens in Egypt and now pilgrims in wilderness. The name teaches that God's servants often live as exiles, a theme Christ affirms: 'In the world ye shall have tribulation' (John 16:33). Peter calls believers παρεπίδημοι (parepidēmoi, 'sojourners,' 1 Pet 2:11), echoing Moses' named exile.