Exodus 2:10
And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּגְדַּ֣ל
grew
H1431
וַיִּגְדַּ֣ל
grew
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
1 of 16
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
וַתְּבִאֵ֙הוּ֙
and she brought
H935
וַתְּבִאֵ֙הוּ֙
and she brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְבַת
daughter
H1323
לְבַת
daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 16
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
him unto Pharaoh's
H6547
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
him unto Pharaoh's
Strong's:
H6547
Word #:
5 of 16
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
וַֽיְהִי
H1961
וַֽיְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְבֵ֑ן
and he became her son
H1121
לְבֵ֑ן
and he became her son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
And she called
H7121
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
And she called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
H8034
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Hebrews 11:24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;Genesis 16:11And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.1 Samuel 1:20Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Galatians 4:5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.Genesis 48:5And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.Genesis 4:25And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
Historical Context
Adoption into Egyptian royalty gave Moses access to scribal training, military education, administrative experience, and court politics—skills essential for leading Israel and writing Torah. Acts 7:22 says he "was mighty in words and in deeds." The name "Moses" bridged both worlds—Egyptian in sound, Hebrew in meaning—embodying his dual heritage and future mediatorial role.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' name prophesy his future role as deliverer, and what does this teach about God's sovereign planning?
- In what ways has God positioned you in unexpected places to prepare you for future service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water (וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ מֹשֶׁה וַתֹּאמֶר כִּי מִן־הַמַּיִם מְשִׁיתִהוּ, vatiqra shemo Mosheh vatomer ki min-hamayim meshitihu)—Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) derives from Hebrew drew out (מָשָׁה, mashah). The princess unwittingly prophesies: Moses drawn from water will draw Israel through the sea (14:21-22). The Egyptian etymology (ms, "born of," as in Ra-meses) also fits, but the Hebrew wordplay is intentional. He became her son—Moses received royal education (Acts 7:22) and privilege, positioning him to eventually confront Pharaoh. God redeemed Moses from death waters to become His instrument of national redemption.