Exodus 2:11
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י׀
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
And it came to pass in those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 17
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַיִּגְדַּ֤ל
was grown
H1431
וַיִּגְדַּ֤ל
was grown
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
4 of 17
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
that he went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֣א
that he went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃
one of his brethren
H251
מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃
one of his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
H7200
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
9 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
H7200
וַיַּרְא֙
and he spied
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מַכֶּ֥ה
smiting
H5221
מַכֶּ֥ה
smiting
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 17
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אִישׁ
H376
אִישׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
15 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Exodus 1:11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Isaiah 58:6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?Exodus 3:7And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;Luke 4:18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Historical Context
Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:23-25) explains Moses' intention: "he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not." Moses' royal status made this inspection possible but also isolated him from his people's trust. His 40 years in Egypt prepared him culturally; his next 40 years in Midian would prepare him spiritually.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' choice to identify with his oppressed brethren challenge you to align with the suffering rather than the powerful?
- What does Moses' premature action teach about the difference between godly zeal and self-directed impatience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren (וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם, vayigdal Mosheh vayetse el-echav vayar besivlotam)—Grown (גָּדַל, gadal, likely 40 years old per Acts 7:23) marks Moses' transition from prince to deliverer. Went out unto his brethren—Moses identifies with the oppressed, not oppressors (Hebrews 11:24-26). Looked on their burdens (וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם) echoes God's later "I have surely seen" (3:7). Spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew—the verb "smiting" (נָכָה, nakah) describes violent beating. Moses' intervention (v. 12) shows zeal for justice but premature, self-dependent action.