Exodus 2:12
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּ֤פֶן
And he looked
H6437
וַיִּ֤פֶן
And he looked
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
1 of 12
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
וָכֹ֔ה
and that way
H3541
וָכֹ֔ה
and that way
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וָכֹ֔ה
and that way
H3541
וָכֹ֔ה
and that way
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וַיַּ֖רְא
and when he saw
H7200
וַיַּ֖רְא
and when he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִ֑ישׁ
that there was no man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
that there was no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 12
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)
וַיַּךְ֙
he slew
H5221
וַיַּךְ֙
he slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 12
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Killing an Egyptian, even an abusive overseer, would be capital treason for Moses. Discovery meant death or exile (v. 15). The hiding of evidence in sand echoes Cain's attempt to conceal Abel's blood (Genesis 4:10)—sin cannot remain hidden from God. This incident marks Moses' break from Egyptian privilege and beginning of 40 years as fugitive shepherd.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' self-reliant attempt at deliverance contrast with God's later empowerment at the burning bush?
- What does this moral failure teach about God's ability to work through imperfect servants and even use their mistakes for His purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand (וַיִּפֶן כֹּה וָכֹה וַיַּרְא כִּי אֵין אִישׁ וַיַּךְ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִי, vayifen koh vakhoh vayar ki ein ish vayakh et-haMitsri)—Looked this way and that way shows furtive guilt, contrasting with the confidence he'll have at the burning bush (3:3). Saw that there was no man—Moses trusted in secrecy rather than God. Slew the Egyptian (וַיַּךְ, vayakh, same verb as "smiting" in v. 11) makes Moses a killer, even if in defense of the innocent. Hid him in the sand—attempted cover-up fails (v. 14). This moral failure humbles Moses, preparing him for Midian's wilderness schooling. God will use even this sin to drive Moses to the place of encounter (3:1).