Exodus 2:13
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵא֙
And when he went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵא֙
And when he went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּיּ֣וֹם
day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 13
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
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 13
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)
עִבְרִ֖ים
of the Hebrews
H5680
עִבְרִ֖ים
of the Hebrews
Strong's:
H5680
Word #:
7 of 13
an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber
נִצִּ֑ים
strove
H5327
נִצִּ֑ים
strove
Strong's:
H5327
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע
to him that did the wrong
H7563
לָֽרָשָׁ֔ע
to him that did the wrong
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
10 of 13
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
Internal conflict among the oppressed is common under tyranny—suffering doesn't automatically produce solidarity. That Hebrews knew of Moses' killing indicates either witnesses or rapid spread of information. Moses' failed attempt to mediate previews his future successful mediation between God and Israel (32:11-14, 30-32).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Hebrews' internal strife illustrate that oppression doesn't automatically create unity or righteousness?
- What does Moses' rejected mediation teach about preparation needed before God can use someone as deliverer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? (וַיֵּצֵא בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי וְהִנֵּה שְׁנֵי־אֲנָשִׁים עִבְרִים נִצִּים, vayetse bayom hasheni vehineh shenei-anashim Ivrim nitsim)—The second day marks continued involvement despite yesterday's violence. Two men of the Hebrews strove together (נִצִּים, nitsim, "quarreling/fighting")—now the conflict is internal, Hebrew against Hebrew. Moses attempts to mediate: Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? (לָמָּה תַכֶּה רֵעֶךָ, lamah takkeh re'ekha). The irony: Moses who killed yesterday now preaches peace. The aggressor's response (v. 14) reveals Moses' secret is known, showing the impossibility of hiding sin and Moses' rejection by his own people.