Exodus 2:21
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
Original Language Analysis
וַיּ֥וֹאֶל
was content
H2974
וַיּ֥וֹאֶל
was content
Strong's:
H2974
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to dwell
H3427
לָשֶׁ֣בֶת
to dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הָאִ֑ישׁ
with the man
H376
הָאִ֑ישׁ
with the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 10
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)
וַיִּתֵּ֛ן
and he gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֛ן
and he gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;Exodus 2:10And 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.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.James 1:10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
Historical Context
Marriage sealed social bonds and alliances in patriarchal culture. Moses' marriage to Jethro's daughter made him family, giving him status, protection, and occupation (shepherd). Zipporah's Midianite heritage later creates tension (Numbers 12:1) but also brings Jethro's wisdom into Israel's formation (Exodus 18). The 40-year period mirrors Moses' first 40 years in Egypt, preparing for the final 40 years leading Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see God using seasons of 'dwelling contentedly' in unexpected places to prepare you for future callings?
- What does Moses' marriage to Zipporah teach about God's providence working through cross-cultural relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter (וַיּוֹאֶל מֹשֶׁה לָשֶׁבֶת אֶת־הָאִישׁ וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־צִפֹּרָה בִתּוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה, vayo'el Mosheh lashevet et-ha'ish vayiten et-Tsiporah vito leMosheh)—Was content (וַיּוֹאֶל, vayo'el, "agreed/was willing") suggests Moses found peace in Midian after Egypt's turmoil. Gave Moses Zipporah his daughter (צִפֹּרָה, Tsiporah, "bird") establishes marriage covenant. Zipporah will play crucial roles: saving Moses' life (4:24-26), being sent away and reunited (18:2-6), and bearing Moses' sons. Marriage into Jethro's priestly family connected Moses to Midianite traditions and wilderness wisdom. These 40 years transform Moses from impulsive prince to humble shepherd ready for God's call.