Exodus 2:5
And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
H3381
וַתֵּ֤רֶד
came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 20
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
בַּת
And the daughter
H1323
בַּת
And the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
2 of 20
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיְאֹ֑ר
along by the river's
H2975
הַיְאֹ֑ר
along by the river's
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
6 of 20
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וְנַֽעֲרֹתֶ֥יהָ
and her maidens
H5291
וְנַֽעֲרֹתֶ֥יהָ
and her maidens
Strong's:
H5291
Word #:
7 of 20
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
הֹֽלְכֹ֖ת
walked
H1980
הֹֽלְכֹ֖ת
walked
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַ֣ד
side
H3027
יַ֣ד
side
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 20
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַיְאֹ֑ר
along by the river's
H2975
הַיְאֹ֑ר
along by the river's
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
11 of 20
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
and when she saw
H7200
וַתֵּ֤רֶא
and when she saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
12 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתִּשְׁלַ֥ח
she sent
H7971
וַתִּשְׁלַ֥ח
she sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
17 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Acts 7:21And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.Psalms 9:9The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.Psalms 12:5For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Exodus 8:20And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.Exodus 7:15Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.
Historical Context
Egyptian royal women had significant autonomy and wealth. Bathing rituals included servants and perfumes. Archaeological evidence shows the eastern Delta (Goshen area) was accessible to royal family members who had estates there. Pharaoh's daughter's status meant she could defy her father's decree with relative impunity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of Pharaoh's daughter demonstrate His sovereignty over even the households of His enemies?
- In what ways can you be God's instrument of mercy in systems designed for harm?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it (וַתֵּרֶד בַּת־פַּרְעֹה לִרְחֹץ עַל־הַיְאֹר, vatred bat-Par'oh lirchots al-haye'or)—God's providence orchestrates perfect timing: Pharaoh's daughter discovers the ark. Rabbinic tradition names her Bithiah ("daughter of Yah"), suggesting later conversion. Came down (יָרַד, yarad) to the river places her at the point of Moses' salvation. The irony is thick: Pharaoh weaponized the Nile for genocide (1:22); his daughter uses it for mercy. She sent her maid (אֲמָתָהּ, amatah, "her female servant") to fetch the ark—curiosity or compassion compels the action.