Exodus 2:6
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּפְתַּח֙
And when she had opened
H6605
וַתִּפְתַּח֙
And when she had opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
1 of 13
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
וַתִּרְאֵ֣הוּ
it she saw
H7200
וַתִּרְאֵ֣הוּ
it she saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַ֖עַר
and behold the babe
H5288
נַ֖עַר
and behold the babe
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 13
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וַתַּחְמֹ֣ל
And she had compassion
H2550
וַתַּחְמֹ֣ל
And she had compassion
Strong's:
H2550
Word #:
8 of 13
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
1 Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:Acts 7:21And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.1 Kings 8:50And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:Psalms 106:46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Historical Context
Egyptian sources occasionally show royal clemency toward conquered peoples' children. That Pharaoh's daughter immediately recognizes a Hebrew child suggests physical or cultural markers (circumcision, swaddling, the ark's style). Her willingness to defy the decree indicates either strong character or confidence in her royal immunity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the princess's compassion despite knowing the child's identity challenge you to act mercifully regardless of tribal or political divisions?
- What does this moment teach about God's use of human emotion (even in pagans) to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children (וַתַּחְמֹל עָלָיו, vatachmol alav, "she had compassion")—The baby's crying provokes compassion (חָמַל, chamal, "pity/mercy"). God uses natural human tenderness to save His chosen deliverer. This is one of the Hebrews' children—she knows the genocide decree; her recognition creates moral crisis. Will she obey her father's law or act on conscience? The text's simplicity heightens the drama: a moment's decision determines Moses' fate and Israel's future. Her compassion foreshadows God's greater compassion for Israel (2:24-25, 3:7-9).