Exodus 2:9
And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.
Original Language Analysis
בַּת
daughter
H1323
בַּת
daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 18
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
הֵילִ֜יכִי
H1980
הֵילִ֜יכִי
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
אֶתֵּ֣ן
it for me and I will give
H5414
אֶתֵּ֣ן
it for me and I will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׂכָרֵ֑ךְ
thee thy wages
H7939
שְׂכָרֵ֑ךְ
thee thy wages
Strong's:
H7939
Word #:
14 of 18
payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit
Historical Context
Wet nursing contracts typically specified duration and compensation. Royal wages would have been generous, elevating Moses' family's standard of living. The 2-3 year nursing period gave Jochebed time to teach Moses his Hebrew identity, prepare him for the transition to palace life, and instill faith in YHWH—formation that endured despite Egyptian education (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of wages for Jochebed's faithful service illustrate that He rewards those who trust Him?
- What does Moses' dual formation (Hebrew mother, Egyptian education) teach about preparing believers to function in hostile cultures?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it (הֵילִיכִי אֶת־הַיֶּלֶד הַזֶּה וְהֵינִקִהוּ לִי, heilikhi et-hayeled hazeh vehinikhu li)—Take this child away grants permission and protection. Nurse it for me makes Moses legally the princess's property while physically in his mother's care. I will give thee thy wages (שָׂכָר, sakhar) means Jochebed is paid to raise her own son—God's abundant provision beyond mere preservation. The repetition "the woman took the child and nursed it" concludes the transaction. Jochebed's faith receives full reward: her son lives, she raises him with payment, and he'll be positioned to deliver Israel. Every detail serves God's purpose.