King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:10 Mean?

Exodus 2:10 in the King James Version says “And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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. Moses: that is, Drawn out”

Exodus 2:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

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.

10

And 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. Moses: that is, Drawn out

11

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

12

And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

Read Exodus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And 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 (וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ מֹשֶׁה וַתֹּאמֶר כִּי מִן־הַמַּיִם מְשִׁיתִהוּ, vatiqra shemo Mosheh vatomer ki min-hamayim meshitihu)—Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) derives from Hebrew drew out (מָשָׁה, mashah). The princess unwittingly prophesies: Moses drawn from water will draw Israel through the sea (14:21-22). The Egyptian etymology (ms, "born of," as in Ra-meses) also fits, but the Hebrew wordplay is intentional. He became her son—Moses received royal education (Acts 7:22) and privilege, positioning him to eventually confront Pharaoh. God redeemed Moses from death waters to become His instrument of national redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Adoption into Egyptian royalty gave Moses access to scribal training, military education, administrative experience, and court politics—skills essential for leading Israel and writing Torah. Acts 7:22 says he "was mighty in words and in deeds." The name "Moses" bridged both worlds—Egyptian in sound, Hebrew in meaning—embodying his dual heritage and future mediatorial role.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' name prophesy his future role as deliverer, and what does this teach about God's sovereign planning?
  2. In what ways has God positioned you in unexpected places to prepare you for future service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּגְדַּ֣ל1 of 16

“grew”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

הַיֶּ֗לֶד2 of 16

“And the child”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וַתְּבִאֵ֙הוּ֙3 of 16

“and she brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְבַת4 of 16

“daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פַּרְעֹ֔ה5 of 16

“him unto Pharaoh's”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַֽיְהִי6 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָ֖הּ7 of 16
H0
לְבֵ֑ן8 of 16

“and he became her son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַתִּקְרָ֤א9 of 16

“And she called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמוֹ֙10 of 16

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מֹשֶׁ֔ה11 of 16

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר12 of 16

“and she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כִּ֥י13 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִן14 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמַּ֖יִם15 of 16

“him out of the water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מְשִׁיתִֽהוּ׃16 of 16

“Because I drew”

H4871

to pull out (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 16:111 Samuel 1:20Hebrews 11:24Acts 7:21-221 John 3:1Matthew 1:21

Test Your Knowledge

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