King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:11 Mean?

Exodus 2:11 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 2:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

Read Exodus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם, vayigdal Mosheh vayetse el-echav vayar besivlotam)—Grown (גָּדַל, gadal, likely 40 years old per Acts 7:23) marks Moses' transition from prince to deliverer. Went out unto his brethren—Moses identifies with the oppressed, not oppressors (Hebrews 11:24-26). Looked on their burdens (וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם) echoes God's later "I have surely seen" (3:7). Spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew—the verb "smiting" (נָכָה, nakah) describes violent beating. Moses' intervention (v. 12) shows zeal for justice but premature, self-dependent action.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:23-25) explains Moses' intention: "he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not." Moses' royal status made this inspection possible but also isolated him from his people's trust. His 40 years in Egypt prepared him culturally; his next 40 years in Midian would prepare him spiritually.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' choice to identify with his oppressed brethren challenge you to align with the suffering rather than the powerful?
  2. What does Moses' premature action teach about the difference between godly zeal and self-directed impatience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 17
H1961

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

בַּיָּמִ֣ים2 of 17

“And it came to pass in those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֗ם3 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וַיִּגְדַּ֤ל4 of 17

“was grown”

H1431

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

מֹשֶׁה֙5 of 17

“when Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיֵּצֵ֣א6 of 17

“that he went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל7 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃8 of 17

“one of his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיַּרְא֙9 of 17

“and he spied”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּסִבְלֹתָ֑ם10 of 17

“on their burdens”

H5450

porterage

וַיַּרְא֙11 of 17

“and he spied”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אִ֣ישׁ12 of 17
H376

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)

מִצְרִ֔י13 of 17

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

מַכֶּ֥ה14 of 17

“smiting”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אִישׁ15 of 17
H376

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)

עִבְרִ֖י16 of 17

“an Hebrew”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

מֵֽאֶחָֽיו׃17 of 17

“one of his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:24-26Exodus 1:11Acts 7:22-24Matthew 11:28Luke 4:18Isaiah 58:6

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