King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:15 Mean?

Exodus 2:15 in the King James Version says “Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the la...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.”

Exodus 2:15 · KJV

Context

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?

14

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. a prince: Heb. a man, a prince

15

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

16

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. priest: or, prince

17

And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Read Exodus 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well (וַיִּשְׁמַע פַּרְעֹה אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה וַיְבַקֵּשׁ לַהֲרֹג אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וַיִּבְרַח מֹשֶׁה מִפְּנֵי פַרְעֹה, vayishma Par'oh et-hadavar hazeh vayevakesh laharog et-Mosheh vayivrach Mosheh mipnei Far'oh)—Pharaoh's death sentence forces Moses' exodus from Egypt. Moses fled (וַיִּבְרַח, vayivrach)—the prince becomes fugitive. Midian (מִדְיָן), descended from Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2), occupied northwest Arabia east of the Gulf of Aqaba. He sat down by a well—wells in Scripture are meeting places where God providentially arranges encounters (Genesis 24:11, 29:2, John 4:6). This scene sets up Moses meeting his wife and father-in-law, who will shape his next 40 years.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Midian's location beyond Egyptian jurisdiction provided asylum. The journey from Egypt to Midian (likely 200+ miles) was arduous through Sinai wilderness. Moses' sitting by a well echoes Abraham's servant finding Rebekah (Genesis 24) and Jacob meeting Rachel (Genesis 29)—betrothal type-scenes where God orchestrates covenant marriages.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' flight from Egypt paradoxically position him for God's call at the burning bush?
  2. In what ways has God used forced transitions or exiles in your life to prepare you for future calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע1 of 19

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פַרְעֹ֔ה2 of 19

“Now when Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

אֶת3 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר4 of 19

“this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה5 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ6 of 19

“he sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לַֽהֲרֹ֣ג7 of 19

“to slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אֶת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֹשֶׁה֙9 of 19

“But Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיִּבְרַ֤ח10 of 19

“fled”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מֹשֶׁה֙11 of 19

“But Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מִפְּנֵ֣י12 of 19

“from the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פַרְעֹ֔ה13 of 19

“Now when Pharaoh”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב14 of 19

“and dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאֶֽרֶץ15 of 19

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִדְיָ֖ן16 of 19

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב17 of 19

“and dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַֽל18 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַבְּאֵֽר׃19 of 19

“by a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:27Acts 7:29Genesis 24:11Genesis 29:2John 4:61 Kings 19:13-14

Places in This Verse

MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
View all places in Exodus 2 →

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