King James Version
Exodus 2:16 in the King James Version says “Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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”
Exodus 2:16 · KJV
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
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.
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
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? Reuel: called also Jethro, or, Jether
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Now the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
“of Midian”
H4080midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
“had seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
“daughters”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
“and drew”
H1802properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver
“water and filled”
H4390to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the troughs”
H7298a channel or watering-box; by resemblance a ringlet of hair (as forming parallel lines)
“flock”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
“their father's”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
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.
Exodus 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge