King James Version
Exodus 2:17 in the King James Version says “And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.”
Exodus 2:17 · KJV
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
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the shepherds”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
“and drove them away”
H1644to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
“stood up”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
“and helped”
H3467properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
“them and watered”
H8248to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“their flock”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge