King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:24 Mean?

Exodus 2:24 in the King James Version says “And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exodus 2:24 · KJV


Context

22

And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. Gershom: that is, A stranger here

23

And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

24

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

25

And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. had: Heb. knew


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob (וַיִּשְׁמַע אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נַאֲקָתָם וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּרִיתוֹ אֶת־אַבְרָהָם אֶת־יִצְחָק וְאֶת־יַעֲקֹב, vayishma Elohim et-na'akatam vayizkhor Elohim et-berito et-Avraham et-Yitschak ve'et-Ya'akov)—Four emphatic verbs with "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) as subject: heard, remembered, looked (v. 25), knew (v. 25). Remembered his covenant doesn't imply God forgot—Hebrew זָכַר (zakhar, "remember") means "act in accordance with." God moves to fulfill covenant promises made centuries earlier (Genesis 15:13-14, 17:7-8). The threefold invocation—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—emphasizes covenant continuity across generations. Redemption begins with God's faithfulness, not human merit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17) promised land, descendants, and blessing. Genesis 15:13-14 specifically foretold Egyptian bondage and subsequent deliverance. God's "remembering" at this moment fulfills His prophetic word given 400+ years prior. This theme of divine faithfulness to covenant will pervade Exodus and all subsequent redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's 'remembering' His covenant after centuries encourage your faith when promises seem delayed?
  2. What does the invocation of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob teach about God's faithfulness spanning generations and outlasting human lifespans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע1 of 14

heard

H8085

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

אֱלֹהִים֙2 of 14

And God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

נַֽאֲקָתָ֑ם4 of 14

their groaning

H5009

a groan

וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר5 of 14

remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֱלֹהִים֙6 of 14

And God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

בְּרִית֔וֹ8 of 14

his covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֶת9 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַבְרָהָ֖ם10 of 14

with Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶת11 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יִצְחָ֥ק12 of 14

with Isaac

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וְאֶֽת13 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יַעֲקֹֽב׃14 of 14

and with Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch


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 2:24 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 2:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study