King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:7 Mean?

Exodus 2:7 in the King James Version says “Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

Exodus 2:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

6

And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.

7

Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

8

And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? (הַאֵלֵךְ וְקָרָאתִי לָךְ אִשָּׁה מֵינֶקֶת, ha'elekh vekarati lakh ishah meineqet)—Miriam's boldness and presence of mind are remarkable. She seizes the moment, offering a practical solution that will reunite Moses with his mother. A nurse of the Hebrew women is brilliant strategy: Hebrew women are available and willing (unlike Egyptian women who might refuse), and it allows the child to be nursed by his own mother while in royal protection. God uses Miriam's quick thinking to perfect His plan. This is faith in action—seeing God's providential opening and stepping through it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wet nurses were common in the ancient world, especially in royal households. Egyptian art depicts nurses caring for noble children. That Pharaoh's daughter accepts a Hebrew nurse suggests pragmatic need outweighed prejudice—or perhaps God inclined her heart. Nursing typically lasted 2-3 years (cf. 2 Samuel 4:4), giving Jochebed time to instill Hebrew identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Miriam's readiness to act when opportunity appears challenge you to be alert for God's providential moments?
  2. What does this scene teach about God's ability to use our natural skills and quick thinking within His sovereign plans?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 16

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲחֹתוֹ֮2 of 16

his sister

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּת4 of 16

daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

פַּרְעֹה֒5 of 16

to Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הַֽאֵלֵ֗ךְ6 of 16
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְקָרָ֤אתִי7 of 16

and call

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָךְ֙8 of 16
H0
אִשָּׁ֣ה9 of 16

women

H802

a woman

וְתֵינִ֥ק10 of 16

that she may nurse

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

מִ֖ן11 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽעִבְרִיֹּ֑ת12 of 16

of the Hebrew

H5680

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

וְתֵינִ֥ק13 of 16

that she may nurse

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

לָ֖ךְ14 of 16
H0
אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

הַיָּֽלֶד׃16 of 16

the child

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring


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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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