King James Version

What Does Exodus 2:9 Mean?

Exodus 2:9 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 2:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. Moses: that is, Drawn out

11

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (הֵילִיכִי אֶת־הַיֶּלֶד הַזֶּה וְהֵינִקִהוּ לִי, heilikhi et-hayeled hazeh vehinikhu li)—Take this child away grants permission and protection. Nurse it for me makes Moses legally the princess's property while physically in his mother's care. I will give thee thy wages (שָׂכָר, sakhar) means Jochebed is paid to raise her own son—God's abundant provision beyond mere preservation. The repetition "the woman took the child and nursed it" concludes the transaction. Jochebed's faith receives full reward: her son lives, she raises him with payment, and he'll be positioned to deliver Israel. Every detail serves God's purpose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wet nursing contracts typically specified duration and compensation. Royal wages would have been generous, elevating Moses' family's standard of living. The 2-3 year nursing period gave Jochebed time to teach Moses his Hebrew identity, prepare him for the transition to palace life, and instill faith in YHWH—formation that endured despite Egyptian education (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of wages for Jochebed's faithful service illustrate that He rewards those who trust Him?
  2. What does Moses' dual formation (Hebrew mother, Egyptian education) teach about preparing believers to function in hostile cultures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַתֹּ֧אמֶר1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֣הּ2 of 18
H0
בַּת3 of 18

“daughter”

H1323

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

פַּרְעֹ֗ה4 of 18

“And Pharaoh's”

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

הֵילִ֜יכִי5 of 18
H1980

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

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

הַיֶּ֖לֶד7 of 18

“the child”

H3206

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

הַזֶּה֙8 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהֵֽינִקִ֣הוּ9 of 18

“and nurse”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

לִ֔י10 of 18
H0
וַֽאֲנִ֖י11 of 18
H589

i

אֶתֵּ֣ן12 of 18

“it for me and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת13 of 18
H853

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

שְׂכָרֵ֑ךְ14 of 18

“thee thy wages”

H7939

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

וַתִּקַּ֧ח15 of 18

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֛ה16 of 18

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

הַיֶּ֖לֶד17 of 18

“the child”

H3206

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

וַתְּנִיקֵֽהוּ׃18 of 18

“and nursed”

H5134

to suckle

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 2:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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