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.

EXODUS 2:11KJV
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Exodus 2:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 2:11 mean?

Exodus 2:11 describes how, after Moses had grown up, he went out to see his fellow Israelites and noticed the hard labor they were forced to do. During this visit, Moses saw an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew people, who were his own kin.

This verse sets the stage for Moses’ personal connection to the suffering of the Israelites. The story is told by the narrator, focusing on Moses as an adult who is aware of his heritage and moved by the injustice he witnesses. This moment marks a turning point, showing Moses identifying with the Hebrews rather than the Egyptians, which will shape his actions in the chapters that follow.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 2:11

  • grown (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means "to become great" or "to grow up." It emphasizes that Moses is now mature, both in age and status, ready to make significant choices.
  • looked (רָאָה, ra’ah): The word used here means more than just seeing; it often carries the sense of looking with attention or concern. Moses is not just a passerby—he is paying close attention to the burdens of his people.
  • burdens (סֵבֶל, sevel): This word refers to heavy loads or forced labor. It highlights the harsh conditions the Hebrews were enduring under Egyptian rule.
  • smiting (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means "to strike" or "to beat." The word choice makes clear that the Egyptian’s action was violent and harmful, not just a minor quarrel.

Why Exodus 2:11 matters

  • Exodus 2:11 clarifies that Moses was aware of his Hebrew identity and felt a connection to the suffering of his people, even though he was raised in Pharaoh’s household.
  • The verse emphasizes Moses’ choice to identify with the oppressed rather than remain distant in his privileged position, which is important for understanding his later role as a leader and deliverer.
  • This moment introduces the conflict between the Egyptians and Hebrews on a personal level for Moses, setting up the events that will lead to his eventual flight from Egypt and his calling by God.

Where else these words appear

“burdens” Hebrew H5450 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 1:11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
  • Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
  • Exodus 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

“Egyptian” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

“Hebrew” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:7 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?
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

“grown” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.