And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
EXODUS 2:13KJVWhat does Exodus 2:13 mean?
Exodus 2:13 describes Moses witnessing two Hebrew men fighting and confronting the one who was in the wrong, asking why he was striking his fellow Hebrew. The verse shows Moses stepping in to address conflict among his own people, not just between Hebrews and Egyptians.
Moses, having already intervened the previous day when an Egyptian was harming a Hebrew, now sees two Hebrews in conflict. He speaks directly to the one who is acting unjustly, highlighting his concern for justice and unity among his people. This moment reveals Moses’s growing awareness of the problems within his own community, not just oppression from outsiders.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 2:13
- The word for "strove" is נִצִּים (nitsim), which means to quarrel or fight. This word suggests a heated dispute, not just a minor disagreement, showing the seriousness of the conflict Moses witnessed.
- The word for "wrong" is רָשָׁע (rasha), meaning wicked or guilty. Moses addresses the one who is clearly in the wrong, not treating both men as equally responsible.
- The word for "fellow" is רֵעַ (re'a), meaning companion or neighbor. This emphasizes that the men are equals and part of the same community, making the violence between them especially troubling.
Why Exodus 2:13 matters
- This verse shows that conflict and injustice can exist within a community, not just from outside oppression, and that Moses is attentive to both.
- By addressing the wrongdoer directly, Moses demonstrates a sense of responsibility and leadership, even before his official calling.
- The verse sets up the events that follow, where Moses’s actions among his people lead to further consequences and shape his future role.