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 2:13KJV
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Exodus 2:13 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“strove” Hebrew H5327 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
  • Deuteronomy 25:11 When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets:
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

“Hebrews” 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.