Exodus 2:16
Exodus 2:16 in Multiple Translations
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came to get water for their father's flock.
the Midianite priest's seven daughters came to fetch water to fill up the troughs so their father's flock could drink.
And the Priest of Midian had seue daughters, which came and drewe water, and filled the troghes, for to water their fathers sheepe.
And to a priest of Midian [are] seven daughters, and they come and draw, and fill the troughs, to water the flock of their father,
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
And the priest of Madian had seven daughters, who came to draw water: and when the troughs were filled, desired to water their father’s flocks.
The man who was the ◄priest/one who offered the people’s gifts to God► for the Midian people, whose name was Jethro, had seven daughters. One day as Moses/I sat down beside a well, those girls came to the well and got water, and filled the troughs in order to give water to their father’s flock of sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 2:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֥ן
מִדְיָ֖ן
שֶׁ֣בַע
בָּנ֑וֹת
וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה
וַ/תִּדְלֶ֗נָה
וַ/תְּמַלֶּ֨אנָה֙
אֶת
הָ֣/רְהָטִ֔ים
לְ/הַשְׁק֖וֹת
צֹ֥אן
אֲבִי/הֶֽן
וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
בָּנ֑וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
וַ/תִּדְלֶ֗נָה
dâlâh
H1802
to draw (up/out)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
וַ/תְּמַלֶּ֨אנָה֙
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/רְהָטִ֔ים
rahaṭ
H7298
trough
Art | N-mp
לְ/הַשְׁק֖וֹת
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
אֲבִי/הֶֽן
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:16
וּ/לְ/כֹהֵ֥ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
שֶׁ֣בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
בָּנ֑וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וַ/תָּבֹ֣אנָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/תִּדְלֶ֗נָה
dâlâh
H1802
"to draw (up/out)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to pull something up, like drawing water from a well. It can also mean to deliver or rescue someone, as in lifting them up from trouble.
Definition: 1) to draw, dangle 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw 1a2) drawing advice (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to draw up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: draw (out), [idiom] enough, lift up. See also: Exodus 2:16; Psalms 30:2; Proverbs 20:5.
וַ/תְּמַלֶּ֨אנָה֙
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ֣/רְהָטִ֔ים
rahaṭ
H7298
"trough"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word refers to a lock of hair or a channel for water, like a gutter or trough. It is used to describe the temple's design in Ezekiel 40-42. The word is also used to describe a ringlet of hair.
Definition: trough, hollow
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gallery, gutter, trough. See also: Genesis 30:38; Exodus 2:16; Song of Solomon 7:6.
לְ/הַשְׁק֖וֹת
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
צֹ֥אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
אֲבִי/הֶֽן
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:16
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
- Sermons on Exodus 2:16
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
14But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? ” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
15When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.
16Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
17And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. 18When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:11 | As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water. |
| 2 | Exodus 3:1 | Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 9:11 | And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” |
| 4 | Genesis 24:14–20 | Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again. So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels. |
| 5 | Genesis 29:6–10 | “Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep.” “Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.” But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.” While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. |
| 6 | Genesis 41:45 | Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt. |
| 7 | Genesis 14:18 | Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High — |
Exodus 2:16 Summary
This verse tells us about the seven daughters of the priest of Midian, who came to draw water to care for their father's flock. It shows us the importance of taking care of our responsibilities and helping others, just like the daughters did. As we read in Proverbs 31:27, we should strive to be diligent and responsible in our daily tasks, just like the daughters of the priest of Midian. By doing so, we can trust God to provide for us and guide us, just as He did for Moses and the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the priest of Midian mentioned in Exodus 2:16?
The priest of Midian is Reuel, also known as Jethro, who is Moses' future father-in-law, as seen in Exodus 3:1 and Exodus 18:1-6.
Why did the daughters of the priest of Midian come to draw water?
The daughters came to draw water to fill the troughs and water their father's flock, as part of their daily responsibilities, similar to the tasks described in Genesis 29:1-10 where Jacob waters the flock of Laban.
What can we learn from the daily tasks of the daughters of the priest of Midian?
We can learn about the importance of diligence and responsibility in our daily tasks, as seen in Proverbs 31:27, where the virtuous woman looks after her family and household.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Moses' story?
This verse sets the stage for Moses' encounter with his future wife, Zipporah, and his integration into the family of the priest of Midian, as seen in Exodus 2:17-22, and ultimately, his call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some daily tasks that I can approach with the same diligence and responsibility as the daughters of the priest of Midian?
- How can I use my daily tasks as opportunities to serve others and glorify God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24?
- What can I learn from the way the daughters of the priest of Midian worked together to care for their father's flock, and how can I apply this to my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for me, just as the daughters of the priest of Midian trusted God to provide for their father's flock, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters,.... Who being a descendant of Abraham might have retained the knowledge of the true God, and might be a priest of his, as Melchizedek was, or otherwise
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
The Priest of Midian; not of idols, for then Moses would not have married into his family; but of the true God; for some such were in those ancient times here and there, as appears by Melchisedek, though his manner of worshipping God might be superstitious and corrupt: or the Hebrew cohen may here signify a prince, or a potentate, as . Nor doth the employment of his daughters contradict that translation, both because principalities were then many of them very small and mean, and because this employment then was esteemed noble, and worthy of great men’ s daughters, as appears from 29:6, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
Exodus 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father’ s flock.Ver. 16. Now the priest.] Or, Prince. The old Egyptians chose their kings from among the priests. Samuel was both a priest and a judge in Israel. The Emperor of Rome had for one of his titles Pontifex Maximus, the high priest. Among the Turks, the judges at this day are ever ecclesiastical persons, whereby both orders joined give reputation to one another, and maintenance. And they came and drew water.] They were not so delicately bred as our dainty dames are now-a-days, but did earn before they eat. Blunt’ s Voyage, p. 89.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
(16) The priest of Midian.—Reuel may have been both “priest” and “prince,” like Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18); but there is no reason to doubt that he is here called “priest.” In Exodus 18:12, Jethro is represented as exercising priestly functions. The Midianites, descendants of Abraham by Keturah, worshipped the true God, and seem to have been at this time a religious people. The name Reuel, or Raguel, means “friend of God.” Jethro’s sacrifices were “for God,” and Aaron and the elders eat bread with him “before God.” They came and drew water.—Comp. Genesis 29:9. According to Oriental ideas, there is nothing derogatory in the daughters of a chief so acting.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
Verse 16. The priest of Midian] Or prince, or both; for the original כהן cohen has both meanings. See it explained at large, See Clarke on Genesis 15:18. The transaction here very nearly resembles that mentioned Gen. xxix. concerning Jacob and Rachel; see the notes there.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:16
16. the priest of Midian] the chief priest of the tribe, or settlement, and so a person of some importance. On the duties and position of the old Arabian ‘priest,’ see on Exodus 28:1. drew water] cf. Genesis 29:9 (Rachel). To the present day, among the Bedawin of the Sin. Peninsula, ‘the men consider it beneath them to take the flocks to pasture’; it is ‘the exclusive duty of the unmarried girls,’ and those thus employed spend the whole day with the sheep (Burckhardt, Syria, 1822, p. 531, Bedouins, 1831, i. 351 f., cited by Kn.; cf. Doughty, Arabia Deserta, 1888, i. 306, 322). the troughs] The word rendered, not very happily, gutters in Genesis 30:38; Genesis 30:41. Such troughs are still found regularly in the East about wells; they are often made of stone.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:16
The Priest of Midian - Reuel Exodus 2:18. His name, and the detailed notices in Exo. 18, prove that he was a priest of the one true God who was known to the patriarchs especially under the name El.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:16
16, 17. Moses’s quick sense of right, and promptness to help the weak, are seen in the desert as well as in the brick-field, and he secures the hospitality of Reuel as Jacob did that of Laban.
Sermons on Exodus 2:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 6- Moses the Man of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his 40 years in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the lessons that God wanted to teach Moses during this time. One l |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w |
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A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers |
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Matthew Ch2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Symbola shares a personal experience he had with a couple who came to him seeking help. Despite feeling physically and emotionally drained, Pastor Symbola re |
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Help Wanted a Steward by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16. The steward realizes that he has wasted his life and possessions and decides to make amends |