Exodus 2:21
Exodus 2:21 in Multiple Translations
Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
And Moses was happy to go on living with the man; and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses.
Moses agreed to stay with the man, who arranged for his daughter Zipporah to marry Moses.
And Moses agreed to dwell with the man: who gaue vnto Moses Zipporah his daughter:
And Moses is willing to dwell with the man, and he giveth Zipporah his daughter to Moses,
Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.
And Moses swore that he would dwell with him. And he took Sephora his daughter to wife:
So they did, and Moses/I accepted and ate with them. And Moses/I decided to live there. Later Jethro gave him/me his daughter Zipporah to be his/my wife.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּ֥וֹאֶל
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
אֶת
הָ/אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן
אֶת
צִפֹּרָ֥ה
בִתּ֖/וֹ
לְ/מֹשֶֽׁה
וַ/יּ֥וֹאֶל
yâʼal
H2974
be willing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הָ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צִפֹּרָ֥ה
Tsippôrâh
H6855
Zipporah
N-proper
בִתּ֖/וֹ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
לְ/מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:21
וַ/יּ֥וֹאֶל
yâʼal
H2974
"be willing"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.
Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הָ/אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
צִפֹּרָ֥ה
Tsippôrâh
H6855
"Zipporah"
N-proper
Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, a priest in Midian. Her name means bird in Hebrew, and she played an important role in Moses' life. She is mentioned in Exodus 2:21 and 4:25 as the wife of Moses.
Definition: A woman living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.21; daughter of: Jethro (H3503); sister of: Eliasaph (H0460) and Hobab (H2246); married to Moses (H4872); mother of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H) § Zipporah = "bird" daughter of Reuel or Jethro, wife of Moses, and mother of Gershom and Eliezer
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Zipporah. See also: Exodus 2:21; Exodus 4:25; Exodus 18:2.
בִתּ֖/וֹ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
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.
לְ/מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
Prep | N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:21
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
- Sermons on Exodus 2:21
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
19“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”
20“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”
21Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.
22And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.” 23After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:38–40 | I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:5 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:25 | He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:6 | Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. |
| 5 | Exodus 4:20–25 | So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son, and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’” Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. |
| 6 | Exodus 2:10 | When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, “I drew him out of the water.” |
| 7 | Exodus 18:2–6 | After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” |
| 8 | Philippians 4:11–12 | I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. |
| 9 | James 1:10 | But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. |
| 10 | Numbers 12:1 | Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife. |
Exodus 2:21 Summary
[Moses agreed to stay with Jethro and marry his daughter Zipporah, which shows that he was willing to be humble and receive guidance and support from others, as seen in Exodus 2:21. This decision was an important part of God's plan to prepare Moses for his future role as leader of the Israelites, as stated in Exodus 3:1-4:17. By being open to the people and circumstances in our lives, we can, like Moses, be shaped and prepared for our own unique roles and responsibilities, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. As we consider our own relationships and circumstances, we can ask God to help us be humble and receptive to His guidance, just like Moses was, and trust that He is working everything out for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses agree to stay with Jethro, the man who gave him his daughter in marriage?
Moses agreed to stay with Jethro because he had shown kindness to Moses by giving him food and water, as seen in Exodus 2:19-20, and this act of kindness led to a deeper relationship and eventually marriage to his daughter Zipporah, as stated in Exodus 2:21.
Who is Zipporah and why is she important in the story of Moses?
Zipporah is the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest, and she became the wife of Moses, as mentioned in Exodus 2:21, and later played a significant role in Moses' life, as seen in Exodus 4:24-26 and Exodus 18:1-6.
What can we learn from Moses' decision to marry Zipporah and stay with her family?
Moses' decision to marry Zipporah and stay with her family shows that he was willing to be humble and receive guidance and support from others, as seen in Exodus 2:21, and this is a valuable lesson for us today, as we are called to be humble and receptive to the guidance of others, as stated in Proverbs 11:2 and 1 Peter 5:6.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Moses and the Israelites?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses, as it marks the beginning of his new life in Midian and sets the stage for his future role as leader of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17, and it also highlights the importance of family and relationships in the life of Moses, as mentioned in Exodus 4:24-26 and Exodus 18:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God uses the people and circumstances in our lives to shape us and prepare us for our future roles and responsibilities, as seen in the life of Moses?
- How can we, like Moses, be open to receiving guidance and support from others, and what are some potential benefits of doing so, as stated in Proverbs 11:2 and 1 Peter 5:6?
- What are some ways that we can demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn from others, as Moses did when he married Zipporah and stayed with her family, and how can this impact our relationships and our walk with God, as seen in Exodus 2:21 and Exodus 4:24-26?
- How does the story of Moses and Zipporah remind us of the importance of family and relationships in our lives, and what are some ways that we can nurture and prioritize these relationships, as mentioned in Exodus 4:24-26 and Exodus 18:1-6?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:21
And Moses was content to dwell with the man,.... After he had been called and brought into the house, and had had some refreshment, and after some conversation had passed between them, and perhaps
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:21
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 2:21
Moses was content; or, consented to this desire or offer. And so his present and temporary repose there is turned into a settled habitation. Moses married Zipporah not instantly, but after some years of acquaintance with the family, as may probably be gathered from the youngness and uncircumcisedness of one of his sons forty years after this, . In which time, as Moses would not fail to instruct them in the knowledge of the true God, which he was able excellently to do, so it is likely he had succeeded therein in some measure, and therefore married Zipporah.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
Exodus 2:21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.Ver. 21. Zipporah his daughter.] A peevish piece; a cold armful. He had better, haply, have been married to a quartan ague. Sulla felix si non hobuisset uxorem, &c. It is not ill to marry, but good to be wary, lest we make shipwreck in the haven. ψυχρονπαρατκαλισμα. - Lycophron.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
(21) Moses was content to dwell with the man.—Reuel must have been so pleased with the manner and appearance of Moses that he invited him to take service with him—perhaps to share his tent. Moses consented, and in course of time took to wife Zipporah, one of Reuel’s daughters. Marriage with the Midianites was allowed, even under the Law. It has been conjectured that Reuel might have communicated to Moses traditions, or even documents concerning their common ancestor, Abraham, and his family. But there is nothing to indicate the use of letters at this early date by the Midianites.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
Verse 21. Zipporah his daughter.] Abul Farajius calls her "Saphura the black, daughter of Rewel the Midianite, the son of Dedan, the son of Abraham by his wife Keturah." The Targum calls her the granddaughter of Reuel. It appears that Moses obtained Zipporah something in the same way that Jacob obtained Rachel; namely, for the performance of certain services, probably keeping of sheep: see Exodus 3:1.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:21
21. was content] or agreed; cf. Judges 17:11; Judges 19:6.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:21
Moses tells us nothing of what he may have learned from his father-in-law, but he must have found in him a man conversant with the traditions of the family of Abraham; nor is there any improbability
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:21
21, 22. The Egyptian prince is content to become the shepherd of an humble Arab priest, whose daughter, a child of the desert, becomes the Zipporah (little bird) of his wilderness home.
Sermons on Exodus 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |
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2005 Missions Conference - Session 1 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man named Tim who experienced a traumatic event with his father. Despite the pain and fear he went through, Tim at |
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Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being e |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |
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A Psalm of Remembrance by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a foreigner describing the fruits of his land to emphasize the limitations of human description when it comes to conveying the good |
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Ringing the Bell - Samuel by Harmon Schmelzenbach | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal testimony of how he was saved in a small mud church in Africa. He emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and how it transformed hi |
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The Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of a man who initially failed in his mission but later became a powerful leader. The speaker then shifts the focus to Jesus, empha |