Exodus 2:7
Exodus 2:7 in Multiple Translations
Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”
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?
Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, May I go and get you one of the Hebrew women to give him the breast?
His sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, “Would you like me to go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse him for you?”
Then said his sister vnto Pharaohs daughter, Shall I go and cal vnto thee a nurce of the Ebrew women to nurce thee the childe?
And his sister saith unto the daughter of Pharaoh, 'Do I go? when I have called for thee a suckling woman of the Hebrews, then she doth suckle the lad for thee;'
Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”
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?
And the child’s sister said to her Shall I go and call to thee a Hebrew woman, to nurse the babe?
Then ◄the baby’s/my► older sister approached the king’s daughter and said, “Do you want me to go and find someone from among the Hebrew women who will be able to nurse the baby for you?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:7
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 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
אֲחֹת/וֹ֮
אֶל
בַּת
פַּרְעֹה֒
הַ/אֵלֵ֗ךְ
וְ/קָרָ֤אתִי
לָ/ךְ֙
אִשָּׁ֣ה
מֵינֶ֔קֶת
מִ֖ן
הָ/עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
וְ/תֵינִ֥ק
לָ֖/ךְ
אֶת
הַ/יָּֽלֶד
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֲחֹת/וֹ֮
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
פַּרְעֹה֒
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
הַ/אֵלֵ֗ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/קָרָ֤אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/ךְ֙
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
מֵינֶ֔קֶת
yânaq
H3243
to suckle
N-fs
מִ֖ן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngfpa
וְ/תֵינִ֥ק
yânaq
H3243
to suckle
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
לָ֖/ךְ
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יָּֽלֶד
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:7
וַ/תֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲחֹת/וֹ֮
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
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.
פַּרְעֹה֒
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
הַ/אֵלֵ֗ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/קָרָ֤אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ/ךְ֙
""
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מֵינֶ֔קֶת
yânaq
H3243
"to suckle"
N-fs
To suckle or nurse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also means to give milk. It describes the act of nursing a child.
Definition: 1) to suckle, nurse, suck 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to suck 1a2) suckling, babe (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give suck to, nurse 1b2) nursing, nursing woman, nurse (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). See also: Genesis 21:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Psalms 8:3.
מִ֖ן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/עִבְרִיֹּ֑ת
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngfpa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
וְ/תֵינִ֥ק
yânaq
H3243
"to suckle"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To suckle or nurse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which also means to give milk. It describes the act of nursing a child.
Definition: 1) to suckle, nurse, suck 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to suck 1a2) suckling, babe (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give suck to, nurse 1b2) nursing, nursing woman, nurse (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling). See also: Genesis 21:7; 2 Chronicles 22:11; Psalms 8:3.
לָ֖/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/יָּֽלֶד
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
- Sermons on Exodus 2:7
Context — The Birth and Adoption of Moses
5Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. And when she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it.
6When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”
7Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”
8“Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother. 9Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.” So the woman took the boy and nursed him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 2:4 | And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. |
| 2 | Numbers 26:59 | and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam. |
| 3 | Numbers 12:1 | Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife. |
| 4 | Exodus 15:20 | Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. |
Exodus 2:7 Summary
[This verse shows how Moses' sister, likely Miriam, helped to ensure the child's safety and well-being by offering to find a Hebrew woman to nurse him, as seen in Exodus 2:7. This act of kindness and initiative is an example of how we can trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult situations, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7. By taking care of the child, Moses' sister was also helping to preserve the Hebrew family and culture, which is an important part of God's plan, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses' sister offer to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child?
Moses' sister, likely Miriam, offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child because she wanted to ensure the child's safety and well-being, and also to keep the child connected to his Hebrew heritage, as seen in Exodus 2:7 and supported by the actions of other faithful women in the Bible, such as Jochebed in Exodus 6:20.
What is the significance of Pharaoh's daughter showing compassion to the Hebrew child?
Pharaoh's daughter showing compassion to the Hebrew child, as seen in Exodus 2:6, demonstrates that even in the midst of a pagan culture, God can work through unexpected people to bring about His plans, much like in the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, in the book of Ruth.
How did Moses' sister know that Pharaoh's daughter would agree to her proposal?
The Bible does not explicitly state how Moses' sister knew that Pharaoh's daughter would agree, but it is likely that she observed Pharaoh's daughter's compassionate nature, as seen in Exodus 2:6, and took a chance to propose a solution that would benefit both parties, trusting in God's providence, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from the actions of Moses' sister in this verse?
We can learn from Moses' sister's actions the importance of taking initiative and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Exodus 2:7 and supported by other biblical examples, such as Esther's courage in Esther 4:16, and the value of seeking to care for and protect those in need, as taught in James 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate compassion and care for those in need, like Pharaoh's daughter and Moses' sister?
- How can I trust in God's providence and sovereignty, even in uncertain or difficult situations, like the one faced by Moses' family?
- What are some ways that I can take initiative to serve and care for others, like Moses' sister did in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire to help others with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in this story?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and community in caring for one another, as seen in the actions of Moses' sister and mother?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:7
Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter,.... Miriam the sister of Moses, who observing the ark taken up, and the maidens that were walking upon the bank of the river, and other women perhaps,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
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?Ver. 7. A nurse of the Hebrew women.] God’ s providence excludeth not man’ s prudence. Here is a concurrence of both, for the preservation of the child.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
(7) Then said his sister.—Miriam had bided her time. She had still kept in the background, but had approached within hearing distance; and when the princess observed that the babe must be “one of the Hebrews’ children,” was prompt with the rejoinder, “Shall I not fetch thee then a Hebrew mother to nurse him?” If the child was to be nursed at all—if he was to be brought up—a Hebrew nurse would be the fittest. That she may nurse the child for thee.—“For thee.” Miriam divines the thought of the princess, or half divines, half anticipates it, and helps to make it take a fixed shape. She assumes that the child is to be brought up, and for the princess, as her protegé, at any rate, if not something more.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
Verse 7. Shall I go and call a nurse] Had not the different circumstances marked here been placed under the superintendence of an especial providence, there is no human probability that they could have had such a happy issue. The parents had done every thing to save their child that piety, affection, and prudence could dictate, and having done so, they left the event to God. By faith, says the apostle, Hebrews 11:23, Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Because of the king's commandment they were obliged to make use of the most prudent caution to save the child's life; and their faith in God enabled them to risk their own safety, for they were not afraid of the king's commandment- they feared God, and they had no other fear.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:7
7. of the Hebrew women] The Egyptians, even till the time when they came in contact with the Greeks (Hdt. ii. 178), were exclusive, and unfriendly towards foreigners (cf. ibid. 41; Genesis 43:32). So a native Egyptian woman would not have undertaken the task. a nurse] lit. a woman giving suck: so Genesis 24:59; Genesis 35:8. So the verb ‘nurse’ is lit. give suck to (vv. 7, 9).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:7
6-9. There is a pathos in this description which shows that the writer’s heart was in it. That princess was his adopting mother.
Sermons on Exodus 2:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Bringing Up Children Aright by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dedicating children to the Lord, drawing parallels between baptism and child dedication. It highlights the faith of Moses' parents in Hebre |
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Child Dedication by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising children as gifts from God, drawing parallels to the story of Moses being entrusted to his mother and the significance of nurturing |
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Your Little Brother by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound responsibility that older siblings have towards their younger brothers, highlighting the significant influence they wield in shaping their chara |
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Brokenness - Part 1 by David Smithers | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of brokenness and humility in the Christian walk. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 as an example of how even a sm |
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Seeing the Glory of Christ in His Person (Dutch) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being honest with God and seeking to see the glory of Jesus in Scripture. It highlights the need for true transformation from the inside ou |
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Notre Libertã© Reprã©sente Aussi Un Danger - Our Freedom Can Also Be Dangerous by Miki Hardy | This sermon delves into the concept of freedom in Christ, emphasizing the need to walk in the Spirit and not be entangled by the desires of the flesh. It explores the dangers of mi |
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A Case of Conscience Resolved by John Bunyan | John Bunyan addresses the contentious issue of whether women in a church should separate from men to conduct their own prayer meetings. He argues against this practice, emphasizing |