Exodus 2:12
Exodus 2:12 in Multiple Translations
After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand.
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he smote the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
And turning this way and that, and seeing no one, he put the Egyptian to death, covering his body with sand.
He looked all around to make sure no one was watching, and then he killed the Egyptian and buried his body in the sand.
And he looked rounde about, and when he sawe no man, hee slewe the Egyptian, and hid him in the sande.
and he turneth hither and thither, and seeth that there is no man, and smiteth the Egyptian, and hideth him in the sand.
He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.
And when he had looked about this way and that way, and saw no one there, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
He/I looked around to see if anyone was watching. Seeing no one, he/I killed the Egyptian man and buried his body in the sand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:12
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 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
כֹּה֙
וָ/כֹ֔ה
וַ/יַּ֖רְא
כִּ֣י
אֵ֣ין
אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/יַּךְ֙
אֶת
הַ/מִּצְרִ֔י
וַֽ/יִּטְמְנֵ֖/הוּ
בַּ/חֽוֹל
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֹּה֙
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
וָ/כֹ֔ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Conj | Adv
וַ/יַּ֖רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/יַּךְ֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מִּצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Art | Ngmsa
וַֽ/יִּטְמְנֵ֖/הוּ
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בַּ/חֽוֹל
chôwl
H2344
sand
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:12
וַ/יִּ֤פֶן
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
כֹּה֙
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
וָ/כֹ֔ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
וַ/יַּ֖רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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/יַּךְ֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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/מִּצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
Art | Ngmsa
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
וַֽ/יִּטְמְנֵ֖/הוּ
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
בַּ/חֽוֹל
chôwl
H2344
"sand"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to sand, describing it as round or whirling particles. It is used in the Bible to talk about the desert or beach, and is often translated simply as 'sand'.
Definition: sand
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: sand. See also: Genesis 22:17; Job 6:3; Psalms 78:27.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
- Sermons on Exodus 2:12
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
10When 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.”
11One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.
12After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand.
13The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:24–26 | And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting, and he tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’ |
Exodus 2:12 Summary
[This verse tells us that Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and decided to take action to defend him. He looked around to make sure no one was watching, then struck down the Egyptian and hid his body. This act was motivated by Moses' desire to help his people, but it was not the right way to do it, as we see in the consequences that follow. We can learn from Moses' example that we should trust in God's justice and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as seen in Psalm 37:7-9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses strike down the Egyptian?
Moses struck down the Egyptian because he saw him beating a Hebrew, one of his own people, and he was trying to defend him, as seen in Exodus 2:11. This act was a result of his compassion and desire to help his people, much like God's heart for the oppressed in Isaiah 1:17.
Was Moses' action justified?
While Moses' intention to help the Hebrew was good, his method of killing the Egyptian was not justified, as it was an act of vigilante justice. The Bible teaches us to trust in God's justice and timing, as seen in Romans 12:19, rather than taking matters into our own hands.
What can we learn from Moses' actions in this verse?
We can learn that our actions have consequences, and we must consider the potential outcomes before acting, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8. Moses' actions led to fear and the need to flee, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our decisions.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Moses' story?
This verse marks a significant turning point in Moses' life, as it leads to his flight to Midian and his eventual call by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery, as seen in Exodus 3:1-10. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, even when our own actions may seem to have negative consequences.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel the need to take action to defend or help others, and how can I trust in God's justice and timing in those situations?
- How do I balance my desire to help others with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and plan?
- What are some potential consequences of taking matters into my own hands, and how can I avoid those consequences by seeking God's guidance?
- In what ways can I demonstrate compassion and care for others, like Moses did in this verse, while also trusting in God's justice and plan?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:12
And he looked this way, and that way,.... All around, to observe if there were any within sight who could see what he did; which did not arise from any consciousness of any evil he was about to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:12
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
Looked this way and that way; not from conscience of guilt in what he intended, but from human and warrantable prudence. This action of Moses was extraordinary, and is not to be justified by the common right of defending the oppressed, which belongs not to private persons, ; but only by his Divine and special vocation to be the ruler and deliverer of Israel. Which call of his, howsoever manifested, whether by his father, as Josephus saith, or immediately to himself, was evident to his own conscience, and he gave this as a signal to make it evident to the people.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
Exodus 2:12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that [there was] no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.Ver. 12. He slew the Egyptian.] This deed of his was heroic and extraordinary, and therefore not to be imitated by every Birchet, who, by this example of Moses and that other of Ehud, persuaded himself it was lawful to kill such as oppose the truth of the gospel: whereupon he wounded Hawkins, slew his keeper, and thought he had a calling to kill a great personage in this kingdom, whom he took to be God’ s enemy. The like madness is reported of the Monasterian Anabaptists. Camden’ s Elisab., fol. 174. Mr Bayly’ s Dissuas., part 2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
(12) He looked this way and that way.—To see that no one observed him. He slew the Egyptian.—Jewish commentators gloss over the act, or even eulogise it as patriotic and heroical. But it was clearly the deed of a hasty and undisciplined spirit. The offence did not deserve death, and if it had, Moses had neither legal office nor Divine call, justifying him in making himself an executioner. The result was, that, by his one wrong act, Moses put it out of his power to do anything towards alleviating the sufferings of his brethren for forty years. Hid him in the sand.—To the east of the Delta the sand creeps up close to the cultivated grounds. There are even patches of it within the Delta itself. Moses naturally remembered that he dug the grave “in the sand.” Any other writer would probably have said “in the ground.”
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:12
11–14. The first acts of Moses’ manhood. He chivalrously interposes, first on behalf of an Israelite maltreated by an Egyptian, and then in a quarrel between two Israelites. On account of his slaughter of the Egyptian, he is obliged to flee to Midian. Cf., in St Stephen’s speech, Acts 7:23-29.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:12
The slaying of the Egyptian is not to be justified, or attributed to a divine inspiration, but it is to be judged with reference to the provocation, the impetuosity of Moses’ natural character,
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:12
MOSES’S FAILURE, AND FLIGHT FROM EGYPT, Exodus 2:11-22. 11, 12. Looked on their burdens — Looked with sympathy and longed to help. St. Stephen says (Acts 7:23) that he was now forty years old.
Sermons on Exodus 2:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Effort Noblest Cause by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the life and mindset of the apostle Paul, particularly in his letter to Timothy. The speaker highlights four key aspects of Paul's life that |
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Pilgrims Problems No. 3 Strong Drink by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of the book, highlighting its role in bringing misery, immorality, blasphemy, stupidity, incapability, and leading to et |
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Our Daily Homily - Exodus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt led to their multiplication, illustrating that God's people often thrive under persecution. He draws parallels bet |