Exodus 2:13
Exodus 2:13 in Multiple Translations
The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?”
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?
And he went out the second day, and, behold, two men of the Hebrews were striving together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
And he went out the day after and saw two of the Hebrews fighting: and he said to him who was in the wrong, Why are you fighting your brother?
The following day he went back and he saw two Hebrews fighting with each other. He said to the one at fault, “Why are you beating one of your own people?”
Againe he came forth the second day, and behold, two Ebrewes stroue: and he said vnto him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellowe?
And he goeth out on the second day, and lo, two men, Hebrews, striving! and he saith to the wrong-doer, 'Why dost thou smite thy neighbour?'
He went out the second day, and behold, two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. He said to him who did the wrong, “Why do you strike your fellow?”
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, Why smitest thou thy fellow?
And going out the next day, he saw two Hebrews quarrelling: and he said to him that did the wrong: Why strikest thou thy neighbour?
The next day he/I returned to the same place. He/I was surprised to see two Hebrew men who were fighting each other. He/I said to the man who started the fight, “Why are you ◄you should not be► striking your fellow Hebrew.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:13
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 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
שְׁנֵֽי
אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
עִבְרִ֖ים
נִצִּ֑ים
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
לָֽ/רָשָׁ֔ע
לָ֥/מָּה
תַכֶּ֖ה
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Ngmpa
נִצִּ֑ים
nâtsâh
H5327
to struggle
V-Niphal
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָֽ/רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:13
וַ/יֵּצֵא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
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.
עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Ngmpa
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.
נִצִּ֑ים
nâtsâh
H5327
"to struggle"
V-Niphal
To desolate or lay waste, this word describes the destruction of a city or land. It is used in the book of Jeremiah to describe the fall of Jerusalem. The word implies a complete ruin.
Definition: 1) to struggle 1a) (Niphal) to struggle 1b) (Hiphil) to struggle
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be laid waste, runinous, strive (together). See also: Exodus 2:13; 2 Samuel 14:6; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לָֽ/רָשָׁ֔ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַכֶּ֖ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
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.
רֵעֶֽ/ךָ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:13
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
- Sermons on Exodus 2:13
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
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.” 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:26–28 | 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?’ But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 6:7–8 | The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers! |
Exodus 2:13 Summary
This verse shows us that Moses cared about treating others with kindness and respect, and he wanted to stop people from fighting with each other. He asked the man who was in the wrong why he was attacking his companion, which teaches us to think about how our actions affect others, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-25. Moses' actions remind us to try to live at peace with everyone, as it says in Romans 12:18, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Matthew 22:39. By following Moses' example and God's commands, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and loving community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses intervene in the fight between the two Hebrews?
Moses intervened because he wanted to stop the injustice and promote peace among his people, as seen in his actions in Exodus 2:11-12, and this desire for justice is also reflected in other scriptures such as Proverbs 24:23-25 and Isaiah 1:17.
What can we learn from Moses' question to the Hebrew who was in the wrong?
Moses' question, 'Why are you attacking your companion?' teaches us the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others and to treat others with kindness and respect, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How does this verse relate to Moses' earlier actions in Exodus 2:12?
This verse shows that Moses' actions in killing the Egyptian and then trying to break up the fight between the two Hebrews demonstrate his desire to protect and care for his people, but also reveal his impulsiveness and need for guidance, as seen in his later encounters with God in Exodus 3:1-4:17.
What does this verse reveal about Moses' character?
This verse reveals that Moses was a man who cared deeply about justice and his people, but also struggled with impulsiveness and a lack of patience, characteristics that are also seen in other biblical leaders such as David in 1 Samuel 24:1-7 and Peter in Matthew 16:21-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can promote peace and justice in my own community, just like Moses tried to do among the Hebrews?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need for patience and self-control, as Moses struggled with in this verse?
- What are some times when I have seen conflict or injustice in my own life or community, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I apply the principle of loving my neighbor as myself, as seen in Leviticus 19:18, to my interactions with others, especially those who may be difficult to get along with?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:13
And when he went out the second day,.... The day following: behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together; which the Jewish writers (h) take to be Dathan and Abiram: and he said to him that did the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:13
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? Two men of the Hebrews strove.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
The next day after that achievement, he returns to execute the office in which God had set him as a judge, whose work it is both to destroy enemies, and to reconcile brethren.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
Exodus 2:13 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?Ver. 13. Behold, two men of the Hebrews strove.] What pity was it that brethren should strive, and one Hebrew smite another, as if blows enough were not dealt them by the Egyptians! Still Satan is thus busy, and Christians are thus malicious. Thus we have seen doves beat, and sheep butt one another. Jonathan and Rab. Solomon boldly say that these two striving Hebrews were Dathan and Abiram; and that the other Hebrew smitten by the Egyptian was the husband of Salomith the daughter of Dabri!
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
(13) The second day—i.e., the next day. Him that did the wrong.—Heb., the wicked one. Our version follows the LXX. Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?—Comp. Acts 7:26, where the words of Moses are reported somewhat differently, “Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?” In either case there was no offensive assumption of authority. But the wrong doer took offence, nevertheless.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
Verse 13. Two men of the Hebrews strove together] How strange that in the very place where they were suffering a heavy persecution because they were Hebrews, the very persons themselves who suffered it should be found persecuting each other! It has been often seen that in those times in which the ungodly oppressed the Church of Christ, its own members have been separated from each other by disputes concerning comparatively unessential points of doctrine and discipline, in consequence of which both they and the truth have become an easy prey to those whose desire was to waste the heritage of the Lord. The Targum of Jonathan says that the two persons who strove were Dathan and Abiram.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:13
13. strove] i.e. quarrelled, fought: cf. Exodus 21:22; 2 Samuel 14:6.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:13
Thy fellow - “Thy neighbor.” the reproof was that of a legislator who established moral obligations on a recognized principle.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:13
13, 14. “But they understood not;” the iron had not yet gone deep enough into their souls, and Moses’s self-sacrifice in their behalf was too sublime for them to see.
Sermons on Exodus 2:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Revivals That Stay by E.M. Bounds | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'machomai,' which signifies intense conflict, whether physical or non-physical, often leading to bitter disputes. This word is used in the B |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility in seeking wisdom from God's Word, highlighting the need to acknowledge our limitations in understanding spiritual truths. It also |
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Corinthians: Christian Conduct by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding our position as believers in Christ. He emphasizes that we are free from the bondage of the law and have been |
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John 5:39-47 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of diligently searching the Scriptures to find eternal life in Christ, rather than merely reading them superficially. He points out that t |
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John 1:21-27 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of envy, highlighting how it harms the envious first before causing any harm to others, emphasizing the importance of enduring wrong rath |