Exodus 2:17
Exodus 2:17 in Multiple Translations
And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
And the keepers of the sheep came up and were driving them away; but Moses got up and came to their help, watering their flock for them.
Some shepherds arrived and chased them off, but Moses intervened and rescued them, and watered their flock.
Then the shepherds came and droue them away: but Moses rose vp and defended them, and watered their sheepe.
and the shepherds come and drive them away, and Moses ariseth, and saveth them, and watereth their flock.
The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
And the shepherds came and drove them away: and Moses arose, and defending the maids, watered their sheep.
Some ◄shepherds/men who took care of other sheep► came and started to chase away the girls. But Moses/I helped/rescued the girls, and got water for their sheep.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:17
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 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
וַ/יְגָרְשׁ֑וּ/ם
וַ/יָּ֤קָם
מֹשֶׁה֙
וַ/יּ֣וֹשִׁעָ֔/ן
וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ
אֶת
צֹאנָֽ/ם
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Art | V-Qal
וַ/יְגָרְשׁ֑וּ/ם
gârash
H1644
to drive out
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַ/יָּ֤קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יּ֣וֹשִׁעָ֔/ן
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
צֹאנָֽ/ם
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:17
וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
הָ/רֹעִ֖ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
וַ/יְגָרְשׁ֑וּ/ם
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
וַ/יָּ֤קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מֹשֶׁה֙
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.
וַ/יּ֣וֹשִׁעָ֔/ן
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
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.
צֹאנָֽ/ם
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
- Sermons on Exodus 2:17
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
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?” 19“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:10 | 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. |
| 2 | Genesis 21:25 | But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, |
| 3 | Genesis 26:15–22 | So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham. Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us.” So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. And he gave these wells the same names his father had given them. Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” |
| 4 | Exodus 2:12 | After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. |
Exodus 2:17 Summary
In this verse, Moses helps the daughters of the priest of Midian by defending them against the shepherds and watering their flock. This shows that Moses is a kind and brave person who is willing to stand up for those who are being treated unfairly. We can learn from Moses' example by being willing to help others in need, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 22:37-40). By following Moses' example, we can demonstrate God's love and kindness to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses intervene on behalf of the daughters of the priest of Midian?
Moses intervened because he saw the need to help those being treated unfairly, demonstrating his compassionate character, as seen in his later role as a leader of the Israelites (Exodus 18:13-27, Exodus 32:1-14).
Who were the shepherds that drove the daughters away?
The Bible does not provide specific details about the shepherds, but it can be inferred that they were likely local shepherds who did not want the daughters to have access to the well, highlighting the challenges faced by women in ancient societies (Numbers 27:1-11, Ruth 2:2-3).
What can we learn from Moses' actions in this verse?
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for those who are being mistreated and helping those in need, reflecting the heart of God (Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:17).
How does this event relate to Moses' future role as a leader?
This event showcases Moses' natural leadership abilities and his willingness to help others, which would later be essential in his role as the leader of the Israelites (Exodus 3:1-4:17, Deuteronomy 1:9-18).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate compassion and kindness to those around me, just like Moses did in this verse?
- How can I, like Moses, stand up for those who are being treated unfairly or marginalized in my community?
- What are some challenges or obstacles that I am facing, and how can I trust God to provide the strength and courage I need to overcome them, just as Moses did in this situation?
- In what ways can I use my unique gifts and abilities to serve and help others, just as Moses used his strength and leadership abilities to help the daughters of the priest of Midian?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:17
And the shepherds came and drove them away,.... The daughters of the priest of Midian, and their flock likewise; these were shepherds of some neighbouring princes or great men, who were so rude and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:17
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 2:17
The shepherds drove them away, that they might enjoy the fruit of their labours, and make use of the water which they had drawn for their own cattle. Moses helped them; either by persuading them with fair words, or by force; for Moses was strong, and full of courage and resolution, wherewith the shepherds were easily daunted.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
Exodus 2:17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.Ver. 17. And drove them away.] From the water that they had drawn, and so had most right unto. Sic cedit viribus aequum. Might oft overcomes right. See here what we owe to good laws well executed; no man else should enjoy so much as his own water.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
(17) The shepherds came.—Those of the neighbourhood. The rule of the desert is that those who come to a well take their turns in the use of the water in the order of their arrival. But these rude shepherds declined to wait for their turn. It appears later on, by the question of Reuel, “How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?” that this rude and unfair conduct of the shepherds was habitual. Moses stood up and helped them.—Moses is again the champion of the oppressed, but has learnt wisdom by the past, and uses no unnecessary violence. His air and manner intimidated the wrong-doers, and they allowed the maidens sheep to be watered first.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
Verse 17. The shepherds - drove them] The verb יגרשים yegareshum, being in the masculine gender, seems to imply that the shepherds drove away the flocks of Reuel's daughters, and not the daughters themselves. The fact seems to be, that, as the daughters of Reuel filled the troughs and brought their flocks to drink, the shepherds drove those away, and, profiting by the young women's labour, watered their own cattle. Moses resisted this insolence, and assisted them to water their flocks, in consequence of which they were enabled to return much sooner than they were wont to do, Exodus 2:18.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:17
17. drove them away] wishing to water their own flocks first. But Moses chivalrously comes forward (cf. vv. 12, 13) to assist the girls.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:17
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 2:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Matthew 23: Pharisaical Hindrances to Revival by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problems and challenges faced by believers as a result of the influence of the Philistines. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take |
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Epistle 275 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of not quenching the spirit of God within oneself or in others, as it can lead to spiritual deadness and questioning due to false fear. He urge |
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Epistle 300 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in wor |
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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 |