Exodus 2:19

Verse

“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.

Bible in Basic English

And they said, An Egyptian came to our help against the keepers of sheep and got water for us and gave it to the flock.

Douay-Rheims 1899

They answered: A man of Egypt delivered us from the hands of the shepherds: and he drew water also with us, and gave the sheep to drink.

Free Bible Version

“An Egyptian rescued us from some shepherds who attacked us,” they replied. “Then he even fetched water for us so the flock could drink.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And they saide, A man of Egypt deliuered vs from the hand of the shepherdes, and also drew vs water ynough, and watered the sheepe.

King James (Authorized) Version

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

One Unity Resource Bible

They said, “An Egyptian [person from Abode of slavery] delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.”

Translation for Translators

They replied, “A man from Egypt kept [MTY] other shepherds from sending us away. He also got water for us from the well and gave water to the flock of sheep.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

They said, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

Noah Webster Bible

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

World English Bible

They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.”

Young's Literal Translation

and they say, 'A man, an Egyptian, hath delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also hath diligently drawn for us, and watereth the flock;'

Context

The Rejection and Flight of Moses

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.”

Summary

In this verse, we see the daughters of Reuel (Jethro) defending Moses when he rescued them from shepherds at a well. Their actions reveal courage, kindness, and a sense of justice, reflecting the values of hospitality and protection in the ancient Near Eastern culture. This event foreshadows Moses' future role as a deliverer and leader, as well as the divine protection and guidance he will receive throughout his life. It also demonstrates how God can use ordinary people in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And they said, an Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds,.... A man, who by his habit and by his speech appeared to them to be an Egyptian, and upon their inquiry he might tell them so, being born in Egypt, though of Hebrew parents: and also drew water enough for us; or "in drawing drew" (t); drew it readily, quickly and in abundance: and watered the flock; by which means their business was done, and they returned home earlier than usual. (t) "hauriendo bausit", Pagninus, Montanus, Piscator.