Exodus 2:19
Exodus 2:19 in Multiple Translations
“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”
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.
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.
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.
“An Egyptian rescued us from some shepherds who attacked us,” they replied. “Then he even fetched water for us so the flock could drink.”
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.
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;'
They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.”
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.
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.
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.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:19
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 2:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֹּאמַ֕רְןָ
אִ֣ישׁ
מִצְרִ֔י
הִצִּילָ֖/נוּ
מִ/יַּ֣ד
הָ/רֹעִ֑ים
וְ/גַם
דָּלֹ֤ה
דָלָה֙
לָ֔/נוּ
וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ
אֶת
הַ/צֹּֽאן
וַ/תֹּאמַ֕רְןָ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Ngmsa
הִצִּילָ֖/נוּ
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
הָ/רֹעִ֑ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Art | V-Qal
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
דָּלֹ֤ה
dâlâh
H1802
to draw (up/out)
V-Qal-Ptc
דָלָה֙
dâlâh
H1802
to draw (up/out)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לָ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּ֖שְׁקְ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:19
וַ/תֹּאמַ֕רְןָ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
אִ֣ישׁ
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.
מִצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
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.
הִצִּילָ֖/נוּ
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הָ/רֹעִ֑ים
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.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
דָּלֹ֤ה
dâlâh
H1802
"to draw (up/out)"
V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to pull something up, like drawing water from a well. It can also mean to deliver or rescue someone, as in lifting them up from trouble.
Definition: 1) to draw, dangle 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw 1a2) drawing advice (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to draw up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: draw (out), [idiom] enough, lift up. See also: Exodus 2:16; Psalms 30:2; Proverbs 20:5.
דָלָה֙
dâlâh
H1802
"to draw (up/out)"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to pull something up, like drawing water from a well. It can also mean to deliver or rescue someone, as in lifting them up from trouble.
Definition: 1) to draw, dangle 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw 1a2) drawing advice (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to draw up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: draw (out), [idiom] enough, lift up. See also: Exodus 2:16; Psalms 30:2; Proverbs 20:5.
לָ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/צֹּֽאן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
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 2:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:19
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
- Sermons on Exodus 2:19
Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses
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.”
20“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.” 21Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 50:11 | When the Canaanites of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn ceremony of mourning by the Egyptians.” Thus the place across the Jordan is called Abel-mizraim. |
| 2 | 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. |
Exodus 2:19 Summary
In Exodus 2:19, the daughters of Reuel tell their father about how Moses, who they think is an Egyptian, helped them by defending them against some other shepherds and watering their flock. This shows that Moses is a kind and helpful person who is willing to stand up for those in need. This is similar to how Jesus teaches us to love and serve others, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and Galatians 5:13-14. By following Moses' example, we can show God's love to those around us and be a blessing to our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the shepherds mentioned in Exodus 2:19?
The shepherds in this verse are likely other local herders who were trying to use the same watering hole as the daughters of Reuel, and Moses intervened to help the women (as seen in Exodus 2:17).
What can we learn from the daughters' response to their father in Exodus 2:19?
The daughters' response shows that they are grateful for Moses' help and are willing to acknowledge the good that he has done for them, which is a characteristic that is pleasing to God, as seen in Psalms 107:1 and Ephesians 5:20.
Why did the daughters refer to Moses as an Egyptian in Exodus 2:19?
The daughters referred to Moses as an Egyptian because, although he was a Hebrew by birth, he had been raised in an Egyptian household and likely had the appearance and mannerisms of an Egyptian (as seen in Exodus 2:10 and Acts 7:22).
What does this verse reveal about Moses' character?
This verse reveals that Moses is a helper and a defender of those in need, which is a key aspect of his character that will be seen throughout his life, including his future role as a leader of the Israelites (as seen in Exodus 3:10 and Numbers 12:3).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like Moses, be a helper and defender of those in need in my own community?
- How can I, like the daughters of Reuel, show gratitude and appreciation for the people who have helped me in my life?
- What are some times in my life when I have experienced the help and protection of God, and how can I acknowledge and thank Him for those times, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10?
- How can I balance my desire to help others with my own need for rest and self-care, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27 and Matthew 11:28-30?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:19
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:19
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 2:19
They guessed him to be an Egyptian by his habit and speech, or he told them that he came from thence. Drew water; Heb. in drawing drew, which notes that he drew it very diligently and readily, which caused their quick return.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
Exodus 2:19 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.Ver. 19. Delivered us out of the hand,] Moses, if he may not in Egypt, will be doing justice in Midian. Christ went about doing good. The place is the better wherever a good man cometh: his trade, saith one, is a compound of charity and justice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
(19) An Egyptian.—So they concluded from his dress and appearance, perhaps even from his speech. It would be natural for them to make the mistake, and for Moses to remember it. Any other author would probably have said, “a man,” or “a stranger.” And also drew water enough.—The shepherds had consumed some of the maidens’ water before Moses’s interference, so that he had to draw more for them —another “little trait,” which speaks for the Mosaic authorship.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:19
15–22. Moses’ flight to Midian; and his marriage there to a daughter of the priest of Midian.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:19
An Egyptian - They judged from his costume, or language.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:19
19. An Egyptian — For such Moses seemed to the Midianitish maidens, from his costume and language.
Sermons on Exodus 2:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |