Exodus 2:20
Exodus 2:20 in Multiple Translations
“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
And he said to his daughters, Where is he? why have you let the man go? make him come in and give him a meal.
“So where is he?” Reuel asked his daughters. “You didn't just leave him there, did you? Go and invite him to eat with us!”
Then he saide vnto his daughters, And where is he? why haue ye so left the man? call him that he may eate bread.
and he saith unto his daughters, 'And where [is] he? why [is] this? — ye left the man! call for him, and he doth eat bread.'
He said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.”
And he said to his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
But he said: Where is he? why have you let the man go? call him that he may eat bread.
He said to his daughters, “Where is he? ◄Why did you leave him out there?/You should not leave him out there!► [RHQ] Invite him in, so he can have something to eat [MTY]!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:20
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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
אֶל
בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו
וְ/אַיּ֑/וֹ
לָ֤/מָּה
זֶּה֙
עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן
אֶת
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
קִרְאֶ֥ן
ל֖/וֹ
וְ/יֹ֥אכַל
לָֽחֶם
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp | Suff
וְ/אַיּ֑/וֹ
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Conj | Part | Suff
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
קִרְאֶ֥ן
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Impv-2fp
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֹ֥אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:20
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֹתָ֖י/ו
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וְ/אַיּ֑/וֹ
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Conj | Part | Suff
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
לָ֤/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.
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Perf-2fp
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
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.
הָ/אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | 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.
קִרְאֶ֥ן
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Impv-2fp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֹ֥אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:20
- Sermons on Exodus 2:20
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.”
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. 22And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:54 | Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:25 | Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon. |
| 3 | Hebrews 13:2 | Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. |
| 4 | Genesis 18:5 | And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” |
| 5 | Genesis 19:2–3 | and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. |
| 6 | Genesis 24:31–33 | “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.” |
| 7 | Job 31:32 | but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler— |
| 8 | Job 42:11 | All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 5:10 | and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. |
| 10 | Genesis 29:13 | When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened. |
Exodus 2:20 Summary
In Exodus 2:20, Reuel asks his daughters where the Egyptian, Moses, is and why they left him behind. He invites Moses to eat with them, showing kindness and gratitude for Moses' help. This act of hospitality is an important part of the story, as it leads to Moses becoming part of Reuel's family and starting a new life as a shepherd (as seen in Exodus 2:21 and Exodus 3:1). Just like Reuel, we can show kindness to others by being mindful of their needs and inviting them to share in our blessings, as encouraged in passages like Luke 14:12-14 and Acts 2:46.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Reuel's question, 'So where is he?' in Exodus 2:20?
Reuel's question shows his interest in meeting the Egyptian who helped his daughters, and it leads to Moses being invited to stay with them, as seen in Exodus 2:21, which ultimately results in Moses' marriage to Zipporah, as mentioned in Exodus 2:21 and Exodus 4:25.
Why did Reuel's daughters leave Moses behind, as mentioned in Exodus 2:20?
The Bible does not provide a clear reason, but it can be inferred that they might have been surprised by their father's interest in Moses and did not expect to be asked to invite him to eat, similar to how Abraham's servant was surprised by Rebekah's kindness in Genesis 24:21-27.
What does this verse reveal about Reuel's character?
Reuel's question and invitation to Moses show that he is a hospitable and grateful man, willing to show kindness to a stranger who helped his daughters, reflecting the biblical value of hospitality seen in passages like Genesis 18:1-8 and Hebrews 13:2.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Moses in the book of Exodus?
This verse marks a turning point in Moses' life, as he is about to become part of Reuel's family and begin his life as a shepherd, which will eventually prepare him for his role as a leader of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can show hospitality to strangers, just like Reuel showed kindness to Moses?
- How can we, like Reuel, be mindful of the needs of others and invite them to share in our blessings?
- What can we learn from Reuel's example about the importance of gratitude and appreciation for those who help us?
- In what ways can we, like Moses, be open to new relationships and experiences that God may be using to shape our lives?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:20
And he said unto his daughters, and where is he?.... By the account Reuel's daughters gave of Moses, of his courage and humanity, he was very desirous of seeing him: why [is it] that ye have left the man?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:20
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 2:20
Heb. Have left the man thus, or now, at this time of the day, when it is so late, and he a stranger and traveller.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
Exodus 2:20 And he said unto his daughters, And where [is] he? why [is] it [that] ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.Ver. 20. Call him, that he may eat bread.] If the watering of a sheep were thus rewarded, how shall God recompense a cup of cold water given to those of his little flock?
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
(20) That he may eat bread.—Arab hospitality was offended that the stranger had not been invited into the tent to partake of the evening meal. The feeling of the modern Bedouin would be the same.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:20
Verse 20. That he may eat bread.] That he may be entertained, and receive refreshment to proceed on his journey. Bread, among the Hebrews, was used to signify all kinds of food commonly used for the support of man's life.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:20
20. The hospitable Arab is vexed that his daughters have not invited their defender to a meal; so he bids them call him.
Sermons on Exodus 2:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Acts Highlights - Part 3 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the message of Stephen, who emphasizes the guilt of the people before God. Stephen talks about the history of Abraham, Moses, and David, highl |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |
|
The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 1 by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and its implications for our lives. He highlights five different threads of the gospel, emphasizin |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 15-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his encounter with three men, who are believed to be angels. Abraham shows great hospitality to them, offering them |
|
Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It |
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Why Christ Became a Servant of the Jews by John Piper | John Piper emphasizes that Christ became a servant to the Jews to fulfill God's promises and to demonstrate His truthfulness, urging the church to welcome one another across differ |
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Surrounded by Angels by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon transcript titled "Surrounded by Angels," Basilia Schlink shares her experiences of ministering in slum areas with a traveling chapel. Despite facing threats and att |