Exodus 2:6
Exodus 2:6 in Multiple Translations
When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.
And she opened it, and saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.
And opening it, she saw the child, and he was crying. And she had pity on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
When she opened it she saw the baby boy. He was crying and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew boys,” she said.
Then she opened it, and sawe it was a childe: and beholde, the babe wept: so she had compassion on it, and sayde, This is one of the Ebrewes children.
and openeth, and seeth him — the lad, and lo, a child weeping! and she hath pity on him, and saith, 'This is [one] of the Hebrews' children.'
She opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
She opened it and seeing within it an infant crying, having compassion on it she said: This is one of the babes of the Hebrews.
When the servant brought the basket to her, she opened it, and was surprised to see ◄a baby that was/me►, crying. She felt sorry for him/me, and said, “This must be one of the Hebrews’ babies.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:6
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 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּפְתַּח֙
וַ/תִּרְאֵ֣/הוּ
אֶת
הַ/יֶּ֔לֶד
וְ/הִנֵּה
נַ֖עַר
בֹּכֶ֑ה
וַ/תַּחְמֹ֣ל
עָלָ֔י/ו
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
מִ/יַּלְדֵ֥י
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֖ים
זֶֽה
וַ/תִּפְתַּח֙
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
וַ/תִּרְאֵ֣/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יֶּ֔לֶד
yeled
H3206
youth
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נַ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
בֹּכֶ֑ה
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
V-Qal
וַ/תַּחְמֹ֣ל
châmal
H2550
to spare
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
עָלָ֔י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִ/יַּלְדֵ֥י
yeled
H3206
youth
Prep | N-mp
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngmpa
זֶֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:6
וַ/תִּפְתַּח֙
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
וַ/תִּרְאֵ֣/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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/יֶּ֔לֶד
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
וְ/הִנֵּה
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.
נַ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
בֹּכֶ֑ה
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
V-Qal
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
וַ/תַּחְמֹ֣ל
châmal
H2550
"to spare"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To spare or have pity is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, as seen in Genesis 43:14, where Joseph spares his brothers. It shows compassion and mercy towards others.
Definition: (Qal) to spare, pity, have compassion on
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: have compassion, (have) pity, spare. See also: Exodus 2:6; Jeremiah 21:7; Proverbs 6:34.
עָלָ֔י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/תֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
מִ/יַּלְדֵ֥י
yeled
H3206
"youth"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | 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.
זֶֽה
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 2:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 2:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:6
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
- Sermons on Exodus 2:6
Context — The Birth and Adoption of Moses
4And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
5Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. And when she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it.
6When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”
7Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8“Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:50 | May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:8 | Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. |
| 3 | Acts 7:21 | When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 1:11 | O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) |
| 5 | Psalms 106:46 | He made them objects of compassion to all who held them captive. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:1 | The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. |
Exodus 2:6 Summary
This verse shows how Pharaoh's daughter found baby Moses and had compassion on him because she saw him crying and recognized him as a Hebrew child. This act of kindness was likely stirred by God, who was working behind the scenes to save Moses' life and set the stage for his future role as a leader of the Israelites (as seen in Exodus 3:10). Just like Pharaoh's daughter, we can be open to God's leading and show kindness to those in need, trusting in His sovereignty and providence, as encouraged in Psalm 138:8. By reflecting on this verse, we can see how God's love and care can be expressed through the actions of others, even those who may not know Him personally, much like the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Pharaoh's daughter to have compassion on the baby Moses?
Pharaoh's daughter had compassion on Moses because she saw him crying and recognized him as one of the Hebrew children, as stated in Exodus 2:6, which shows that even in the midst of a pagan culture, God can stir the hearts of non-believers to act with kindness, much like the compassion shown by the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33.
How did Pharaoh's daughter know the baby was a Hebrew child?
Pharaoh's daughter likely recognized the baby as a Hebrew child due to his appearance, clothing, or the location where she found him, as indicated in Exodus 2:6, which highlights the significance of God's providence in the life of Moses, similar to the way God was with Joseph in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 39:2-3.
What role did the baby's crying play in Pharaoh's daughter's decision to spare his life?
The baby's crying in Exodus 2:6 likely evoked a maternal response from Pharaoh's daughter, stirring her compassion and leading her to decide to spare his life, illustrating how God can use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant details to bring about His purposes, as seen in the story of Esther 4:14.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of Moses' life?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, as it sets the stage for his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter and his subsequent upbringing in the Egyptian palace, which would later influence his role as a leader of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:10 and Acts 7:20-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has shown compassion and kindness to you in your life, and how can you reflect that same compassion to others?
- How can we, like Pharaoh's daughter, be open to God's leading and have our hearts stirred to act with kindness towards those in need?
- What are some ways that God uses the smallest and seemingly insignificant details to bring about His purposes in our lives, and how can we be more aware of His work in these areas?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertain or challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:6
And when she had opened it,.... The ark, for it was shut or covered over, though doubtless there were some apertures for respiration: she saw the child [in it], and, behold, the babe wept; and which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:6
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
This she might very probably guess, both from the circumstances in which she found him, and from the singular fairness and beauty of the child, far differing from the Egyptian hue; and she might certainly know it by its circumcision.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened [it], she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This [is one] of the Hebrews’ children. Ver. 6. One of the Hebrews’ children.] So called of Heber.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
(6) When she had opened it.—The princess opened the ark herself, perhaps suspecting what was inside, perhaps out of mere curiosity. The babe (rather, the boy) wept. Through hunger, or cold, or perhaps general discomfort. An ark of bulrushes could not have been a very pleasant cradle. She had compassion on him.—The babe’s tears moved her to pity; and her pity prompted her to save it. She must have shown some sign of her intention—perhaps by taking the child from the ark and fondling it—before Miriam could have ventured to make her suggestion. (See the next verse.) This is one of the Hebrews’ children.—The circumstances spoke for themselves. No mother would have exposed such a “goodly child” (Exodus 2:2) to so sad a death but one with whom it was a necessity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
Verse 6. She had compassion on him] The sight of a beautiful babe in distress could not fail to make the impression here mentioned; See Clarke on Exodus 2:2. It has already been conjectured that the cruel edict of the Egyptian king did not continue long in force; see Exodus 1:22. And it will not appear unreasonable to suppose that the circumstance related here might have brought about its abolition. The daughter of Pharaoh, struck with the distressed state of the Hebrew children from what she had seen in the case of Moses, would probably implore her father to abolish this sanguinary edict.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:6
6. and behold, &c.] Heb. and, behold, a weeping boy. The sight moved her compassion; and despite the Pharaoh’s orders, she determined to spare the child, and bring it up.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:6
She had compassion on him - The Egyptians regarded such tenderness as a condition of acceptance on the day of reckoning.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:6
6-9. There is a pathos in this description which shows that the writer’s heart was in it. That princess was his adopting mother.
Sermons on Exodus 2:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 26): Be Ye All of One Mind by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story about President Abraham Lincoln and his efforts to save young soldiers from being executed during the Civil War. The speaker t |
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The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |
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Don't Lose Heart in Your Time of Testing by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the theme of despair and how it can push at the door of one's heart. He uses the story of Joseph from the Bible to illustrate this point. Jose |
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Others by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustratio |
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The Wonderful Love of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares about his recent encounter with two young men, Nicky Cruz and Sonny Argonzoni, who have powerful testimonies of transformation through Christ. Th |
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The Love of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love as the defining characteristic of God and the believers. The sermon explores the idea that Judas' betrayal of Jesus m |
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Exhortation and Explanation by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and compassion among believers. He refers to the events leading up to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The |