Exodus 2:11

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in those days {H3117}, when Moses {H4872} was grown {H1431}, that he went out {H3318} unto his brethren {H251}, and looked {H7200} on their burdens {H5450}: and he spied {H7200} an Egyptian {H4713}{H376} smiting {H5221} an Hebrew {H5680}, one of his brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One day, when Moshe was a grown man, he went out to visit his kinsmen; and he watched them struggling at forced labor. He saw an Egyptian strike a Hebrew, one of his kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible

One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown up, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he saw an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:11 marks the pivotal moment when Moses, having matured within the Egyptian royal court, deliberately chose to engage with his true identity and the suffering of his enslaved Hebrew kin. His intentional observation of their forced labor culminated in witnessing a brutal act of oppression by an Egyptian against a Hebrew, igniting a profound sense of kinship and justice that irrevocably set him on the path toward his divine calling as Israel's deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the narrative of Exodus. Chapters 1 and the preceding verses of Chapter 2 establish the dire situation of the Israelites under Pharaoh's oppressive regime, including the decree to kill all male Hebrew infants. Moses's miraculous preservation and adoption into Pharaoh's household are detailed in [Exodus 2:1-10](/exodus/2-1-10 "Moses's Birth and Adoption"). Until this point, Moses's life has been one of privilege, seemingly detached from the plight of his people. Verse 11 signals a profound internal and external shift, as Moses actively seeks out his brethren, moving from a passive recipient of divine protection to an active participant in their suffering, thereby setting the stage for his subsequent actions and God's direct call in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses's Call").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire known for its monumental building projects and its use of slave labor. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had grown numerous, fulfilling God's promise, but their growth was perceived as a threat by the Egyptians, leading to their enslavement (see [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "The Oppression of the Israelites")). The "burdens" (Hebrew: *çᵉbâlâh*) refer to the forced, arduous labor, likely involving brick-making and construction, under harsh conditions. An Egyptian "smiting" (Hebrew: *nâkâh*) a Hebrew was a common, brutal expression of the power dynamic and the dehumanization of the enslaved, reflecting the absolute authority of the taskmasters and the lack of legal recourse for the Hebrews. Moses's intervention, therefore, was not merely an act of personal outrage but a direct challenge to the established social and legal order.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 2:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly disparate events—Moses's rescue, his upbringing, and this pivotal encounter—to prepare His chosen instrument for a specific purpose. It underscores the theme of **Identity and Kinship**, as Moses consciously embraces his Hebrew heritage despite his Egyptian upbringing, foreshadowing the importance of Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Justice and Oppression**, setting the stage for God's ultimate intervention to deliver His people from injustice, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of the Exodus and beyond, emphasizing God's heart for the oppressed, as seen in passages like [Psalm 103:6](/psalms/103-6 "The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse describes a deliberate turning point in Moses's life, characterized by his conscious choices and observations. It moves beyond his miraculous preservation to his active engagement with the plight of his people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grown (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This primitive root signifies more than just physical maturity; it implies becoming "large" in various senses, including stature, mind, or estate. Here, it underscores Moses's transition into adulthood, making his subsequent actions volitional and responsible. He is no longer a child, but a man capable of making significant, life-altering decisions.
* **went out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This verb denotes a purposeful departure or emergence. Moses did not stumble upon the scene; he intentionally "went out" from the confines of Pharaoh's palace and his privileged life to seek out and engage with his "brethren." This action is a decisive step in identifying with his true lineage and destiny.
* **looked (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** While meaning "to see," this root often implies a deeper, more discerning observation, even "to spy" or "to perceive." Moses's "looking on their burdens" suggests an empathetic and intentional assessment of their suffering, not a casual glance. His subsequent "spying" of the Egyptian's act further emphasizes this deliberate, watchful observation that leads to action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown,"**: This opening phrase establishes the timing of the event, emphasizing Moses's maturity and readiness for a new phase of life. "In those days" refers to the period following his adoption and upbringing in Pharaoh's household, setting the stage for a significant shift.
* **"that he went out unto his brethren,"**: This clause highlights Moses's proactive decision to seek out his Israelite kin. Despite his royal upbringing, he felt a pull towards his biological family and heritage, demonstrating an emerging sense of identity and loyalty that transcended his privileged status.
* **"and looked on their burdens:"**: This phrase reveals Moses's empathetic observation. "Looked on their burdens" implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a deep, compassionate engagement with the harsh realities of his people's forced labor and suffering under Egyptian oppression. This act of seeing and feeling their pain is crucial to his development.
* **"and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren."**: This climactic observation serves as the catalyst for Moses's immediate action. The act of "smiting" (Hebrew: *nâkâh*, implying a forceful, violent blow, potentially even to kill) represents the brutal reality of the oppression. The repeated emphasis on "one of his brethren" underscores Moses's personal connection and the profound sense of injustice he felt, leading to his impulsive intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 2:11 is a **Turning Point** in Moses's narrative, marking his transition from a life of privilege to active engagement with his people's suffering, which directly leads to his flight and subsequent call. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Moses's initial, albeit flawed, attempt to deliver his "brethren" anticipates his future role as the divinely appointed deliverer of Israel. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between Moses's life in the palace and the brutal realities of the Israelite slaves, highlighting the stark choice he makes. Finally, the repeated phrase "one of his brethren" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring Moses's deep and undeniable connection to his Israelite lineage, a bond that transcends his adopted status and fuels his protective instincts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:11 is a profound illustration of God's sovereign hand preparing His chosen instruments. Moses's unique upbringing and this pivotal encounter were not accidental but part of a divine curriculum, demonstrating how God uses diverse circumstances—even those seemingly contradictory to His ultimate purpose—to shape individuals for His service. His choice to identify with his suffering people, rather than remain in royal comfort, foreshadows the call for believers to embrace their spiritual family and the cost of discipleship. This act of empathy and righteous indignation against injustice aligns with God's character as a deliverer of the oppressed, setting the stage for the greater acts of liberation He would perform through Moses.

* [Hebrews 11:24-26](/hebrews/11-24-26 "Moses's Faith and Choice to Suffer")
* [Acts 7:23-25](/acts/7-23-25 "Stephen's Account of Moses's Early Life and Intentions")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3-4 "God's Call to Defend the Weak and Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:11 serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine our own identity and our response to suffering and injustice. Like Moses, we are called to embrace our spiritual heritage as children of God, recognizing our place within a global family that transcends earthly distinctions of race, class, or nationality. This profound identity should compel us to cultivate deep empathy, actively "looking on the burdens" of those who are marginalized, oppressed, or suffering in our world. While Moses's immediate reaction was impulsive and flawed, his underlying desire for justice was divinely inspired, urging us to speak out and act against injustice. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive observation to compassionate engagement, trusting that God works through our willingness to identify with the suffering of others, even as we seek His wisdom for the right timing and method of intervention, remembering the call to [do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - God's Requirements for Humanity").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be preparing me for a specific purpose, even through experiences that seem unrelated to my spiritual calling?**
* **How does my identity as a child of God influence how I view and interact with those who are suffering or oppressed in my community or globally?**
* **What "burdens" of others am I called to "look on" with empathy, and how can I respond in a way that aligns with God's heart for justice, while also seeking His wisdom for the right approach?**

### FAQ
**Was Moses's act of killing the Egyptian justified?**

Answer: The biblical text does not present Moses's act as justified, but rather as a rash and impulsive action driven by righteous indignation. While his empathy for his people and his desire for justice were commendable, his method was not sanctioned by God at that time, nor was it part of God's perfect plan for deliverance. This event leads directly to his flight from Egypt, indicating the severe consequences of his premature and unauthorized action. It highlights that even divinely purposed individuals can act outside of God's perfect timing and method, requiring further refinement and preparation. This period of exile, as seen in [Exodus 2:15-22](/exodus/2-15-22 "Moses's Flight to Midian"), was essential for Moses's spiritual and personal growth before his divine encounter at the [burning bush in Exodus 3:1-10](/exodus/3-1-10 "The Burning Bush and Moses's Call").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses's identification with his suffering brethren and his initial, albeit flawed, attempt to deliver them from oppression profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Unlike Moses, who acted impulsively and had to flee, Christ perfectly identified with humanity in its suffering, not from a position of privilege in an earthly palace, but by humbling Himself to become one of us, taking on the very nature of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He did not merely "look on their burdens" but bore the ultimate burden of sin, sickness, and injustice upon Himself on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "The Suffering Servant")), offering a perfect and complete deliverance from spiritual bondage and the power of death. Moses's righteous indignation against an oppressor points to Christ's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil, bringing true freedom and eternal justice to all who believe in Him, fulfilling the promise of a greater prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Prophet Like Moses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:24

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Exodus 1:11

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Acts 7:22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

Acts 7:24

And seeing one [of them] suffer wrong, he defended [him], and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.