Exodus 2:2

KJV

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}: and when she saw {H7200} him that he was a goodly {H2896} child, she hid {H6845} him three {H7969} months {H3391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she conceived and had a son, upon seeing what a fine child he was, she hid him for three months.

Berean Standard Bible

and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.

American Standard Version

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:2 profoundly narrates the birth of Moses, Israel's future deliverer, and the immediate, courageous act of faith by his mother, Jochebed. This pivotal verse introduces the extraordinary and perilous circumstances surrounding Moses' earliest days, underscoring his parents' defiant decision to protect him against Pharaoh's genocidal decree, thereby setting the stage for God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 2:2 immediately follows Pharaoh's escalating oppression against the Israelites, culminating in his horrific decree to cast every newborn Hebrew male into the Nile River, as detailed in [Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Male Hebrew Infants"). This verse marks a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative focus from the general plight of the Hebrews to the specific, miraculous preservation of the individual who would become their deliverer. It serves as the direct prelude to Moses' placement in the ark of bulrushes and his subsequent discovery by Pharaoh's daughter, establishing the foundational circumstances for his unique upbringing and future leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire that had enslaved the rapidly multiplying Israelite population. Pharaoh's decree was a desperate attempt to control the demographic threat posed by the Hebrews, reflecting a deep-seated fear of rebellion. Infanticide, though abhorrent, was not unknown in the ancient world, and the Nile, a life-giving river, was ironically turned into an instrument of death. The cultural context emphasizes the absolute authority of the Pharaoh, making Jochebed's defiance an act of immense courage and faith, risking not only her own life but also the lives of her entire family.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes central to the book of Exodus and biblical theology. First, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human cruelty and seemingly insurmountable odds, preserving His chosen instrument. Second, it exemplifies **Faith and Defiance**, as Jochebed and Amram's actions embody a profound trust in God that supersedes fear of human authority, echoing the earlier defiance of the Hebrew midwives in [Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "The Midwives Defy Pharaoh"). Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **Deliverance**, as the miraculous preservation of this "goodly child" signals the beginning of God's redemptive work to free His people from bondage, a theme that culminates in the exodus itself and points forward to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **conceived (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to be (or become) pregnant," this word emphasizes the natural yet divinely ordained beginning of Moses' life. It highlights the miracle of conception and birth even under the most oppressive and dangerous circumstances, underscoring that Moses' existence was not accidental but part of God's intentional plan.
* **goodly (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective (H2896), meaning "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful" in its widest sense, is crucial. While it certainly conveys physical attractiveness, its use here implies a deeper, perhaps spiritual, perception by Jochebed. It suggests that she recognized something uniquely special or divinely favored about her son, a quality that compelled her to protect him. This aligns with the Septuagint's translation "asteios" (ἀστεῖος), meaning "comely" or "beautiful," a term also used in [Acts 7:20](/acts/7-20 "Stephen's Speech on Moses' Birth") to describe Moses, indicating a divine beauty or favor that made his abandonment unthinkable.
* **hid (Hebrew, _tsâphan'_):** This primitive root (H6845) means "to hide (by covering over)," but also carries implications of hoarding, reserving, or protecting. Jochebed's act of hiding Moses was not merely concealment but an active, protective measure taken to preserve his life. The word suggests a deliberate and desperate effort to keep him safe from Pharaoh's decree, highlighting the immense risk and the profound love and faith that motivated her.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman conceived, and bare a son:":** This opening clause states the simple, biological fact of Moses' birth. The "woman" is Jochebed, later identified as the wife of Amram and a Levite (Exodus 6:20). In the context of Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants, this statement of birth is immediately fraught with tension and danger, setting the stage for the extraordinary measures that follow.
* **"and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child],":** This phrase reveals the pivotal moment of Jochebed's decision. Her perception of Moses as "goodly" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_) transcends mere physical attractiveness; it implies a recognition of his specialness, perhaps a divine anointing or an exceptional quality that marked him for a unique purpose. This spiritual discernment fortified her resolve to defy the king's command, believing that this child was worth risking everything for.
* **"she hid him three months.":** This final clause describes Jochebed's immediate and courageous response. For three months, she undertook the perilous task of concealing her infant son within her home, a feat requiring immense vigilance and secrecy given the constant threat of discovery and the severe penalty for non-compliance. This act of hidden protection underscores the desperate measures taken by Moses' parents to preserve his life against overwhelming odds, demonstrating profound faith and setting the stage for the dramatic events that would soon unfold.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 2:2 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as the miraculous preservation of the infant Moses hints at his future role as the deliverer of Israel. His "goodly" appearance, perceived by his mother, can be seen as a form of **Divine Recognition** or **Symbolism**, indicating God's special hand upon him from birth. The very act of hiding, in defiance of a tyrannical decree, introduces the theme of **Rebellion against Oppression** and **Faithful Resistance**, which will define Moses' adult ministry. The brevity of the verse, juxtaposed with the immense danger and profound implications of the actions described, creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as Pharaoh's attempt to annihilate the Hebrew males inadvertently leads to the preservation of the very one who would dismantle his empire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:2 is a profound testament to God's sovereign providence and the power of human faith in the face of overwhelming evil. Despite Pharaoh's genocidal decree and the seemingly impossible odds, God's plan for His people's deliverance was already in motion, intricately woven into the birth and preservation of a single child. Jochebed's act of hiding Moses, driven by a deep conviction of his unique significance, exemplifies courageous defiance against unjust authority and a trust in a divine purpose beyond human comprehension. This verse underscores that God often works through the faithful, even seemingly small, acts of individuals to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, turning human despair into a beacon of hope for His covenant people.

* [Hebrews 11:23](/hebrews/11-23 "The Faith of Moses' Parents")
* [Acts 7:20](/acts/7-20 "Stephen's Speech on Moses' Birth")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart is in the Hand of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:2 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even in the most perilous and hidden circumstances. Jochebed's courageous decision to hide Moses, driven by a profound spiritual discernment of his "goodly" nature, challenges us to cultivate a similar faith that perceives God's unique purpose in seemingly ordinary lives and to act boldly in accordance with that perception. This verse calls us to trust in divine providence, even when the future seems bleak or when we cannot fully comprehend the "why" behind our struggles. Moreover, it serves as a powerful reminder that faithful defiance against unjust human systems, when they conflict with God's moral law or His specific will, is not only permissible but often commanded. Just as Jochebed's seemingly small act set in motion the deliverance of a nation, our own acts of obedience, courage, and faith, however hidden, can contribute significantly to God's unfolding kingdom purposes, bringing light into darkness and hope into despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God's providence, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or dangerous?**
* **How might God be calling you to exercise courageous faith or faithful defiance against societal norms or unjust systems that conflict with His will?**
* **What "goodly" qualities or divine purposes might God be revealing in the lives of those around you, prompting you to pray for, protect, or nurture them?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moses described as a "goodly child" and what is its significance?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *ṭôwb* (H2896), translated "goodly," means "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful." In the context of [Exodus 2:2](/exodus/2-2 "Exodus 2:2 - Birth and Hiding of Moses"), it suggests more than just physical attractiveness; it implies that Moses possessed a special quality or divine favor, recognized by his parents. This perception was likely a spiritual discernment, strengthening their resolve to defy Pharaoh's decree and protect his life, believing God had a unique purpose for him. Stephen's speech in [Acts 7:20](/acts/7-20 "Stephen's Speech on Moses' Birth") uses the Greek word *asteios* ("exceeding fair"), further emphasizing this divine beauty or favor.

**What risk did Jochebed take by hiding Moses, and what does it tell us about her faith?**

Answer: By hiding Moses, Jochebed was directly defying Pharaoh's genocidal decree that all male Hebrew infants be thrown into the Nile River ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Male Hebrew Infants")). Discovery would have meant not only the certain death of her son but also severe punishment, potentially death, for her and her entire family for obstructing the king's command. Her act demonstrates profound faith, courage, and a deep trust in God's unseen hand, prioritizing His perceived will over the terrifying commands of the most powerful man on earth. The New Testament commends this very act of faith in [Hebrews 11:23](/hebrews/11-23 "The Faith of Moses' Parents").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' birth and miraculous preservation in [Exodus 2:2](/exodus/2-2 "Exodus 2:2 - Birth and Hiding of Moses") serve as a profound type and foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses was born into a time of severe oppression under a tyrannical ruler (Pharaoh) who sought to kill male infants to prevent the rise of a promised deliverer, so too was Jesus born under the oppressive rule of Herod, who, upon hearing of the birth of the "King of the Jews," ordered the slaughter of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")). Both Moses and Jesus were divinely protected from these genocidal decrees in their infancy, highlighting God's sovereign hand in preserving His chosen instruments for salvation. Moses was raised to be the deliverer of Israel from physical bondage in Egypt, but Christ, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offers a far greater deliverance from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. The "goodly" nature of Moses, recognized by his parents, points to the inherent perfection and divine nature of Christ, who is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Moses' early life, marked by a mother's faith and God's protective hand, thus powerfully anticipates the greater salvation wrought by the Son of God, who is superior to Moses in every way ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Christ Greater Than 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 11:23

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw [he was] a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

Acts 7:20

In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.