Exodus 2:22

KJV

And she bare [him] a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she bare {H3205} him a son {H1121}, and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Gershom {H1647}: for he said {H559}, I have been a stranger {H1616} in a strange {H5237} land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom [foreigner there], for he said, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land."

Berean Standard Bible

And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”

American Standard Version

And she bare a son, and he called his name Gershom; for he said, I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:22 recounts the birth of Moses' first son, Gershom, during his exile in Midian, a name chosen by Moses to reflect his profound sense of displacement and alienation from his homeland and people, encapsulating his experience as a stranger in a foreign land.

### CONTEXT
This pivotal verse follows Moses' dramatic flight from Egypt, necessitated by his killing of an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave ([Exodus 2:11](/exodus/2-11 "Moses' defense of a Hebrew slave")). Fearing Pharaoh's retribution, Moses [fled to the land of Midian](/exodus/2-15 "Moses' escape to Midian"), where he found refuge with Jethro, a priest of Midian. His subsequent marriage to Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, and the birth of Gershom signify a period of settling and establishing a new, albeit temporary, life. This forty-year interlude in Midian was a crucial time of preparation, shaping Moses for his divine calling, which would soon unfold with [his encounter with God at the burning bush](/exodus/3-1 "The revelation at the burning bush").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 2:22 states, "And she bare [him] a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land." This verse is succinct yet profoundly revealing of Moses' internal state. Despite finding a new family and livelihood in Midian, Moses' naming of his son underscores his deep-seated feeling of being an outsider, a sojourner far from his true home and heritage. The act of naming, especially a firstborn, often carried significant meaning in ancient cultures, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or prophecies. Moses' choice for Gershom directly articulates his personal experience of alienation.

* **The Name Gershom:** The Hebrew name **Gershom** (גֵּרְשֹׁם, *Ger-shom*) is a compound word, rich with meaning that directly explains Moses' rationale.
* **_Ger_ (גֵּר):** This Hebrew term signifies a "stranger," "sojourner," or "alien." It refers to someone residing in a foreign land without the full rights of a native citizen, often dependent on the hospitality of others.
* **_Sham_ (שָׁם):** This Hebrew word means "there" or "in that place."
* Combined, "Gershom" literally translates to "a stranger there" or "a sojourner in that place." This etymology perfectly aligns with Moses' accompanying declaration, "I have been a stranger in a strange land," highlighting his profound sense of displacement and longing.

This naming reflects Moses' complex identity. Raised as an Egyptian prince, yet born a Hebrew, he now lives among the Midianites. His choice of name for his son reveals that, despite his new family and apparent security, he still perceives himself as an alien, a man without a true home. This personal feeling of being a "stranger" would later profoundly influence his leadership and the laws he would deliver to Israel concerning the treatment of sojourners.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Exile and Sojourning:** Moses' experience as a "stranger in a strange land" foreshadows the larger narrative of the Israelites' own forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a period of dependence and preparation before entering their promised land. It also introduces the biblical theme of humanity's transient nature on earth.
* **Divine Providence in Obscurity:** Moses' forty years in Midian, seemingly a period of exile and inactivity, was in fact God's providential training ground. It was here that Moses developed the humility, patience, and reliance on God essential for leading a rebellious nation, demonstrating that God often prepares His chosen instruments in quiet, overlooked seasons.
* **Identity Formation:** Moses' struggle with identity—Egyptian prince, Hebrew by birth, now Midianite shepherd—is central. Naming Gershom solidifies his self-perception as an outsider, which ultimately prepares him to identify fully with the enslaved Hebrews and lead them.
* **Meaningful Naming in Scripture:** The naming of Gershom exemplifies a common biblical practice where names convey significant personal experiences, divine promises, or future roles. It underscores the deep connection between identity, circumstance, and God's unfolding plan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' experience in Exodus 2:22 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding our identity and purpose in the world. Just as Moses felt like a stranger, the New Testament frequently reminds us that believers are [strangers and pilgrims in this world](/1_peter/2-11 "Believers as sojourners"), with our ultimate [citizenship in heaven](/philippians/3-20 "Heavenly citizenship"). This perspective provides comfort in moments of feeling out of place or misunderstood, reminding us that our true home is with God. Furthermore, Moses' personal experience of alienation cultivated empathy, later informing the Mosaic Law's repeated commands to show [kindness and justice towards the sojourner](/leviticus/19-34 "Treating the stranger with kindness"), challenging us to extend compassion to outsiders in our own communities. This verse beautifully illustrates that even in seasons of personal exile and uncertainty, God is actively at work, shaping our character and preparing us for His divine purposes, using our experiences to forge deeper reliance on Him.

### FAQ
**Why did Moses name his son Gershom?**

Answer: Moses named his son Gershom because the name directly reflects his personal experience and profound sense of displacement. He states, "I have been a stranger in a strange land," and the name Gershom (Hebrew: *Ger-shom*) literally means "a stranger there" or "a sojourner in that place." It encapsulated his feeling of being an alien, far from his Hebrew people and homeland.

**What is the significance of Moses' time in Midian before his calling?**

Answer: Moses' forty years in Midian, though seemingly a period of exile and obscurity, was a crucial time of divine preparation. During this period, God stripped away Moses' Egyptian princely identity and pride, teaching him humility, patience, and the skills of a shepherd, which would be essential for leading the vast Israelite nation through the wilderness. It was a time for him to mature spiritually and personally before encountering God at the burning bush and receiving his monumental calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' experience as a "stranger in a strange land" in Exodus 2:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment and resonance in the person of Jesus Christ. While Moses was a stranger by necessity of exile, Christ willingly became a sojourner, leaving the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity, a people who often did not recognize Him ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "The Word in the world")). He declared that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Jesus has no home")), embodying the ultimate sojourner who, though the Creator of all, lived without a permanent earthly home. Furthermore, Christ's mission was to reconcile alienated humanity to God, transforming us from "strangers and aliens" into fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "No longer strangers")). Thus, Moses' personal displacement points forward to the divine humility of Christ, who became a stranger for our sake, ultimately leading us to our true, eternal home with God.

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.