Exodus 2:4

KJV

And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sister {H269} stood {H3320} afar off {H7350}, to wit {H3045} what would be done {H6213} to him.

Complete Jewish Bible

His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

Berean Standard Bible

And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

American Standard Version

And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:4 captures a moment of quiet, courageous vigilance as Moses's unnamed older sister positions herself at a distance to observe the fate of her infant brother, who has been placed in an ark on the Nile River. This seemingly small act of watchful loyalty is pivotal, demonstrating human faithfulness intertwined with divine providence in the preservation of Israel's future deliverer amidst Pharaoh's genocidal decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Moses's mother, Jochebed, has placed her infant son in a basket (an "ark" or "chest") among the reeds of the Nile River, a desperate act to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants. The preceding verses [Exodus 2:1-3](/exodus/2-1-3 "Moses's Birth and Concealment") detail his birth, his mother's successful concealment of him for three months, and the ingenious plan to float him in the river. Exodus 2:4 serves as a critical bridge, setting the stage for the miraculous discovery of the child by Pharaoh's daughter and the subsequent clever intervention of Moses's sister, which leads to his return to his birth mother for nursing, as described in [Exodus 2:5-10](/exodus/2-5-10 "Pharaoh's Daughter Discovers Moses"). It highlights the transition from the parents' protective actions to the sister's crucial role in the unfolding divine drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the severe oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where they had become numerous and strong, prompting Pharaoh to fear their potential rebellion. This fear led to increasingly harsh measures, culminating in the horrific decree to [cast every Hebrew male infant into the Nile](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew male infants"). In this context, the act of placing a child in the river was not an abandonment but a desperate, final attempt at preservation, hoping for divine intervention or a merciful discovery. The Nile was central to Egyptian life, a source of sustenance and a symbol of their gods, making it a poignant and dangerous setting for this act of defiance. For a young girl to stand watch in such a perilous environment, where discovery could mean severe punishment, speaks to the immense familial love and the profound risk involved.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 2:4 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showing God's active hand in preserving His chosen instrument, Moses, against overwhelming odds, even when human efforts seem futile or desperate. It also underscores the theme of **Human Agency and Faithfulness**, demonstrating how God often works through the courageous and resourceful actions of ordinary individuals—in this case, a young girl—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Furthermore, the verse highlights the deep **Familial Loyalty and Protection** within the Israelite family, a vital aspect of their identity and survival under persecution. This familial bond is a microcosm of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people, as seen throughout the narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus - Israel's Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sister (Hebrew, _ʼâchôwth'_):** This term, a feminine form of "brother," signifies a close familial relationship, emphasizing the deep bond and loyalty within Moses's family. While unnamed here, later tradition identifies her as Miriam, highlighting her significant role in the family and, subsequently, in Israel's history. The use of "sister" immediately conveys a sense of intimate concern and responsibility for the infant.
* **stood (Hebrew, _yâtsab'_):** This primitive root means "to place (anything so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue; present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up)." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, fixed, and active posture. Miriam didn't just happen to be there; she purposefully "stationed herself" or "took her stand," indicating an intentional and resolute act of vigilance rather than passive observation.
* **to wit (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This archaic King James Version translation of the primitive root "yâdaʻ" means "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing." However, "yâdaʻ" in Hebrew often implies a deep, experiential, or active knowing, not merely intellectual understanding. Here, it conveys Miriam's active observation and intent to "find out" or "discern" what would happen. It suggests a readiness to understand the situation fully, implying a preparedness to react or intervene based on her observations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sister stood afar off":** This clause establishes the identity of the person involved (Moses's sister) and her physical position. The phrase "stood afar off" (Hebrew: *wayyitṣṣaḇ mērrāḥōq*) conveys a deliberate and watchful posture. She maintained a necessary distance to observe the ark and its surroundings without drawing undue attention to herself or the hidden infant. This distance was strategic, allowing her a vantage point while minimizing her own risk.
* **"to wit what would be done to him":** This second clause reveals the explicit purpose of her vigil. "To wit" (from the Hebrew *yâdaʻ*) signifies her intent "to know," "to ascertain," or "to find out" the outcome. This was not mere curiosity but an active, engaged watchfulness over her brother's fate, indicating a readiness to understand and potentially respond to the unfolding events. Her presence was not passive but imbued with a deep concern and an underlying hope for a positive resolution.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 2:4 employs several effective literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Miriam's vigilant watch over the infant Moses subtly prefigures his future role as Israel's watchful leader and deliverer. Her act of standing guard hints at the greater divine watchfulness over His chosen people. The verse also uses **Narrative Economy**, conveying profound meaning and setting the stage for a pivotal event with a concise statement. The unnamed "sister" adds a touch of **Mystery** or **Anonymity**, allowing the focus to remain on the desperate situation and the unfolding divine plan, rather than on her individual identity, though she is later named Miriam. Her presence creates **Suspense**, as the reader is left to wonder what will become of the child and what Miriam's next move might be, building anticipation for the subsequent verses. Finally, the scene is rich with **Symbolism**: the vulnerable ark in the dangerous Nile, watched by a small, courageous figure, symbolizes the precarious state of Israel under oppression, yet also the enduring hope and divine protection that will ultimately lead to deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:4 beautifully illustrates the profound interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's providential hand is undeniably at work in Moses's preservation, Miriam's courageous and strategic vigilance is an indispensable human act that facilitates God's plan. Her seemingly small act of watchful love underscores the theological truth that God often chooses to work through the faithful obedience and courageous actions of ordinary individuals, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. This highlights that no act of faithfulness, however quiet or hidden, is insignificant in God's grand redemptive narrative.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord directs our steps"): "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
* [Psalm 121:3-4](/psalm/121-3-4 "The Lord watches over you"): "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God chooses the weak"): "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:4 serves as a profound reminder that God often uses the faithful and courageous acts of individuals, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, to advance His grand redemptive purposes. Like Miriam, we are called to be vigilant and prayerful, actively watching for opportunities to serve and protect those in vulnerable situations, trusting that our presence, intercession, or readiness to act can make a tangible difference. This story encourages us to embrace our unique roles in God's unfolding plan, recognizing that every act of faithfulness, however quiet or hidden, contributes to His sovereign work and can set the stage for monumental events. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of active concern for others, especially the marginalized and those at risk, and to be prepared to act with courage and wisdom when God presents an opportunity to be His hands and feet in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "stand afar off" and vigilantly watch over a situation or person, ready to act when the moment is right?**
* **What seemingly "small" acts of faithfulness or courage have you witnessed or participated in that had a significant impact on God's work?**
* **How does Miriam's example challenge you to move beyond passive observation to active, prayerful vigilance in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why is Moses's sister unnamed in this verse?**

Answer: While [Exodus 2:4](/exodus/2-4 "Moses's sister stands afar off") does not name her, later biblical texts, specifically [Numbers 26:59](/numbers/26-59 "Miriam identified as Moses's sister"), identify her as Miriam. Her anonymity here serves a literary purpose, emphasizing her role in the immediate drama without distracting from the focus on the infant Moses, yet her actions are profoundly significant to the narrative. It highlights the collective family effort in preserving Moses, rather than solely focusing on an individual.

**What is the meaning of "to wit" in the King James Version?**

Answer: In the context of [Exodus 2:4](/exodus/2-4 "Moses's sister stands afar off"), "to wit" is an archaic English phrase from the King James Version, meaning "to know," "to ascertain," or "to find out." The underlying Hebrew verb, *yada* (יָדַע), implies a deliberate and active observation, signifying Miriam's intent to understand and respond to whatever might happen to her brother. It suggests a knowing born of active engagement and readiness.

**How does Miriam's seemingly small act contribute to God's larger plan?**

Answer: Miriam's act of vigilant watchfulness, though seemingly minor, was a crucial link in God's providential plan for Moses's preservation and the eventual deliverance of Israel. Her presence allowed her to quickly intervene when [Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child](/exodus/2-5 "Pharaoh's daughter finds Moses"), facilitating Moses's return to his mother for nursing ([Exodus 2:7-9](/exodus/2-7-9 "Miriam suggests a Hebrew nurse; Moses returned to his mother")). This illustrates how God often uses the faithfulness and courage of ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes, demonstrating that no act of obedience is insignificant in His divine economy. Her quick thinking and courage directly enabled Moses's survival and upbringing, which were essential for his future leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The preservation of Moses, facilitated by Miriam's vigilance in [Exodus 2:4](/exodus/2-4 "Miriam's Vigilance"), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate preservation of God's greater Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses was miraculously saved from a decree of death in infancy to become the rescuer of Israel from physical bondage, so too was Jesus protected in His infancy from Herod's murderous intent ([Matthew 2:13-18](/matthew/2-13-18 "Herod's slaughter of the innocents")) to fulfill His mission as the Savior of the world. Moses, as a type of Christ, prefigures the One who would truly lead His people out of bondage—not merely from physical slavery, but from the spiritual slavery of sin and death, through His own perfect sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's superior sacrifice")). Miriam's watchful love for her brother points to the divine and human care that ensured the coming of the promised Messiah, through whom all humanity finds ultimate deliverance and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "For God so loved the world")). The vulnerability of the infant Moses and his miraculous preservation underscore God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, a plan that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true 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")).

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

Numbers 26:59

And the name of Amram's wife [was] Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom [her mother] bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

Exodus 15:20

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Numbers 12:1

¶ And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Numbers 12:15

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in [again].