Hebrews 11:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

By faith {G4102} Moses {G3475}, when he was born {G1080}, was hid {G2928} three months {G5150} of {G5259} his {G846} parents {G3962}, because {G1360} they saw {G1492} he was a proper {G791} child {G3813}; and {G2532} they were {G5399} not {G3756} afraid {G5399} of the king's {G935} commandment {G1297}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, the parents of Moshe hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they weren’t afraid of the king’s decree.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:23 celebrates the profound faith of Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, who, despite Pharaoh's murderous decree against Hebrew male infants, chose to hide their newborn son for three months. Their courageous act stemmed from a spiritual discernment that Moses was a divinely favored child with a special purpose, enabling them to overcome the natural fear of the king's absolute authority and prioritize obedience to God's implicit will over human tyranny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "faith hall of fame" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Chapter"), a chapter dedicated to illustrating the nature and power of faith through the lives of Old Testament heroes. Following the examples of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the narrative shifts to the nascent nation of Israel and specifically highlights the faith of individuals who lived under oppression. Moses' parents are presented as the first in a series of examples from Moses' life, setting the stage for Moses' own great acts of faith detailed in subsequent verses (e.g., [Hebrews 11:24-29](/hebrews/11-24-29 "Hebrews 11:24-29 - Moses' Faith")). Their faith is not merely a personal virtue but a foundational act that preserves the life of the one chosen by God to deliver His people, thus directly contributing to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the brutal oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel's Oppression in Egypt"). Pharaoh, threatened by the rapid growth of the Hebrew population, implemented increasingly severe measures, culminating in the horrific decree that all newborn Hebrew boys be thrown into the Nile River ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Exodus 1:22 - Pharaoh's Decree")). This was a time of immense fear, despair, and state-sanctioned infanticide. The king's word was law, and defiance carried the penalty of death. In this environment, Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed ([Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Amram and Jochebed")), faced an impossible choice: obey the tyrannical decree and sacrifice their child, or defy the most powerful ruler of their time and risk their own lives. Their decision to hide Moses was an act of profound civil disobedience rooted in a higher allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost is **Faith Over Fear**, demonstrating how a deep trust in God's sovereignty can overcome the most paralyzing human fears, even the fear of death at the hands of a powerful ruler. Another crucial theme is **Divine Recognition and Purpose**, highlighted by the parents' perception that Moses was "a proper child," implying not just physical beauty but a spiritual discernment of God's special hand and purpose upon his life from birth. This recognition fueled their determination to protect him. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **Obedience to God Over Human Authority**, as Amram and Jochebed consciously chose to obey what they perceived as God's will (to preserve life and His chosen one) over the explicit, murderous command of Pharaoh. This principle resonates throughout biblical history, as seen in the apostles' declaration in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"), that "We must obey God rather than human beings." Finally, it emphasizes **Parental Faith and Stewardship**, showcasing how the faith of parents can play a critical role in nurturing and protecting God's purposes for their children, often requiring significant personal sacrifice and courage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This word, central to the entire chapter, signifies not merely intellectual assent but a deep, active trust and conviction in God's truthfulness and promises. In the context of Hebrews 11:23, it describes the unwavering reliance of Moses' parents on God's unseen plan, prompting them to act in defiance of a visible, terrifying threat. Their "faith" was a moral conviction that God's will for their child superseded Pharaoh's decree.
* **Proper (Greek, _asteîos'_): (Greek, _asteîos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "city," this term literally means "urbane" or "polished," and by implication, "handsome" or "comely." As used here and in [Acts 7:20](/acts/7-20 "Acts 7:20 - Stephen's Account of Moses"), it denotes not just outward physical attractiveness but suggests an exceptional, divinely endowed quality or beauty that indicated God's favor and special destiny for Moses. It was this perceived "properness" or divine mark that solidified their faith and resolve.
* **Afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice as here, "to be alarmed" or "to fear." The negation ("not afraid") highlights the extraordinary courage of Moses' parents. Despite the immense power of the king and the severe consequences of disobedience, their faith rendered them immune to the paralyzing fear that would have gripped most others, allowing them to act boldly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents,"**: This opening clause immediately attributes the parents' actions to their faith. The act of "hiding" Moses for three months was a deliberate and dangerous defiance of Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants. This period of concealment demonstrates their sustained commitment and resourcefulness, operating under extreme secrecy and risk.
* **"because they saw [he was] a proper child;"**: This provides the immediate motivation for their faith-driven action. Their perception of Moses as "proper" (or "exceeding fair" as in Acts 7:20) was not just an aesthetic judgment but a spiritual discernment that he was special, perhaps marked by God for a unique purpose. This insight strengthened their conviction that his life was precious and divinely ordained, worth risking everything for.
* **"and they were not afraid of the king's commandment."**: This final clause emphasizes the triumph of their faith over fear. The "king's commandment" was a death sentence for their child and potentially for them if discovered. Their lack of fear was not recklessness but a courageous trust in a higher power, demonstrating that their allegiance to God superseded their fear of human authority, no matter how absolute.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 11:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. There is a strong **Contrast** between the absolute power and terrifying decree of the king and the seemingly vulnerable yet courageous faith of Moses' parents. This highlights the spiritual truth that God's power and purpose are greater than any earthly authority. The phrase "they saw [he was] a proper child" functions as a form of **Divine Recognition**, suggesting a spiritual insight or revelation given to the parents, indicating Moses' special destiny. This perception acts as a catalyst for their extraordinary actions. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, as the parents' initial act of defiance and protection directly sets the stage for Moses' future role as the great deliverer of Israel, who would himself confront and defy Pharaoh. The parents' faith here is a microcosm of the larger narrative of faith that will unfold through Moses' life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The faith of Moses' parents in Hebrews 11:23 is a powerful testament to the principle that genuine faith empowers believers to defy unjust human authority when it conflicts with divine will. Their act of hiding Moses was not merely an instinctual parental response but a conscious, Spirit-led decision rooted in their conviction that God had a special purpose for their child, a purpose that transcended Pharaoh's tyrannical decree. This demonstrates a core theological truth: God often works through the courageous obedience of individuals, even in the face of overwhelming odds, to bring about His redemptive plan. Their faith underscores the sovereignty of God, who can use seemingly small acts of defiance to protect His chosen instruments and advance His kingdom. It also highlights the sacred responsibility of parents to steward the lives of their children, recognizing them as gifts from God with unique callings.

* [Exodus 1:15-2:10](/exodus/1-15-2-10 "Exodus 1:15-2:10 - The Birth and Early Life of Moses")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men")
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord Is On My Side; I Will Not Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The courageous faith of Moses' parents offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world often dominated by fear, oppressive systems, or societal pressures that contradict biblical values, this verse challenges us to examine the depth of our own convictions. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it means defying prevailing norms or facing significant personal risk? The parents' discernment of Moses as a "proper child" reminds us to cultivate spiritual sensitivity, seeking to recognize God's hand and purpose in our own lives and in the lives of those around us, especially our children. This calls for intentional prayer, seeking wisdom, and trusting that God's plan is always superior. Furthermore, their act of prioritizing God's implicit will over the king's explicit command serves as a timeless call to courageous obedience. When faced with choices where worldly expectations or human laws conflict with divine principles, we are called to prioritize our allegiance to God, trusting that He will sustain us. This verse powerfully reminds us that even seemingly small acts of faith and obedience, when rooted in deep trust in God, can have monumental implications for His redemptive plan and the future of generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "king's commandments" (societal pressures, fears, or worldly expectations) are you facing today that might be challenging your faith or calling you to compromise?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper spiritual discernment to recognize God's unique purpose and "properness" in your own life and in the lives of those you influence?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to exercise courageous obedience to God, even if it means defying popular opinion or facing personal risk?**

### FAQ
**What does "proper child" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "proper child" (Greek: _asteîos_) goes beyond mere physical beauty. While Moses was indeed described as "exceeding fair" or "beautiful" ([Acts 7:20](/acts/7-20 "Acts 7:20 - Stephen's Description of Moses")), the term here implies a deeper, spiritual discernment by his parents. They perceived something divinely special or uniquely blessed about him, recognizing God's hand and a specific purpose for his life from birth. This spiritual insight fueled their conviction and courage to defy Pharaoh's decree, believing God had a plan for Moses that transcended the immediate danger.

**Who were Moses' parents, and what do we know about them?**

Answer: Moses' parents were Amram and Jochebed, both from the tribe of Levi ([Exodus 6:20](/exodus/6-20 "Exodus 6:20 - Amram and Jochebed")). The Bible records that Jochebed conceived and bore Moses, and when she saw he was a "goodly child," she hid him for three months ([Exodus 2:2](/exodus/2-2 "Exodus 2:2 - Moses' Birth and Hiding")). This verse in Hebrews 11:23 specifically highlights their shared faith and courage in defying Pharaoh's decree, making them exemplary figures in the "hall of faith."

**Why was hiding Moses considered an act of "faith" rather than just parental instinct?**

Answer: While parental instinct is certainly at play, the author of Hebrews emphasizes "faith" because their decision involved a conscious, deliberate defiance of the most powerful earthly authority of their time, carrying severe penalties. It wasn't just an emotional reaction but a principled stand rooted in their trust in God's sovereignty and a spiritual conviction about Moses' divine destiny. They were "not afraid of the king's commandment," indicating a supernatural courage born from their reliance on God, rather than merely human instinct. Their act was a radical trust that God would somehow preserve their child despite impossible odds, foreshadowing God's greater deliverance through Moses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faith of Moses' parents, in preserving the life of the deliverer of Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of faith in God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses' life was threatened by a tyrannical king ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Exodus 1:22 - Pharaoh's Decree")), so too was the infant Jesus pursued by King Herod, leading to the slaughter of innocents ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")). In both cases, God's providential hand protected His chosen deliverers. Moses, saved by faith and hidden from death, became the one through whom God established the Old Covenant and led His people out of bondage. This points forward to Jesus, the true and greater Deliverer, whose life was also preserved, enabling Him to establish the New Covenant through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice. Our faith, like that of Moses' parents, is ultimately placed in Christ, the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), who, through His death and resurrection, conquered the ultimate tyrant, sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and leads all who believe into true freedom and eternal life ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Exodus 1:16

And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see [them] upon the stools; if it [be] a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it [be] a daughter, then she shall live.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Exodus 2:2

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

Exodus 2:10

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?