Hebrews 11:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

By faith {G4102} Moses {G3475}, when he was come {G1096} to years {G3173}, refused {G720} to be called {G3004} the son {G5207} of Pharaoh's {G5328} daughter {G2364};

Complete Jewish Bible

By trusting, Moshe, after he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

Berean Standard Bible

By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

American Standard Version

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:24 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, showcasing his profound faith. Having matured within the opulent Egyptian court, Moses, by an act of deliberate conviction, chose to disavow his prestigious identity as the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter. This decision was not merely a rejection of a title but a radical renunciation of immense worldly power, privilege, and comfort, demonstrating a conscious alignment with God's people and His divine purpose, despite the inherent cost.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Hebrews chapter 11, often revered as the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith's Roll Call." The author systematically presents a lineage of Old Testament figures—from Abel to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—who exemplified unwavering trust in God, often in the face of daunting circumstances or deferred promises. Moses is introduced as a preeminent example of faith, following the patriarchs, and his initial act of renunciation (v. 24) sets the stage for his subsequent courageous choices detailed in [Hebrews 11:25-27](/hebrews/11-25-27 "Hebrews 11:25-27 - Moses' Further Acts of Faith"), such as choosing affliction with God's people over fleeting pleasures and forsaking Egypt. The narrative flow emphasizes that true faith is not passive belief but active, costly obedience that prioritizes God's unseen realities over visible, temporal advantages.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses' early life, as recounted in [Exodus 2](/exodus/2 "Exodus 2 - The Birth and Early Life of Moses"), placed him in an extraordinary position. Rescued from the Nile and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, he was raised within the very heart of the most powerful empire of his time. This meant access to the finest education, immense wealth, political influence, and a life of unparalleled luxury and status. To be called "the son of Pharaoh's daughter" was to possess an identity of immense privilege and a guaranteed future of power within Egyptian society. Conversely, the Israelites were an enslaved, despised, and oppressed people, subjected to brutal labor and infanticide. Moses' decision to reject his royal identity was thus a profound cultural and political statement, a deliberate turning away from the pinnacle of worldly power to align himself with a suffering, marginalized, and seemingly powerless people.
* **Key Themes:** Moses' choice vividly illustrates several key themes central to the book of Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Faith Over Worldly Allure**, demonstrating that genuine faith compels individuals to prioritize spiritual identity and eternal reward over temporal gain and earthly prestige. His action underscores the theme of **Identity in God**, emphasizing that true belonging is found in relation to God and His covenant people, not in societal status or human lineage. Furthermore, this verse introduces the **Cost of Discipleship**, showing that following God often necessitates radical renunciation and sacrifice of what the world values most. Moses' subsequent actions, such as choosing "to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" ([Hebrews 11:25](/hebrews/11-25 "Hebrews 11:25 - Moses Chooses Affliction")), further elaborate on the demanding yet rewarding nature of such faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** (G4102) This foundational term denotes persuasion, credence, and moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this context, Moses' "faith" was not a mere intellectual assent but a deep, active trust in God's unseen promises and a conviction strong enough to prompt a radical reorientation of his life. It was a firm assurance that God's way, however difficult, was superior to the world's most enticing offers.
* **to years (Greek, _mégas'_ combined with _gínomai'_):** (G3173, G1096) The phrase "when he was come to years" uses _mégas_ (big, great, large) in conjunction with _gínomai_ (to become, come into being). This signifies that Moses had reached full maturity, not just physically but in terms of understanding and decision-making. His choice was not an impulsive act of youth but a deliberate, considered decision made by an adult fully aware of the implications and the immense sacrifice involved. This emphasizes the weight and intentionality of his renunciation.
* **refused (Greek, _arnéomai'_):** (G720) This verb means "to contradict, disavow, reject, or abnegate." It conveys a strong, active, and conscious rejection. Moses didn't passively drift away from his royal identity; he emphatically "refused" it. This implies a clear, decisive, and public declaration, a turning away from a path that was not only available but expected of him, in favor of a path aligned with God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By faith Moses,"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the driving force behind Moses' monumental decision. It establishes that his subsequent action was not born of rebellion, personal ambition, or a sudden whim, but was a direct outflow of his deep, unwavering trust in God. Faith is presented as the foundational virtue enabling such a radical choice.
* **"when he was come to years,"**: This clause emphasizes Moses' maturity and the intentionality of his decision. He was not a child or a youth acting impulsively, but a grown man, presumably around 40 years old (cf. [Acts 7:23](/acts/7-23 "Acts 7:23 - Moses' Age at His First Act of Deliverance")), who had fully experienced and understood the privileges and power associated with his Egyptian upbringing. His refusal was a deliberate, informed choice, not an accidental or forced one.
* **"refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;"**: This is the core action of the verse. Moses actively "denied" or "rejected" the identity and status that had defined his life for decades. To be "called the son of Pharaoh's daughter" meant not just a title, but a life of immense power, wealth, and influence within the Egyptian empire. His refusal was a profound act of disidentification with the world's most powerful kingdom and a conscious alignment with his true heritage and God's people, the enslaved Israelites.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, highlighting the stark difference between the immense worldly privilege Moses renounced ("the son of Pharaoh's daughter") and the implied alternative of identifying with the oppressed people of God, a choice further elaborated in the subsequent verses. This contrast underscores the radical nature of faith. **Synecdoche** is also present, where "Pharaoh's daughter" stands not just for an individual but for the entire system of Egyptian power, wealth, and idolatry that Moses rejected. Finally, the phrase "by faith" acts as a **Theological Frame**, emphasizing that this extraordinary human decision was supernaturally empowered and divinely motivated, setting the stage for the rest of Moses' faith journey described in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' decision resonates deeply with the biblical theme of choosing spiritual identity over worldly status. His act foreshadows the call for all believers to renounce the allure of the world and embrace their true identity in Christ, understanding that what is valued by God often stands in opposition to what is esteemed by human society. This radical reorientation of allegiance is a hallmark of genuine faith, recognizing that the temporal advantages offered by the world are fleeting compared to the eternal inheritance and fellowship found in God's kingdom. It underscores that true spiritual growth often involves a deliberate detachment from earthly comforts and a willingness to embrace the path of discipleship, however costly, knowing that God's promises are infinitely more valuable than any worldly possession or position.

* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Matthew 10:37-39](/matthew/10-37-39 "Matthew 10:37-39 - The Cost of Following Christ")
* [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' refusal to cling to his royal identity serves as a powerful mirror for believers today, prompting us to critically examine our own allegiances and the "Pharaoh's daughter" in our lives. What worldly privileges, statuses, comforts, or ambitions might we be tempted to prioritize over our identity in Christ and our commitment to God's kingdom? This verse challenges us to consider the true value we place on material success, social acceptance, or career advancement versus the eternal rewards and the profound privilege of being identified with God's people, even if it means choosing a path of perceived hardship or social marginalization. True faith, as exemplified by Moses, often demands a bold and deliberate renunciation of what the world offers, in favor of God's higher calling and the unseen realities of His kingdom. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, where our ultimate citizenship and allegiance lie not with any earthly power, but with the King of kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Pharaoh's daughter" might I be tempted to cling to in my life (e.g., career, reputation, comfort, security) that hinders my full identification with Christ and His purposes?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to exercise "faith" to "refuse" worldly values or expectations that conflict with God's will?**
* **How does my current lifestyle reflect a prioritization of eternal rewards over temporal pleasures, as Moses' choice did?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more fully embrace my identity as a child of God, even if it means sacrificing worldly gain or comfort?**

### FAQ

**Why is Moses' choice highlighted as an act of faith?**

Answer: Moses' choice is highlighted as an act of faith because it involved a radical prioritization of unseen spiritual realities over tangible, immense worldly privileges. He gave up a guaranteed future of power and luxury in the world's greatest empire to identify with an enslaved, suffering people, trusting that God's promises and rewards were far superior to anything Egypt could offer. This decision required a deep conviction in God's faithfulness and a foresight beyond immediate circumstances, embodying the definition of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")).

**What does "when he was come to years" imply about Moses' decision?**

Answer: The phrase "when he was come to years" implies that Moses' decision was not an impulsive act of youth but a mature, deliberate, and fully conscious choice. He had spent decades (likely 40 years, as indicated in [Acts 7:23](/acts/7-23 "Acts 7:23 - Moses' Age at His First Act of Deliverance")) living within the Egyptian court, fully understanding the immense benefits and the profound cost of his renunciation. This maturity underscores the weight and intentionality of his faith-driven action, making it a more powerful example for the reader.

**What was the significance of being "the son of Pharaoh's daughter"?**

Answer: Being "the son of Pharaoh's daughter" meant Moses held a position of unparalleled status, power, and privilege within ancient Egypt. He would have been educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians ([Acts 7:22](/acts/7-22 "Acts 7:22 - Moses' Education in Egypt")), had access to vast wealth, and was likely in line for significant political influence, potentially even the throne. His renunciation of this title was therefore a rejection of the pinnacle of worldly power and comfort, signifying a profound break from the world's system and a radical alignment with God's covenant people, the enslaved Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' profound act of renunciation, driven by faith, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's ultimate condescension and identification with humanity. Just as Moses, from a position of earthly power and privilege, chose to relinquish it to align with an oppressed people, so too did Jesus, from His eternal glory and divine privilege, "empty himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). Christ "refused to be called" the Son of God in the sense of clinging to His divine prerogatives, instead embracing the humility and suffering of humanity, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Moses' choice to suffer affliction with God's people ([Hebrews 11:25](/hebrews/11-25 "Hebrews 11:25 - Moses Chooses Affliction")) foreshadows Christ's willing embrace of suffering for the sake of His people, bearing their sins and redeeming them. Ultimately, Moses' example calls believers to a similar Christ-like identification: to die to worldly ambitions and self-centered desires, taking up their cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross")) and living as those whose true identity and citizenship are in heaven with Christ ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), having been crucified with Him to the world ([Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Glorying in the Cross")).

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 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.

Exodus 2:11

¶ 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.

Acts 7:21

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

Acts 7:24

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