### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **asteîos**, represented by `{{G791}}`, means **handsome** or **fair**. Derived from a word for city, it carries an implication of being urbane or refined. This term appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both instances describing the infant Moses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G791}}` highlights the exceptional nature of Moses from birth. [[Acts 7:20]] states that at the time Moses was born `{{G1080}}`, he "was `{{G2258}}` exceeding `{{G2316}}` **fair** `{{G791}}`" and was nourished `{{G397}}` in his father's `{{G3962}}` house `{{G3624}}` for three months `{{G3376}}`. Similarly, [[Hebrews 11:23]] describes that by faith `{{G4102}}`, his parents `{{G3962}}` hid `{{G2928}}` him because they saw `{{G1492}}` he was a "**proper** `{{G791}}` child" `{{G3813}}`. This perception gave them the courage to defy the king's `{{G935}}` commandment `{{G1297}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the significance of Moses being **fair**:
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate...be born): This word establishes the context in both verses where Moses is **born**, the moment his special quality is first observed ([[Hebrews 11:23]], [[Acts 7:20]]).
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication...to know): This describes the action of Moses' parents, who **saw** he was a "proper child." Their sight was an act of perception that understood his uniqueness [[Hebrews 11:23]].
* `{{G2928}}` **krýptō** (to conceal...hide): This is the direct result of the parents' perception. Recognizing his special nature, they **hid** him to protect him from the king's edict [[Hebrews 11:23]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion...reliance upon Christ for salvation...faith): This is the driving motivation for the parents' actions. It was by **faith** that they recognized his value and acted to preserve him [[Hebrews 11:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G791}}` is concentrated on the early life of Moses.
* **A Sign of Divine Favor:** The use of **asteîos**, particularly when intensified as "exceeding fair" in [[Acts 7:20]], suggests that Moses' physical appearance was an outward sign of God's special purpose for his life.
* **The Perception of Faith:** In [[Hebrews 11:23]], the ability of Moses' parents to see he was a "proper child" is presented as an act of faith `{{G4102}}`. This faith allowed them to perceive a divine quality in him that superseded their fear `{{G5399}}` of the king's commandment `{{G1297}}`.
* **The Catalyst for Preservation:** The recognition of this quality was the very reason his parents hid `{{G2928}}` him. This act of preservation was a crucial first step in God's plan to raise up a deliverer for Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G791}}` is a specific and impactful term used exclusively to describe the infant Moses. It signifies more than simple attractiveness, pointing to a God-given quality that was recognizable to the eyes of faith. This perception prompted an act of courageous defiance that preserved the future leader of Israel, demonstrating how a physical attribute can signal a profound spiritual destiny.
TRV