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.
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.
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.
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 This faith allowed them to perceive a divine quality in him that superseded their fear G5399 of the king's commandment G1297.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.
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