Hebrews 11:24

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

Hebrews 11:24 is a profound statement within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, highlighting Moses' pivotal choice driven by unwavering faith. It recounts the moment Moses, having grown to maturity, deliberately rejected the immense worldly privileges associated with his upbringing in Pharaoh's royal household.

Context

This verse is part of Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "faith chapter," which provides a historical overview of individuals who exemplified faith, illustrating its power and necessity. Moses is presented as a prime example of faith, following Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Raised in the opulent court of Egypt as the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter (see Exodus 2:10), Moses enjoyed a life of unparalleled luxury, power, and education. His refusal to be identified with this status was a monumental decision, signifying a conscious break from the world's most powerful empire at that time.

Key Themes

  • Faith Over Worldly Allure: Moses' action demonstrates a radical prioritization of spiritual identity and God's call over incredible worldly gain, wealth, and status. He chose a path of potential hardship with God's people over a life of ease and power in Egypt.
  • Identity in God: This verse underscores the theme of choosing one's true identity in relation to God and His people, rather than embracing a prestigious but ultimately fleeting worldly identity. Moses renounced his Egyptian princely title to align himself with the enslaved Israelites.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Moses' decision was not without cost. He willingly forfeited a life of comfort and power, foreshadowing the sacrifices often required of those who follow God. His subsequent choices, detailed in Hebrews 11:25 and Hebrews 11:26, further elaborate on the nature of this costly faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "refused" is arneomai (ἀρνέομαι), which means "to deny, reject, disown, or renounce." It implies a deliberate, conscious, and firm decision to turn away from something. This wasn't a passive act but an active, faith-filled renunciation of a deeply ingrained identity and future, demonstrating the resolute nature of his conviction.

Practical Application

Moses' choice challenges believers today to examine their own allegiances. What "Pharaoh's daughter" or worldly privileges might we be tempted to cling to, rather than fully embracing our identity in Christ and aligning ourselves with God's purposes? This verse calls us to consider the value we place on worldly status, comfort, and success versus the eternal rewards and the privilege of being identified with God's people. True faith, as exemplified by Moses, often requires a bold rejection of what the world offers in favor of God's higher calling, understanding that the unseen is of far greater worth than the seen (compare with 2 Corinthians 4:18).

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 2:10 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 7:24 (5 votes)

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