Exodus 2:6 - She opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 2:6

What does "Exodus 2:6" mean?


This verse from Exodus 2:6 is a pivotal moment in the Moses story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"She opened it, and saw the child..." This refers to Pharaoh's daughter opening the ark (or basket) made of papyrus that Moses' mother had placed him in to save him from the Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys.

"...and behold, the baby cried." The baby's crying is crucial. It evokes a natural human response: empathy. It's likely a combination of being uncomfortable, exposed, and possibly hungry that leads to the crying.

"She had compassion on him..." This is the core of the verse. The crying baby triggers a deep feeling of pity and tenderness in Pharaoh's daughter. She's moved by the child's vulnerability and need. The Hebrew word often translated as "compassion" implies a deep, visceral sense of caring.

"...and said, 'This is one of the Hebrews' children.'" This is where things get complex. While she doesn't explicitly acknowledge the Pharaoh's decree, it shows that she is aware of the situation with the Hebrew people.

Overall Meaning & Significance:

The verse highlights several key themes:

The power of human empathy: Despite being a member of the Egyptian ruling class, Pharaoh's daughter is moved by the plight of a helpless child.
Defiance of authority: By recognizing that the baby is Hebrew and choosing to care for him, she is implicitly defying her father's orders.
Divine Providence: It sets in motion the events that will lead to Moses being raised in the Egyptian court, while simultaneously being connected to his Hebrew heritage. This is crucial for his later role as the leader who will deliver the Israelites from slavery.
Feminine Agency: It portrays a powerful woman taking agency in a patriarchal society, using her position to save a life and change the course of history.

In essence, this verse is the spark that ignites the story of Moses. It demonstrates the power of compassion to overcome prejudice and set in motion the events that will lead to the liberation of a nation.

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