Old Testament
Exodus 2:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out of the water."
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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.
What Exodus 2:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, we see a pivotal change in Moses' life. He was born to a Hebrew mother but was raised in the palace of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. His mother, after hiding him for three months to protect him from being killed, entrusted him to Pharaoh's daughter. She took him in and named him Moses, which means 'drawn out of the water.' This name reflects his miraculous rescue from death and hints at his future role in leading his people to freedom. Moses' upbringing in the palace would shape his character and prepare him for the significant mission ahead. This story illustrates how unexpected circumstances can lead to extraordinary destinies. It reminds us that our beginnings do not determine our future, and that we can rise above our circumstances with purpose and strength. Moses' journey is a testament to the power of hope and divine intervention in our lives, showing that even in difficult situations, there can be a path to greatness and fulfillment of purpose.
How to apply Exodus 2:10 to your life
Reflect on your own beginnings and how they shape you. Remember that your past does not define your future. Embrace the unexpected turns in your life, as they may lead you to your true purpose. Trust that you are being guided toward something greater than yourself. Stay open to the possibilities ahead of you, just like Moses did in his journey to greatness.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses in the Basket (Exodus 2:1–10)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Exodus 2:10
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the name Moses mean in Exodus 2:10?
In Exodus 2:10, the name Moses means 'drawn out of the water.' This name was given by Pharaoh's daughter after she rescued him from the Nile River, highlighting the miraculous circumstances of his survival and foreshadowing his future role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
How did Moses end up in Pharaoh's palace?
Moses ended up in Pharaoh's palace because his Hebrew mother hid him for three months to protect him from the Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. When she could no longer hide him, she placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River, where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter.
What is the significance of Moses' upbringing in Egypt?
Moses' upbringing in the palace of Pharaoh is significant because it provided him with education, privilege, and insight into Egyptian culture. This unique background equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to later confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom, demonstrating how God can use diverse experiences for His purposes.
What lessons can we learn from Moses' early life?
Moses' early life teaches us that our beginnings do not dictate our future. Despite being born into a challenging situation, he rose to become a leader. This story encourages us to embrace our unique journeys, trust in divine guidance, and recognize that unexpected circumstances can lead to fulfilling our true purpose.
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