Old Testament
Exodus 2:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this moment, Moses has just helped the daughters of a Midianite priest at a well.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
And he asked his daughters, "Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Call him, so he can eat bread."
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses has just helped the daughters of a Midianite priest at a well. When they return home, their father is curious about the man who assisted them. He asks why they left Moses behind and suggests they invite him for a meal. This shows the importance of hospitality and recognizing kindness. The priest's inquiry highlights the value of community and connection. By inviting Moses, they open the door to a new relationship that will change their lives. This simple act of sharing a meal can lead to significant events in the future. It reminds us that sometimes, the smallest gestures can lead to the biggest changes in our lives. We should be open to welcoming others and appreciating their contributions, just as the priest does with Moses. This moment sets the stage for Moses' future role in leading his people, emphasizing how important it is to acknowledge and nurture relationships that come our way, no matter how small they may seem at first glance. Every encounter has the potential to shape our journey.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 2:20 to your life
Consider how you can show kindness to someone today. A simple invitation to share a meal or a conversation can create meaningful connections. Be open to the people you meet; they may play a significant role in your life. Remember, every relationship starts with a small gesture of goodwill. Embrace those moments of connection with others, as they can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities in your life. Be the one who reaches out.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 2:20 teach about hospitality?
Exodus 2:20 highlights the importance of hospitality through the actions of the Midianite priest. By inviting Moses to share a meal, he demonstrates how simple gestures of kindness can foster relationships and community. This verse encourages us to be open to welcoming others into our lives, as these connections can lead to significant changes and blessings.
Why did the priest ask about Moses in Exodus 2:20?
The priest's inquiry about Moses in Exodus 2:20 reflects his curiosity and concern for his daughters' well-being. After they returned home from the well, he wanted to know why they left the man who helped them. This question not only emphasizes the value of recognizing kindness but also sets the stage for inviting Moses into their home, which ultimately leads to important developments in Moses' life.
What is the significance of sharing a meal in Exodus 2:20?
Sharing a meal in Exodus 2:20 symbolizes hospitality and the building of relationships. The priest's suggestion to invite Moses for bread illustrates how communal meals can create bonds and open doors to new opportunities. This act of kindness can lead to transformative experiences, reminding us that even small gestures can have a lasting impact on our lives and the lives of others.
How can we apply the lessons from Exodus 2:20 in our daily lives?
We can apply the lessons from Exodus 2:20 by actively seeking opportunities to show kindness and hospitality to others. This might involve inviting someone for a meal, engaging in conversation, or simply being open to new relationships. By embracing these moments of connection, we can create meaningful bonds that may lead to unexpected blessings and enrich our lives.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
Unlock the full Exodus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.