Old Testament
Exodus 2:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
She gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land."
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And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.
What Exodus 2:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Moses was born into a challenging situation, and his mother named him Gershom, which means 'foreigner.' This name reflects Moses' feelings of being out of place in a land that was not his own. He recognized that he was living in a foreign land, far from his roots and heritage. This experience shaped his identity and perspective on life. It highlights the struggles of feeling disconnected and the longing for belonging. Moses' story resonates with many who have faced similar feelings of alienation or displacement. His name serves as a reminder that our experiences, even the difficult ones, can define us and lead us to greater understanding of ourselves and others. In this moment, Moses begins to understand the complexities of his life and the journey ahead of him, setting the stage for his future role as a leader and liberator. His acknowledgment of being a foreigner is a powerful statement about identity and belonging, themes that are relevant to everyone today, as we navigate our own places in the world.
How to apply Exodus 2:22 to your life
Reflect on your own experiences of feeling out of place. How have these moments shaped who you are today? Embrace your unique journey and the lessons learned from it. Remember, feeling like a foreigner can lead to growth and understanding in your life and relationships. Use these experiences to connect with others who feel the same way.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: At the Well in Midian (Exodus 2:15–22)
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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 2:22
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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 Exodus 2:22 mean?
Exodus 2:22 recounts the birth of Moses' son, Gershom, whose name means 'foreigner.' This reflects Moses' feelings of being an outsider in a land that was not his own, highlighting themes of identity and belonging.
What is the significance of the name Gershom in Exodus 2:22?
The name Gershom signifies Moses' experience as a foreigner in a strange land. It symbolizes his feelings of displacement and the challenges of living away from his roots.
How does Exodus 2:22 relate to themes of identity?
Exodus 2:22 illustrates how Moses' name, Gershom, reflects his identity as a foreigner, emphasizing the struggle for belonging and the impact of one's environment on personal identity.
What can we learn from Moses' experience in Exodus 2:22?
Moses' experience in Exodus 2:22 teaches us about the complexities of feeling out of place and how such experiences can shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others.
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