Exodus 2 4

Exodus 2:4 kjv

And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

Exodus 2:4 nkjv

And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

Exodus 2:4 niv

His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

Exodus 2:4 esv

And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him.

Exodus 2:4 nlt

The baby's sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.

Exodus 2 verses

Exodus 2 4 Meaning

Exodus 2:4 describes Moses's sister, Miriam, observing from a distance after their mother, Jochebed, placed baby Moses in a basket on the Nile River. Her purpose was to vigilantly watch and discover what fate awaited the infant, demonstrating a proactive care and anticipation of God's unfolding plan.

Exodus 2 4 Context

Exodus chapter 2 narrates the miraculous preservation of Moses amidst Pharaoh's brutal decree to kill all Hebrew male infants (Exo 1:22). Moses's parents, by faith, hid him for three months. When they could no longer conceal him, his mother crafted a basket, placed him in it, and set it among the reeds by the Nile. This verse follows that act, focusing on Moses's older sister, Miriam, who took on the courageous and crucial role of a vigilant watchman. The historical context is one of severe oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, with God's people suffering under harsh slavery and systemic genocide, setting the stage for divine intervention and the need for a deliverer. The cultural setting underscores the risk involved for Miriam in standing openly near where an Egyptian princess might discover the child.

Exodus 2 4 Word analysis

• And his sister (וַתֵּתַצַּב אֲחוֹתוֹ - va-tetatzav achoto):
  • וַתֵּתַצַּב (va-tetatzav - "and stood"): From the root יָצַב (yatsav), meaning to stand, to place, to set oneself. The Hithpael imperfect tense suggests a standing forth, presenting oneself, taking a stand, often with an intention or a purpose. It implies active engagement rather than passive waiting.
  • אֲחוֹתוֹ (achoto - "his sister"): Refers to Miriam (later identified in Exo 15:20, Num 26:59). Though young (traditionally believed to be around 7-12 years old), her role here demonstrates maturity, courage, and obedience to her parents' instruction or her own initiative to care for her brother. Her age does not diminish her critical importance in this divine narrative.
• stood afar off (מֵרָחֹק - me-rachoq):
  • מֵרָחֹק (me-rachoq): "From afar," "from a distance." This indicates a strategic positioning, far enough to avoid detection and suspicion by any Egyptian onlookers, yet close enough to observe the basket and the river bank. It signifies prudent caution and calculated watchfulness, balancing personal safety with her critical task.
• to know (לְדֵעָה - le-de'ah):
  • לְדֵעָה (le-de'ah): Infinitive construct of יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know," "to ascertain," "to discern," "to perceive." This highlights her explicit purpose – not mere curiosity, but a deliberate act of seeking to understand and prepare for the outcome. It suggests she was looking for an opportunity to intervene or respond.
• what would be done to him. (מַה יֵּעָשֶׂה לוֹ - mah ye'aseh lo):
  • מַה יֵּעָשֶׂה לוֹ (mah ye'aseh lo - "what would be done to him"): Passive voice ("would be done") emphasizes the uncertain future from a human perspective and the vulnerability of the baby. However, from God's perspective, a plan was already in motion. Miriam's active watching for what "would be done" illustrates faith operating within human limits, waiting for divine manifestation. This phrase conveys a tension of suspense and hope.

Exodus 2 4 Bonus section

This verse subtly underscores several key biblical principles often seen throughout Scripture:

• The power of a single watchful act: Miriam's presence, though unseen by others, was crucial for the unfolding of God's plan, demonstrating how even seemingly minor acts of faithfulness contribute significantly to divine purposes.
• Divine Timing and Preparedness: Her vigilant waiting prepared her for the exact moment of Pharaoh's daughter's discovery, allowing her to perfectly interject and propose a Hebrew wet nurse (Exo 2:7). This demonstrates that God often calls for preparedness and attentiveness from His servants.
• Foreshadowing of Intercession: Miriam's action foreshadows the role of intercessors—those who stand in the gap, watching for opportunities to facilitate God's will or avert disaster.
• Resilience of Women: The narrative consistently shows women (Moses's mother, Miriam, Pharaoh's daughter) acting with bravery and compassion, circumventing Pharaoh's decree and safeguarding the future deliverer, contrasting sharply with Pharaoh's brutality and revealing God's work through unexpected channels.

Exodus 2 4 Commentary

Exodus 2:4 is a pivotal moment, succinctly illustrating human faithfulness and God's providence. Miriam's silent watchfulness, standing "afar off," showcases remarkable courage and prudence for one so young. Her strategic positioning speaks to both self-preservation in a hostile environment and dedicated observation, underscoring that human agency, however small or seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in God's grand redemptive narrative. Her mission to "know what would be done to him" is not passive waiting, but active vigilance born out of familial love and a nascent trust that something remarkable might unfold, or at least that she might be able to respond to whatever happened. This quiet act sets the stage for her quick thinking and bold intervention when Pharaoh's daughter discovers Moses, thereby securing his life and ultimately initiating the first steps of Israel's deliverance. The verse highlights that even in dire circumstances and seemingly helpless situations, God orchestrates His will through the courageous and watchful actions of ordinary individuals.