Hebrews 11 24

Hebrews 11:24 kjv

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrews 11:24 nkjv

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

Hebrews 11:24 niv

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

Hebrews 11:24 esv

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

Hebrews 11:24 nlt

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

Hebrews 11 verses

Hebrews 11 24 Meaning

By faith, Moses, when he had reached maturity, made a deliberate choice to reject his identity as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. This act signified his conscious renunciation of immense worldly power, privilege, and security that came with his royal Egyptian upbringing, choosing instead to align himself with God's oppressed people.

Hebrews 11 24 Context

Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," celebrates the enduring quality of faith and its outworking in the lives of Old Testament figures. The chapter defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (v.1). The writer then provides a historical sweep, from creation to the judges and prophets, showcasing individuals who acted courageously and persevered in the face of immense challenges because of their faith in God's promises. Moses is presented as a pinnacle example in this catalog of faith, highlighting a series of decisive choices he made, starting with his parents' faith in hiding him (v.23). Verse 24 marks Moses' own personal and pivotal act of faith. He grew up in the apex of worldly power, wealth, and sophisticated culture—the royal court of Egypt—the dominant empire of its time. To refuse identification with this life was to turn his back on a future of unparalleled human glory and privilege. This deliberate decision by Moses stands as a compelling model for the audience of Hebrews, who were contemplating abandoning their faith to avoid persecution, encouraging them to cling to a heavenly hope over earthly comforts.

Hebrews 11 24 Word analysis

• By faith (Πίστει - Pistei): This dative singular form indicates that faith was the active instrument or means through which Moses performed this action. It wasn't an accidental occurrence or a passing emotion, but a deeply held conviction that drove his specific choice. This highlights faith as a volitional act, not just intellectual assent.
• Moses (Μωϋσῆς - Mōysēs): The chosen leader, prophet, and mediator of the Old Covenant, second only to Abraham in prominence in the chapter. His actions hold significant weight and serve as a powerful precedent for God's people.
• when he was grown up (Μέγας γενόμενος - Megas genomenos): Literally "having become great" or "having become mature." This emphasizes that his decision was made consciously and with full understanding of the implications, not as a child's whim or an immature outburst. Tradition suggests this was around 40 years of age (Acts 7:23), indicating a period of profound reflection and informed choice after years of elite Egyptian education. He fully understood what he was rejecting.
• refused (ἠρνήσατο - ērnēsato): A strong aorist middle verb from arneomai, meaning "to deny," "renounce," "reject," or "refuse for oneself." The middle voice highlights that this was his own deliberate and active choice. This verb is also used in the New Testament to speak of denying Christ (e.g., Matt 26:70; Luke 12:9), underscoring the gravity of Moses' decision to deny his Egyptian identity.
• to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter (υἱὸς Φαραὼ θυγατρός - huios Pharaō thugatros): This phrase signifies full legal and social identification with Egyptian royalty. Being "called" or "named" implies public acknowledgment and an conferred status. Moses was essentially rejecting his legal, adopted identity and all the associated prestige, power, and security of the most powerful kingdom in the ancient world. This implies a proactive embracing of his true Hebrew lineage, despite the inherent shame and affliction associated with being part of a slave people.

Hebrews 11 24 Bonus section

• Moses' education "in all the wisdom of the Egyptians" (Acts 7:22) is crucial background; he wasn't ignorant of what he was giving up. He made an informed, rather than impulsive, choice.
• The phrase "son of Pharaoh's daughter" implied immense personal protection and influence, contrasting sharply with the perilous life he chose alongside the Hebrew slaves.
• This verse provides a powerful precedent for Christians who might be tempted to prioritize worldly advantages or societal acceptance over their spiritual identity and solidarity with other believers, especially when facing social stigma or persecution.

Hebrews 11 24 Commentary

Hebrews 11:24 encapsulates a momentous decision in Moses' life, an act born purely out of faith that defines his identity and purpose. Raised in the opulent luxury and power of the Egyptian palace, with access to its highest education and potentially even a path to succession, Moses, by a deliberate, mature act, chose to forsake it all. This "refusal" was not a mere withdrawal but an emphatic renunciation of worldly gain, honor, and security. He knowingly exchanged the title of "son of Pharaoh's daughter" – representing all that Egypt offered – for an identity linked to a despised and enslaved people, Israel, thereby implicitly identifying himself with the God of Israel. His choice demonstrates that true faith manifests in costly allegiance, demanding a separation from the enticements of the world for the sake of God and His kingdom. It foreshadows the New Testament call to discipleship, which similarly demands self-denial and taking up one's cross. Moses' action set the stage for his leadership role in the Exodus, founded not on earthly power, but on faith in the unseen God.