CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/02_Exo_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 2:4 - The Birth of Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/2-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/2-3.htm" title="Exodus 2:3">◄</a> Exodus 2:4 <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm" title="Exodus 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />His sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And his sister [Miriam] stood some distance away to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then his sister stood at a distance in order to see what would happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The baby's older sister stood off at a distance to see what would happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The baby's sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The baby's sister stood some distance away to see what would happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then his sister positioned herself some distance away in order to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />His sister stationed herself at a distance to find out what would happen to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood at a distance, to see what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His sister stood far off, to see what would be done to him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and his sister stations herself far off, to know what is done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and his sister stationeth herself afar off, to know what is done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his sister will stand afar off to know what will be done to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />His sister standing afar off, and taking notice what would be done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />His sister was standing at a distance and was wondering what would happen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His sister stationed herself at a distance to find out what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And his sister stood from a distance that she would know what would be done to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his sister was watching from a distance, to learn what would happen to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=188" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm">The Birth of Moses</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/269.htm" title="269: ’ă·ḥō·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Sister. Irregular feminine of 'ach; a sister (like 'Ezrachiy), literally and figuratively).">And his sister</a> <a href="/hebrew/3320.htm" title="3320: wat·tê·ṯaṣ·ṣaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To set or station oneself, take one's stand. A primitive root; to place; reflexively, to station, offer, continue.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/7350.htm" title="7350: mê·rā·ḥōq (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Or rachoq; from rachaq; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially.">at a distance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lə·ḏê·‘āh (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: yê·‘ā·śeh (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">would happen</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Hebrews 11:23</a></span><br />By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-20.htm">Acts 7:20-21</a></span><br />At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house. / When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/6-20.htm">Exodus 6:20</a></span><br />And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/26-59.htm">Numbers 26:59</a></span><br />and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a></span><br />When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” / So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, / where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22</a></span><br />So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Exodus 1:22</a></span><br />Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a></span><br />Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-22.htm">1 Samuel 1:22</a></span><br />but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">Genesis 46:8</a></span><br />Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-23.htm">Genesis 50:23</a></span><br />He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-7.htm">Luke 2:7</a></span><br />And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-19.htm">1 Kings 2:19</a></span><br />So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20</a></b></br> And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">Numbers 12:1-15</a></b></br> And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/20-1.htm">Numbers 20:1</a></b></br> Then came the children of Israel, <i>even</i> the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/genesis/49-6.htm">Far</a> <a href="/genesis/47-25.htm">Find</a> <a href="/genesis/38-23.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/genesis/46-17.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/psalms/94-16.htm">Stationeth</a> <a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Wit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/5-11.htm">Find</a> <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/exodus/2-7.htm">Sister</a> <a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">Stationeth</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/joshua/17-1.htm">Wit</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-1.htm">Moses is born, and placed in a basket in the reeds of Nile.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-7.htm">who employs his mother to nurse him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">He kills an Egyptian.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">He reproves a Hebrew.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">He flees into Midian, and marries Zipporah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-22.htm">Gershom is born.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">God respects the Israelites' cry.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And his sister stood at a distance</b><br>Miriam, the sister of Moses, is the one referred to here. Her actions demonstrate a protective and watchful role, indicative of familial loyalty and concern. In the cultural context of ancient Egypt, family bonds were crucial for survival, especially under oppressive conditions. Miriam's vigilance reflects the importance of women in biblical narratives, often acting as protectors and deliverers. This moment foreshadows her later role as a leader among the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20-21</a>).<p><b>to see what would happen to him.</b><br>This phrase highlights the uncertainty and danger surrounding Moses' early life. The decree of Pharaoh to kill all Hebrew male infants (<a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Exodus 1:22</a>) sets the backdrop for this tense moment. Miriam's watchfulness is an act of faith, trusting in God's providence for her brother's safety. This scene prefigures the deliverance theme central to Moses' life and mission. It also parallels the New Testament account of Mary and Joseph protecting Jesus from Herod's decree (<a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-15</a>), emphasizing God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen deliverers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses'_sister.htm">Moses' Sister (Miriam)</a></b><br>The sister of Moses, who is later identified as Miriam. She plays a crucial role in watching over her brother and later becomes a prophetess and leader among the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The infant in the basket, who is destined to become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nile_river.htm">The Nile River</a></b><br>The place where Moses' mother placed him in a basket to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh's_decree.htm">Pharaoh's Decree</a></b><br>The backdrop of this event, where Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew male infants to be thrown into the Nile to control the population of the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_basket.htm">The Basket</a></b><br>A small ark made of papyrus, coated with tar and pitch, symbolizing both vulnerability and divine protection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Miriam's vigilance demonstrates active faith. She did not just leave her brother's fate to chance but took steps to watch over him. This teaches us to combine faith with action in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_providence.htm">God's Providence</a></b><br>The account illustrates God's providential care. Despite the dire circumstances, God had a plan for Moses. We can trust that God is at work even when situations seem bleak.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_family.htm">Role of Family</a></b><br>Miriam's role highlights the importance of family support and protection. Families today can draw strength from this example to support and protect one another.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a></b><br>Miriam's courage to stand by and watch over Moses, despite the danger, is a testament to the bravery required to stand firm in difficult times.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_miriam's_death_so_brief.htm">Numbers 20:1 – Why is Miriam’s death recorded so briefly, with no details about her mourning or burial, unlike other prominent figures? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_the_proof_of_israel's_exodus.htm">Deuteronomy 4:20 depicts God rescuing Israel from Egyptian slavery--where is the historical or archaeological proof for an event of such magnitude?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_speak_audibly_in_exodus_3_4.htm">In Exodus 3:4, why does God speak audibly only here, and not in a consistent manner throughout the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_paul_support_distant_churches.htm">2 Corinthians 11:29 - How could Paul meaningfully empathize with and support multiple distant churches given the limited communication and travel methods of his era?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">His sister.</span>--Presumably Miriam, the only sister of Moses mentioned elsewhere (<a href="/context/exodus/15-20.htm" title="And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.">Exodus 15:20-21</a>; <a href="/numbers/26-59.htm" title="And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bore to Levi in Egypt: and she bore to Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.">Numbers 26:59</a>). To have taken the part which is assigned her in this chapter, she must have been a girl of some fourteen or fifteen years of age, and possessed of much quickness and intelligence.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His sister</span>. There can be no reasonable doubt that this is the "Miriam" of the later narrative (<a href="/exodus/15-20.htm">Exodus 15:20, 21</a>; <a href="/numbers/20-1.htm">Numbers 20:1</a>), who seems to have been Moses' only sister (<a href="/numbers/26-59.htm">Numbers 26:59</a>). She was probably set to watch by her mother. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And his sister</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחֹת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_269.htm">Strong's 269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sister -- a sister</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֵּתַצַּ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tê·ṯaṣ·ṣaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3320.htm">Strong's 3320: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set or station oneself, take one's stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at a distance</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָחֹ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remote, of place, time, precious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדֵעָ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏê·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would happen</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(yê·‘ā·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/2-4.htm">Exodus 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">OT Law: Exodus 2:4 His sister stood far off to see (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>