Exodus 2:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After checking that no one is watching, Moses kills the Egyptian and buries him.
The Context of Exodus 2:12
Moses kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew.
What Does Exodus 2:12 Mean?
Stirred by anger at injustice, Moses glances around to ensure privacy before striking. His action is impulsive and secretive—he kills the taskmaster and conceals the body in sand. The act reveals his passion for his people but also shows that he acts alone, without counsel or divine direction, attempting to address injustice through his own will and strength.
His immediate concealment of the body demonstrates awareness that he has committed a crime in Egyptian law. Though he has acted against slavery, he has done so through violence without authority, setting in motion consequences he cannot foresee or control. His justified anger leads to an unjustified method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 2:12
What does Exodus 2:12 mean?
After checking that no one is watching, Moses kills the Egyptian and buries him.
What is the context of Exodus 2:12?
Moses kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew.