Exodus 2:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Reuel asks why they left the stranger and orders them to invite him to eat.
The Context of Exodus 2:20
The priest invites the stranger to share a meal with the family.
What Does Exodus 2:20 Mean?
Reuel's response is immediate and gracious. He recognizes that the stranger has rendered service without obligation and deserves hospitality and care. His question—'why did you leave the man?'—assumes that kindness should be reciprocated with kindness, that a helper must not be sent away empty.
His invitation to bread represents covenant-making in the ancient world. To share a meal is to enter into relationship and obligation. Reuel's swift and generous response demonstrates his values and opens the way for Moses to find not just refuge but family and belonging in Midian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 2:20
What does Exodus 2:20 mean?
Reuel asks why they left the stranger and orders them to invite him to eat.
What is the context of Exodus 2:20?
The priest invites the stranger to share a meal with the family.