Exodus 2:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Pharaoh's daughter opens the basket, sees the weeping infant, and feels compassion for him.
The Context of Exodus 2:6
Pharaoh's daughter recognizes the baby and feels compassion for him.
What Does Exodus 2:6 Mean?
The princess finds a living, crying infant—a child made real by his tears and need. Recognizing him immediately as Hebrew (probably by his circumcision or by intuition), she experiences compassion despite the conflict between her father's decree and her humanity. Her feeling overrides law and allegiance.
Her moment of emotional recognition matters more than political loyalty. She chooses mercy over duty to Pharaoh, allowing her character and conscience to transcend the hierarchy she inhabits. This compassion becomes the instrument of the child's salvation.
Exodus 2:6 in the Original Language
racham (רַחַם), 'compassion' — to love, to show mercy; derived from the word for womb, suggesting deep, maternal feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 2:6
What does Exodus 2:6 mean?
Pharaoh's daughter opens the basket, sees the weeping infant, and feels compassion for him.
What is the context of Exodus 2:6?
Pharaoh's daughter recognizes the baby and feels compassion for him.