Bible Strands
Exodus 2:20
“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The father asks his daughters where their Egyptian rescuer is and why they left him, then instructs them to invite him for a meal.
The words — וַיֹּאמֶר (va.yomer) renders "and he said," while עֲזַבְתֶּן (azavten) means "you have left," framing the father's direct inquiry about the absent stranger.
The thread — The invitation to eat parallels Genesis 31:54, Genesis 43:25, and Genesis 18:5, where shared meals follow divine intervention or family reconciliation.
Why it lands — The text establishes hospitality as the mechanism that transforms a temporary rescue into a permanent covenant relationship.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.
- Genesis 43:25 Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.
- Genesis 18:5 And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”
- Genesis 19:2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
- Genesis 24:31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
- Job 31:32 but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—
- Job 42:11 All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.
- 1 Timothy 5:10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
- Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Genesis 29:13 When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob, he ran out to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, where Jacob told him all that had happened.