Bible Strands
Hebrews 11:24
By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses believers reviewing biblical histories to define faith, focusing on Moses after the account of his parents hiding him. The narrative pauses on Moses’ adult decision regarding his royal adoption.
The words — Πίστει (Pistei) translates literally as “by faith,” and ἠρνήσατο (ērnēsato) means “he refused.” The text states that Moses’ refusal to be named Pharaoh’s daughter’s son operates through trust, not personal will.
The thread — The event originates in Exodus 2:10, where Pharaoh’s daughter names and raises him, and is recounted in Acts 7:21 as part of Stephen’s defense. Both passages establish the historical reality the author references.
Why it lands — The text demands a conscious rejection of adopted status and privilege. It requires readers to align their identity with God’s people rather than secure worldly advantage.
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 Greek words
King James Version
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
Cross-references
- Exodus 2:10 When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, “I drew him out of the water.”
- Acts 7:21 When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.