Moses
Pronounced MO-ziz
- Meaning
- "Drawn out of the water"
- Origin
- Hebrew / Egyptian
Moses means "drawn out" in Hebrew, given by Pharaoh's daughter because she drew him out of the Nile River. This name proved prophetic — Moses would later draw the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. Moses is the central figure of the Torah and one of the most important people in all of Scripture. He confronted Pharaoh with God's demand to "let my people go," received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and led Israel through forty years of wilderness wandering. Despite his greatness, Moses was described as "very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). His story shows that God uses imperfect people — Moses was a reluctant leader with a speech impediment — to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
Spiritual meaning
Moses' name speaks of deliverance — being drawn out of danger into purpose. His life reminds us that God rescues us not just for our own benefit but to use us as instruments of liberation for others.
Related verses (KJV)
"And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water."
Exodus 2:10 (KJV) →"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God."
Hebrews 11:24-25 (KJV) →