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Exodus 2:22 - Stranger in foreign land

Exodus 2:22 - שמות 2:22

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ גֵּרְשֹׁם כִּי אָמַר גֵּר הָיִיתִי בְּאֶרֶץ נָכְרִיָּה׃

English Translation

And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Transliteration

Vateled ben vayikra et-shemo Gershom ki amar ger hayiti be'eretz nochriyah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּאֶ֖רֶץ נׇכְרִיָּֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ גֵּרְשֹׁ֑ם כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּאֶ֖רֶץ נׇכְרִיָּֽה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states: "And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land." (Exodus 2:22). This occurs after Moshe (Moses) flees Egypt and settles in Midian, where he marries Tzipporah, the daughter of Yitro (Jethro).

Meaning of the Name "Gershom"

The name Gershom (גֵּרְשֹׁם) is derived from the root גֵּר (ger), meaning "stranger" or "sojourner," and שָׁם (sham), meaning "there." Moshe names his son to reflect his own status as a stranger in Midian. Rashi explains that Moshe was acknowledging his displacement from his homeland, emphasizing his sense of alienation in a foreign land.

Moshe's State of Exile

According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32), Moshe’s declaration, "I have been a stranger in a strange land," refers not only to his physical exile in Midian but also to his spiritual state. The Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:10) suggests that Moshe’s naming of his son reflects a deeper recognition of the human condition—that even a tzaddik (righteous person) may experience estrangement in this world.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • The naming of Gershom serves as a reminder of the mitzvah to treat strangers with kindness, as the Torah repeatedly commands (e.g., Exodus 22:20, "You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him").
  • The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this verse that one should empathize with the plight of a ger (stranger), having experienced it oneself.
  • The Sforno notes that Moshe’s choice of name demonstrates humility—he did not seek greatness in Midian but acknowledged his temporary status.

Symbolism in Jewish Tradition

Later Jewish commentators, such as the Kli Yakar, see Gershom’s name as foreshadowing the future exile of the Jewish people and their eventual redemption. Just as Moshe was a stranger in Midian but later returned to Egypt to lead Bnei Yisrael to freedom, so too would the Jewish people experience exile and redemption throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the naming of Gershom by Moses, emphasizing his status as a stranger in a foreign land.
📖 Megillah 13a
The verse is cited in relation to the narrative of Moses' life and his experiences in Midian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moses name his son Gershom?
A: Moses named his son Gershom (גֵּרְשׁוֹם) because it means 'a stranger there,' reflecting his experience of being a foreigner in Midian (Exodus 2:22). Rashi explains that Moses was acknowledging his status as a temporary dweller in a land that was not his own.
Q: What is the significance of Moses being a 'stranger in a strange land'?
A: Moses' statement highlights his sense of displacement and foreshadows the Jewish people's later experience in Egypt and exile. The Midrash teaches that this humility and awareness of being a 'stranger' is a key trait of Jewish identity, reminding us to treat others with kindness, as we were once strangers in Egypt (Shemot Rabbah 1:32).
Q: How does the name Gershom connect to Jewish history?
A: The name Gershom symbolizes the Jewish experience of exile and Divine protection. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:3) teaches that remembering we were strangers helps cultivate empathy. Later, Gershom's descendants became Levites who served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), showing how exile can lead to redemption.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moses calling himself a 'stranger'?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this verse that one should always be humble and remember their roots. Moses—despite his greatness—acknowledged his transient status, teaching us to remain grounded and compassionate toward others who feel like outsiders.