He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "the reproach of Christ" as simply meaning suffering for Christ, but this verse is actually calling it "the reproach of the Christ." This subtle difference emphasizes that Moses was identifying with the Messiah himself, embracing the same kind of rejection and suffering that the Anointed One would endure, seeing it as more valuable than worldly riches. This wasn't just about future glory, but about aligning his present suffering with Christ's identity.
He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses had just chosen to identify with the oppressed Israelites rather than remain in Pharaoh's luxurious court. This choice meant facing ridicule and hardship for aligning himself with God's people, whom the Egyptians scorned. By accepting this "reproach of Christ," Moses was deliberately turning away from worldly riches and power, fixing his gaze on the eternal reward God promised.
Moses famously chose to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the riches of Egypt. But what exactly was this 'reproach of Christ' he embraced?
The phrase 'reproach of Christ' in this verse is incredibly rich. It doesn't just mean suffering like Christ, or suffering for Christ in a general sense.
A Deeper Identification
Egypt's treasures were dazzling, but Moses turned his eyes away. What was he looking at that made those riches seem so worthless?
Moses' decision wasn't based on a lack of appreciation for comfort or wealth. It was fueled by an unwavering focus on what was to come.
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Looking Beyond the Present
Understand the original words
oneidismos · Greek Noun
Disgrace, shame, or mockery endured on account of one's allegiance to God or His anointed. It implies suffering for righteousness' sake.
Christos · Greek Noun
The Messiah or the Anointed One of God; in this context, it refers to the identification of the suffering of God's people with the suffering of Christ.
misthapodosia · Greek Noun
The compensation or prize granted by God to those who persevere in faith, focusing on eternal rather than temporal gain.
The "reproach of Christ" in this verse points to the suffering endured for the sake of God's Anointed (Messiah) and His people, a concept deeply rooted in Israel's history and future hope, which Moses embraced over the transient glories of Egypt.
~1500-1300 BC
Moses' Early Life in Egypt
Moses is born into Hebrew slavery in Egypt, miraculously saved from Pharaoh's decree to kill all infant boys, and raised in Pharaoh's household.
~1450 BC
Moses Kills an Egyptian Overseer
Moses, now a grown man, kills an Egyptian taskmaster for beating a Hebrew slave, signifying his empathy with his people and his rejection of Egyptian culture.
~1450 BC
Moses Flees to Midian
Fearing Pharaoh's wrath after killing the Egyptian, Moses flees Egypt and settles in Midian, marrying and becoming a shepherd.
~1450 BC
The Burning Bush Encounter
God appears to Moses in a burning bush, commissioning him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
~1450 BC
Moses Returns to Egypt
Moses, empowered by God, confronts Pharaoh and demands the release of the Israelites, initiating the plagues.
~1450 BC
The Exodus and Passover
Following the tenth plague, Pharaoh relents, and the Israelites depart Egypt. This event, the Passover, becomes a central act of remembrance.
~1450 BC— this verse
Moses Chooses Affliction with God's People
Moses, having encountered God and embraced his calling, deliberately chooses to identify with the suffering Israelites and face God's reproach rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt.
Paul describes a similar perspective, counting all earthly advantages as loss compared to gaining Christ and sharing in His sufferings, which directly echoes Moses' choice to embrace reproach for a greater reward.
Colossians 1:24This passage speaks of filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His body, the church, connecting the suffering of believers with Christ's own suffering and highlighting the profound value found in it.
Psalm 89:50-51The phrase 'reproach of Christ' in Hebrews likely alludes to this psalm, where the psalmist laments the enemies' reproach against God's anointed king, showing this concept of bearing reproach for God's chosen one has deep Old Testament roots.
Hebrews 10:34This verse speaks of joyfully accepting the plunder of one's property because believers know they have a better possession and an abiding one in heaven, reinforcing the theme of valuing heavenly rewards over earthly treasures, even when gained through suffering.
1 Peter 4:13-14Peter encourages believers to rejoice when they share in the sufferings of Christ, as it means the Spirit of glory and of God rests on them, directly linking reproach for Christ with divine honor and reward.
ellicottHebrews 11:26: "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
(26) The reproach of Christ. —Better, The reproach of the Christ. Many explanations have been proposed of this remarkable phrase, some of which—as “reproach for Christ,” “reproach similar to that which Christ endured”—cannot possibly give the true meaning. The first point to be noted is that the words are almost exactly a quotation from one of the c…
vincentHebrews 11:26: "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
Esteeming the reproach of Christ (ἡγησάμενος τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ)The participle gives the reason for his choice of affliction instead of sin: since he esteemed. "The reproach of Christ" is the reproach peculiar to Christ; such as he endured. The writer uses it as a current form of expression, coloring the story of Moses with a Christia…
It's easy to read "the reproach of Christ" as simply meaning suffering for Christ, but this verse is actually calling it "the reproach of the Christ." This subtle difference emphasizes that Moses was identifying with the Messiah himself, embracing the same kind of rejection and suffering that the Anointed One would endure, seeing it as more valuable than worldly riches. This wasn't just about future glory, but about aligning his present suffering with Christ's identity.
Moses had just chosen to identify with the oppressed Israelites rather than remain in Pharaoh's luxurious court. This choice meant facing ridicule and hardship for aligning himself with God's people, whom the Egyptians scorned. By accepting this "reproach of Christ," Moses was deliberately turning away from worldly riches and power, fixing his gaze on the eternal reward God promised.
Moses had just chosen to identify with the oppressed Israelites rather than remain in Pharaoh's luxurious court. This choice meant facing ridicule and hardship for aligning himself with God's people, whom the Egyptians scorned. By accepting this "reproach of Christ," Moses was deliberately turning away from worldly riches and power, fixing his gaze on the eternal reward God promised.
"He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." — It's easy to read "the reproach of Christ" as simply meaning suffering for Christ, but this verse is actually calling it "the reproach of the Christ." This subtle difference emphasizes that Moses…
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Last reviewed October 2026