An Egyptian, of course, refers to Moses, who was evidently still dressed as an Egyptian. The hand of the shepherds refers to their power, so it is more natural in English to say “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds” (Good News Translation). Other languages, however, may be able to keep the expression out of the hand of the shepherds with the same meaning of power. And even means that Moses did more than just rescue them from the shepherds; he even drew water for them and watered the flock. The Hebrew word for even gives emphasis to what follows, indicating that Jethro’s daughters were very impressed with what Moses had done for them. Another way to say this is “But he was even kind [or, helpful] enough to draw water….” This verse should be considered when translating verse 16. But see verse 17 for a comment on the idea of “rescue” and watered the flock.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .