What does Exodus 2:6 mean?

Pharaoh's daughter opens a basket she saw among reeds on the riverbank (Exodus 2:2–5) and finds Moses crying. Unlike her father, who had ordered infanticide (Exodus 1:22), this woman has a compassionate heart. She takes pity on this seemingly abandoned child. This verse also makes it clear that she realized Moses was a Jewish male. This would have been clear for three reasons. First, the baby was found on the Nile River. Second, the child would have a Jewish complexion, a look distinct from the Egyptians.

Third, and most importantly, Moses would have been circumcised. This Jewish practice began with Abraham and was performed on Jewish males on the eighth day after their birth in generations to follow (Genesis 17:12). Though hidden as a young child, Moses' parents would have obeyed the practice of circumcision. This is also made clear in Exodus 4:24–26 where the son of Moses required circumcision before Moses could return to Egypt. If Moses had not already been circumcised, it would have been noted at this time.