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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Exodus 17  › Exodus 17:4

Exodus 17:4

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Exodus 17:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!”

King James Version KJV

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses cried unto Jehovah, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they are almost ready to stone me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses, crying out to the Lord, said, What am I to do to this people? they are almost ready to put me to death by stoning.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I going to do with these people? A bit more of this and they're going to stone me!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, What shall I do to this people? for they be almost ready to stone me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses crieth to Jehovah, saying, 'What do I to this people? yet a little, and they have stoned me.'

World English Bible WEB

Moses cried to the LORD, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses cried to the LORD, saying, What shall I do to this people? they are almost ready to stone me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses cried to the Lord, saying: What shall I do to this people? Yet a little more and they will stone me.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Moses/I prayed earnestly to Yahweh. He/I said, “◄How shall I deal with these people?/I do not know how to deal with these people!► [RHQ] They are almost ready to kill me by throwing stones at me!”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּצְעַ֤ק מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל יְהוָ֣ה לֵ/אמֹ֔ר מָ֥ה אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה לָ/עָ֣ם הַ/זֶּ֑ה ע֥וֹד מְעַ֖ט וּ/סְקָלֻֽ/נִי
וַ/יִּצְעַ֤ק tsâʻaq H6817 to cry Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָ֥ה mâh H4100 what? Part
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
מְעַ֖ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms
וּ/סְקָלֻֽ/נִי çâqal H5619 to stone Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:4

וַ/יִּצְעַ֤ק tsâʻaq H6817 "to cry" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָ֥ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
ע֥וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מְעַ֖ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
וּ/סְקָלֻֽ/נִי çâqal H5619 "to stone" Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to stone someone to death, like in the case of someone who broke the law in the Old Testament. It can also mean to free a place from stones.
Definition: 1) to stone (to death), put to death by stoning 1a) (Qal) to pelt with stones, stone to death 1b) (Niphal) to be stoned to death 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to stone, pelt with stones 1c2) to free from stones (of vineyard, highway) 1d) (Pual) to be stoned to death
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (cast, gather out, throw) stone(-s), [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 8:22; Joshua 7:25; Isaiah 5:2.

Study Notes — Exodus 17:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.
2 Numbers 14:10 But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.
3 John 8:59 At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.
4 John 10:31 At this, the Jews again picked up stones to stone Him.
5 Acts 14:19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.
6 Numbers 16:19 When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation.
7 Numbers 11:11 So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people?
8 Exodus 15:25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,
9 Acts 7:50 Has not My hand made all these things?’
10 Exodus 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.

Exodus 17:4 Summary

In Exodus 17:4, Moses is feeling overwhelmed by the people's complaints and is afraid they will stone him, so he cries out to the Lord for help, showing that even great leaders can feel desperate and need God's intervention, just like we do when we face our own challenges (Psalm 34:17-18). This verse reminds us that we can always turn to God in our times of need, just as the Psalmist did in Psalm 55:22 when he cast his cares on the Lord. By trusting in God's power and provision, we can find the strength to face our own overwhelming situations, just as Moses did when he trusted God to provide water for the people in the wilderness (Exodus 17:5-6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses cry out to the Lord in Exodus 17:4?

Moses cried out to the Lord because he was overwhelmed by the people's complaints and felt that his own life was in danger, as they were ready to stone him, which is similar to how the prophet Elijah felt in 1 Kings 19:4 when he also felt isolated and threatened.

What can we learn from Moses' desperation in this verse?

We can learn that even the greatest leaders, like Moses, can feel overwhelmed and desperate, but they can always turn to God for help, just as the Psalmist did in Psalm 121:1-2 when he lifted his eyes to the hills to find his help in the Lord.

How does this verse relate to other instances of Israel's disobedience in the Bible?

This verse is part of a pattern of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4 and Deuteronomy 1:26-33, where they also rebelled against God and His leaders, but it also shows God's patience and provision, as in Exodus 16:4-36 where He provided manna for them to eat.

What does Moses' cry to the Lord reveal about his relationship with God?

Moses' cry to the Lord reveals a deep trust and dependence on God, as he knows that only God can help him in this desperate situation, much like the apostle Paul's trust in God's power and presence in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 when he faced his own overwhelming challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the things in my life that make me feel like I'm at a breaking point, and how can I cry out to God for help like Moses did?
  2. How do I respond when I feel overwhelmed or threatened, and what can I learn from Moses' example of turning to God in desperation?
  3. In what ways do I struggle with trusting God's plan and provision, like the Israelites did in the wilderness, and how can I grow in faith and trust?
  4. How can I, like Moses, balance my own limitations and weaknesses with a deep dependence on God's power and presence in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:4

And Moses cried unto the Lord..... Or prayed unto him, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; which shows the distress he was thrown into, the vehemence of his prayer, and perhaps the loud and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:4

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. Moses cried unto the Lord.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:4

Exodus 17:4 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.Ver. 4. Ready to stone me.] Well might he ask with our Saviour, "For which of my good works do ye stone me?" But the belly hath no ears.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:4

(4) They be almost ready to stone me.—Heb., Yet a little and they will stone me. On tumultuary stoning, see the second Note on Exodus 8:26.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:4

4. cried unto Jehovah] Exodus 14:15, Exodus 15:25. to stone me] Cf. 1 Samuel 30:6.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:4

4. What shall I do — There was now another mutiny, as in the Desert of Sin, but apparently more dangerous, for Moses regards his life as in peril.

Sermons on Exodus 17:4

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund
Ken Baird Studies in Hebrews - Part 1 by Ken Baird In this sermon, the preacher highlights the greatness of God as presented in verses two and three of the first chapter. The preacher emphasizes the seven-fold personal glory of Jes
Francis Chan Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl
David Wilkerson The Current Economic Situation by David Wilkerson This sermon addresses the current crisis in the world, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that many are experiencing due to economic meltdowns and global turmoil. It highlights t
Zac Poonen Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al
David Guzik (1 Samuel) Bottomed Out and Starting to Rise by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of David and his men returning to their city, Ziklag, only to find it burned and their families taken captive. The speaker emphasiz
Keith Daniel Sixteen Vital Facets of the Bible by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher warns about the dangers of being a backslider and burying God's Word for anything. He emphasizes that even in laughter, the heart of a backslider is so
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