Exodus 4:16
Exodus 4:16 in Multiple Translations
He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.
And he will do the talking for you to the people: he will be to you as a mouth and you will be to him as God.
Aaron will speak on your behalf to the people, as if he was your mouth, and you will be in the place of God to him.
And he shall be thy spokesman vnto the people: and he shall be, euen he shall be as thy mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.
and he, he hath spoken for thee unto the people, and it hath come to pass, he — he is to thee for a mouth, and thou — thou art to him for God;
He will be your spokesman to the people. It will happen that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.
And he shall speak for thee to the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
He shall speak in thy stead to the people, and shall be thy mouth: but thou shalt be to him in those things that pertain to God.
He will speak for you to the Israeli people. He will be ◄your spokesman/as though he was your mouth► [MET], and you will be to him as though you are his god.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:16
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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/דִבֶּר
ה֥וּא
לְ/ךָ֖
אֶל
הָ/עָ֑ם
וְ/הָ֤יָה
הוּא֙
יִֽהְיֶה
לְּ/ךָ֣
לְ/פֶ֔ה
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
תִּֽהְיֶה
לּ֥/וֹ
לֵֽ/אלֹהִֽים
וְ/דִבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ֤יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְּ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
לְ/פֶ֔ה
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תִּֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֵֽ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
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 4:16
וְ/דִבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
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.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | 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.
וְ/הָ֤יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְּ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/פֶ֔ה
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וְ/אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תִּֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֵֽ/אלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:16
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
- Sermons on Exodus 4:16
Context — The Appointment of Aaron
14Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
15You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do.
16He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.
17But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.” 18Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 7:1–2 | The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land. |
| 2 | Psalms 82:6 | I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ |
| 3 | John 10:34–35 | Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’ ? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— |
| 4 | Exodus 18:19 | Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. |
Exodus 4:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that God is going to help Moses by giving him a helper, Aaron, who will speak to the people for him. This is like when Jesus sent out His disciples to preach and teach, as seen in Matthew 10:1-4. Moses was going to be like God to Aaron, meaning he would have authority over him, and Aaron would obey and follow his lead. This shows us that even when we feel like we can't do something on our own, God can provide someone to help us, just like He did for Moses.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God choose Aaron to be Moses' spokesman?
God chose Aaron because He knew Aaron could speak well, as stated in Exodus 4:14, and this gift would be used to help Moses communicate with the people, with God's help as mentioned in Exodus 4:15.
What does it mean that Aaron would be 'as if you were God to him'?
This phrase means that Moses would have authority over Aaron, similar to how God has authority over us, and Aaron would obey and follow Moses' lead, as seen in the relationship between Jesus and His disciples in John 13:16.
Is this verse saying that Moses had no role in speaking to the people?
No, this verse is not saying that Moses would never speak to the people, but rather that Aaron would assist Moses in communicating with them, as God had originally called Moses to speak to Pharaoh in Exodus 3:10.
How does this relate to the concept of leadership and delegation in the Bible?
This verse shows that even leaders like Moses need help and support, and that delegation is a key part of effective leadership, as seen in the example of Moses and the elders in Numbers 11:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to provide someone to 'speak for me' or support me?
- How can I be like Aaron, using my gifts to support and assist others in their calling?
- What does it mean for me to 'speak to the people' in my own life, and how can I do that effectively?
- How can I trust God to 'put words in my mouth' and guide me in my interactions with others, just like He promised to do for Moses and Aaron in Exodus 4:15?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:16
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people,.... And open to them Moses's commission from God, and the end of his mission into Egypt, and to them, and declare what signs had been, and would be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:16
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. I am not eloquent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
To teach and command him. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
Exodus 4:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.Ver. 16. And he shall be thy spokesman.] God hath made me ill-favoured in this world, and without grace in the sight of men, said Tyndale to Frith, speechless and rude, dull and slow witted: your part shall be to supply that which lacketh in me: remembering, that as lowliness of heart shall make you high with God, even so meekness of words shall make you sink into the hearts of men. Instead of God.] To dictate unto him my mind and counsel. Such a god to every Christian is his sanctified conscience. Act. and Mon., fol. 988.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
(16) He shall be thy spokesman.—Heb.,He shall speak for thee.He shall be, even he shall be.—Rather, it shall come to pass that he shall be, &c. Instead of God.—God did not speak to Aaron directly, but only through Moses. Aaron was to recognise in Moses God’s mouthpiece, and to consider what Moses told him as coming from God. Moses had still, therefore, the higher position.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
Verse 16. He shall be thy spokesman] Literally, He shall speak for thee (or in thy stead) to the people. He shall be to thee instead of a mouth] He shall convey every message to the people; and thou shalt be to him instead of God - thou shalt deliver to him what I communicate to thee.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:16
16. And he (emph.) shall be thy spokesman] Heb. shall speak for thee. as God] or as a god,—inspiring him, as God (or a god) inspired (or was supposed to inspire) a prophet.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:16
Instead of a mouth - We may bear in mind Aaron’s unbroken habitude of speaking Hebrew and his probable familiarity with Egyptian.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:16
15, 16. Moses was still to be the mediator, while Aaron was to be the interpreter of God’s word as he received it from Moses.
Sermons on Exodus 4:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 7:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting aside the human element and relying solely on God. He quotes Paul's statement that within the flesh dwells no good |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 4 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the seven levels of judgment as seen in the Bible, emphasizing the consequences of sin and God's response to it. It highlights the importance of recognizing |
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Thou Shalt Be to Him Instead of God by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound responsibility and honor of representing God to others, as exemplified by Moses and Aaron. He encourages believers to embody the unchanging and |
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(Through the Bible) John 9-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scenario where someone's jacket goes missing and their neighbor is found wearing it. The situation is taken to the judges to determine who t |
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Pride Is a Family Characteristic by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of pride and arrogance in both individuals and nations. He emphasizes that the root problem of evil is the desire to focus everyt |
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Oneness by Richard Wurmbrand | Richard Wurmbrand delves into the mystique of numbers, asserting that God's oneness is intertwined with the concept of unity and synthesis of conflicting forces. He explains that m |
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God’s Awful Judgment in the Breaking and Withering of the Strong Rods of a Community by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the awful judgment of God when strong rulers in a community, symbolized as strong rods, are broken and withered by death. He emphasizes the importan |