Exodus 4:17
Exodus 4:17 in Multiple Translations
But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
And thou shalt take in thy hand this rod, wherewith thou shalt do the signs.
And take in your hand this rod with which you will do the signs.
Make sure to take your walking stick with you so you can use it to do the signs.”
Moreouer thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do miracles.
and this rod thou dost take in thy hand, with which thou doest the signs.'
You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”
And thou shalt take this rod in thy hand, with which thou shalt perform signs.
And take this rod in thy hand, wherewith thou shalt do the signs.
Be sure to take with you the walking/shepherd’s stick that is in your hand, because you will perform miracles with it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מַּטֶּ֥ה
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
תִּקַּ֣ח
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
תַּעֲשֶׂה
בּ֖/וֹ
אֶת
הָ/אֹתֹֽת
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מַּטֶּ֥ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
תִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֹתֹֽת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
Art | N-cp
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 4:17
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּטֶּ֥ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
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.
תִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּעֲשֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
בּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֹתֹֽת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
Art | N-cp
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
- Sermons on Exodus 4:17
Context — The Appointment of Aaron
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. 19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:2 | And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:27 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. |
| 3 | Exodus 7:9–20 | “When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent. ” So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But you have not listened until now. This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD. Behold, with the staff in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will turn to blood. The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’” And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. |
Exodus 4:17 Summary
In Exodus 4:17, God tells Moses to take his staff, which represents God's power and authority, so that he can perform miraculous signs to authenticate his message. This staff is a reminder of God's presence with Moses, just as God is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can, like Moses, perform our own 'signs' of faith and obedience in our daily lives. As we hold onto God's Word and promises, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and trust, knowing that God is always guiding and providing for us, just as He did for Moses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the staff in Exodus 4:17?
The staff in Exodus 4:17 represents the power and authority of God, as seen in Exodus 4:2-5, where it is used to perform miraculous signs, and is a reminder of God's presence with Moses, as promised in Exodus 3:12.
Why did God instruct Moses to take the staff in his hand?
God instructed Moses to take the staff in his hand so that he could perform signs with it, as stated in Exodus 4:17, which would demonstrate God's power and authority to the people, and authenticate Moses' message, as seen in Exodus 4:1-5 and Exodus 7:8-13.
How does this staff relate to other instances of staffs in the Bible?
The staff in Exodus 4:17 is reminiscent of the staff of Jacob in Genesis 32:10 and the staff of the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23:4, which symbolize guidance, protection, and authority, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's provision and care.
What can we learn from Moses' obedience in taking the staff?
Moses' obedience in taking the staff, as seen in Exodus 4:17-20, demonstrates his trust in God's plan and provision, and serves as an example for us to trust and obey God's instructions, even when they seem unclear or challenging, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and authority, just as Moses did with the staff?
- How can I, like Moses, use the 'staff' of God's Word and promises to perform 'signs' of faith and obedience in my daily life?
- In what ways can I rely on God's presence and guidance, just as Moses did, to navigate challenging situations and uncertain futures?
- What are some 'staff-like' symbols or reminders in my life that help me recall God's faithfulness and provision, and how can I use them to strengthen my faith?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:17
And thou shall take this rod in thine hand,.... Which he then had in his hand, and was no other than his shepherd's staff: wherewith thou shall do signs: wondrous things, meaning the ten plagues inflicted on Egypt.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:17
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 4:17
Both those which I have already made thee to do, and others as I shall direct and enable thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
Exodus 4:17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.Ver. 17. Wherewith thou shalt do signs.] God, of his freewill, joining his operation thereunto; as likewise he doth to the outward signs in the two sacraments: and hence their energy, which else would be none.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
(17) This rod, i.e., “the rod that had been changed into a serpent,” as the LXX. paraphrase. (18) Signs.—Rather, “the signs” (τὰσημεῖα, LXX.); i.e., the signs which thou wilt have to perform, as already implied in Exodus 3:20.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
Verse 17. Thou shalt take this rod] From the story of Moses's rod the heathens have invented the fables of the thyrsus of Bacchus, and the caduceus of Mercury. Cicero reckons five Bacchuses, one of which, according to Orpheus, was born of the river Nile; but, according to the common opinion, he was born on the banks of that river. Bacchus is expressly said to have been exposed on the river Nile, hence he is called Nilus, both by Diodorus and Macrobius; and in the hymns of Orpheus he is named Myses, because he was drawn out of the water. He is represented by the poets as being very beautiful, and an illustrious warrior; they report him to have overrun all Arabia with a numerous army both of men and women. He is said also to have been an eminent law-giver, and to have written his laws on two tables. He always carried in his hand the thyrsus, a rod wreathed with serpents, and by which he is reported to have wrought many miracles. Any person acquainted with the birth and exploits of the poetic Bacchus will at once perceive them to be all borrowed from the life and acts of Moses, as recorded in the Pentateuch; and it would be losing time to show the parallel, by quoting passages from the book of Exodus. The caduceus or rod of Mercury is well known in poetic fables. It is another copy Of the rod of Moses.
He also is reported to have wrought a multitude of miracles by this rod; and particularly he is said to kill and make alive, to send souls to the invisible world and bring them back from thence. Homer represents Mercury taking his rod to work miracles precisely in the same way as God commands Moses to take his. ἙρμηςδεψυχαςΚυλληνιοςεξεκαλειτο Ανδρωνμνηστηρων·εχεδεῬΑΒΔΟΝμεταχερσιν Καλην, χρυσειην, τῃτ' ανδρωνομματαθελγει, Ὡνεθελει, τουςδ' αυτεκαιὑπνωονταςεγειρει. Odyss., lib. xxiv., ver. 1. Cyllenian Hermes now call'd forth the souls Of all the suitors; with his golden WAND Of power, to seal in balmy sleep whose eyes Soe'er he will, and open them again. COWPER. Virgil copies Homer, but carries the parallel farther, tradition having probably furnished him with more particulars; but in both we may see a disguised copy of the sacred history, from which indeed the Greek and Roman poets borrowed most of their beauties. TUM VIRGAM CAPIT: hac animas ille evocat Orco Pallentes, alias sub tristia Tartara mittit; Dat somnos, adimitque, et lumina morte resignat ILLA fretus agit, ventos, et turbida tranat. AEneid, lib. iv., ver. 242. But first he grasps within his awful hand The mark of sovereign power, the magic wand; With this he draws the ghosts from hollow graves, With this he drives them down the Stygian waves; With this he seals in sleep the wakeful sight, And eyes, though closed in death, restores to light. Thus arm'd, the god begins his airy race, And drives the racking clouds along the liquid space.
DRYDEN.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:17
10–17. Moses’ fourth difficulty: he objects that he is not fluent, has no power to state his case, to convince or persuade the Israelites. He is promised, in reply, firstly, that God will be with him to give him words, and afterwards, as he still demurs, that Aaron shall be his spokesman.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:17
17. This rod — This simple shepherd’s crook shall break the sceptre of Egypt, shall break the crook and flail of Osiris.
Sermons on Exodus 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Pilgrims Problems No. 5 Speaking in Tongues by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that even if someone has great abilities, knowledge, and generosity, without lov |
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The Issue Is Knowing God by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal struggle they faced regarding the idea of taking action versus waiting on God's guidance. They were torn between the urgency of t |
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A Frail but Honest Testimony by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. He highlights the simplicity of Christianity and the need for belie |
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When the Serpent Bites Your Hand, Victory Is at the Door by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Paul and how he faced challenges and storms. Despite being misunderstood and seen as a murderer, Paul continued to serve and he |
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2 Kings 4:8 - Part 01 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling ministry in ordinary, everyday circumstances. He refers to a woman who opened her home to a passing prophet, de |
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Tabernacle Background by Lawrence Chambers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of Jesus as the last Adam and his victory over sin and Satan. He emphasizes that Jesus willingly faced temptation and gave Satan eve |
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Op World 5 Thurs 1982 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and using it wisely. He shares a personal story of taking a friend out in a kayak and losing valuable gla |