Exodus 4:2
Exodus 4:2 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
And Jehovah said unto him, What is that in thy hand? And he said, A rod.
And the Lord said to him, What is that in your hand? And he said, A rod.
The Lord asked him, “What are you holding in your hand?” “A walking stick,” Moses replied.
And the Lord said vnto him, What is that in thine hande? And he answered, A rod.
And Jehovah saith unto him, 'What [is] this in thy hand?' and he saith, 'A rod;'
The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”
And the LORD said to him, What is that in thy hand? And he said, A rod.
Then he said to him: What is that thou holdest in thy hand? He answered: A rod.
Yahweh said to him/me, “Look at that thing you are holding in your hand. What is it?” He/I replied, “A ◄walking stick/shepherd’s stick►.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:2
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 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
אֵלָ֛י/ו
יְהוָ֖ה
מ/זה
מַה
זֶּ֣ה
בְ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
מַטֶּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מ/זה
zeh
H2088
this
Part | Pron
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
זֶּ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
בְ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַטֶּֽה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
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 4:2
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלָ֛י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
מ/זה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Part | 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.
מַה
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.
זֶּ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
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.
בְ/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.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מַטֶּֽה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
- Sermons on Exodus 4:2
Context — Moses’ Staff
1Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’”
2And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3“Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4“Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,” the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:17 | But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.” |
| 2 | Exodus 4:20 | So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. |
| 3 | Isaiah 11:4 | but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. |
| 4 | Psalms 110:2 | The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” |
| 5 | Micah 7:14 | Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. |
| 6 | Leviticus 27:32 | Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. |
| 7 | Genesis 30:37 | Jacob, however, took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. |
Exodus 4:2 Summary
[This verse shows us that God can use anything we have, no matter how ordinary it seems, to do great things, just like He used Moses' staff to perform miracles, as seen in Exodus 4:2-4. God asks Moses what is in his hand, and Moses simply replies, 'A staff,' showing us the importance of humility and recognizing God's power. By surrendering what we have to God, we can see Him work in amazing ways, as stated in Romans 8:28 where all things work together for good for those who love God. This reminds us to trust God with all that we have, no matter how small it may seem.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask Moses what was in his hand?
God asked Moses what was in his hand to remind him that He can use anything, no matter how ordinary, to accomplish extraordinary things, as seen in Exodus 4:2 and also in other scriptures like Isaiah 55:11 where God's word always accomplishes its purpose.
What is the significance of the staff in Moses' hand?
The staff in Moses' hand represents the ordinary things in our lives that God can use for His purposes, much like the rod of Aaron in Numbers 17:8 that blossomed, showing God's power and presence.
How does this verse relate to our own lives?
This verse reminds us that God can use us and the things we have, no matter how insignificant they may seem, to accomplish His plans, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:27 where God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
What can we learn from Moses' simple response to God's question?
Moses' response, 'A staff,' teaches us the importance of humility and simplicity in our relationship with God, recognizing that it's not about what we have but about how God can use it, as emphasized in Psalm 37:7 where we are told to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'staffs' in my life that I think are insignificant, and how might God use them for His glory?
- How can I, like Moses, respond with humility and simplicity when God asks me to use what I have for His purposes?
- In what ways have I seen God use ordinary things or people to accomplish extraordinary things, and how can I apply that to my own faith?
- What would happen if I were to surrender all that I have, no matter how insignificant it seems, to God's will and purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:2
And the Lord said unto him,.... Not reproving him for contradicting him, or showing any diffidence of what he had said; but rather as approving the hint he gave of having some sign or miracle
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:2
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. What is that in thine hand? The question was put, not to elicit information which God required, but to draw the particular attention of Moses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
Exodus 4:2 And the LORD said unto him, What [is] that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.Ver. 2. A rod.] Heb., Matte, in answer to Maze, What is that? an elegant antonomasia in the original. This is ordinary in both Testaments; the penmen whereof, many of them, were, as Cicero saith of Demetrius Phalereus, oratores parum vehementes, dulces tamen, soft, but sweet orators.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
(2) A rod.—Most commentators regard the “rod” of Moses as his shepherd’s crook, and this is certainly possible; but the etymology of the word employed seems rather to point to an ordinary staff, or walking-stick. Egyptians of rank usually carried long batons; and one suggestion is, that the rod of Moses was “that which he had been accustomed to carry as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” But even if this was still in his possession after forty years of exile, he is not likely to have taken it with him when he went a-shepherding. Probably the “rod” was a common staff, such as a shepherd of eighty years old might need for a support.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
Verse 2. A rod.] מתה matteh, a staff, probably his shepherd's crook; see Leviticus 27:32. As it was made the instrument of working many miracles, it was afterwards called the rod of God; see Exodus 4:20.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:2
1–9. Moses’ third difficulty: in spite of the assurance of Exo 3:18 a, the Israelites will perhaps not listen to him, or believe in his divine commission. To enable him to meet this contingency, he is endowed with the power of performing three signs, which may serve as credentials of his commission.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:2
A rod - The word seems to denote the long staff which on Egyptian monuments is borne by men in positions of authority. It was usually made of acacia wood.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:2
2-5. A rod — The shepherd’s staff which Moses casts down is the emblem of the shepherd life which now, at God’s call, he abandons.
Sermons on Exodus 4:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Mid South Conference 1981-01 What Doest Thou Here ? by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fellowship and communion with the Lord as the secret to power and strength in the Christian experience. He observes that l |
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Christian Service by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual finding their niche in serving God. They encourage listeners to not only support those who are actively ser |