Exodus 4:22
Exodus 4:22 in Multiple Translations
Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:
And you are to say to Pharaoh, The Lord says, Israel is the first of my sons:
This is what you are to tell Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says. Israel is my firstborn son.
Then thou shalt say to Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my sonne, euen my first borne.
and thou hast said unto Pharaoh, Thus said Jehovah, My son, My first-born [is] Israel,
You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘The LORD says, Israel is my son, my firstborn,
And thou shalt say to Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my first-born.
And thou shalt say to him: Thus saith the Lord: Israel is my son, my firstborn.
Then say to him, ‘This is what Yahweh says: “The Israeli people [MTY] are as dear to me as firstborn sons [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:22
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 4:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
אֶל
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
כֹּ֚ה
אָמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֔ה
בְּנִ֥/י
בְכֹרִ֖/י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
כֹּ֚ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּנִ֥/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
בְכֹרִ֖/י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms | Suff
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
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 4:22
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֖
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
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.
פַּרְעֹ֑ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
כֹּ֚ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
בְּנִ֥/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בְכֹרִ֖/י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:22
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
- Sermons on Exodus 4:22
Context — Moses Leaves for Egypt
20So 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.
21The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
22Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,
23and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’” 24Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 11:1 | When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. |
| 2 | Romans 9:4 | the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 31:9 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:23 | in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 14:1 | You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead, |
| 6 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 64:8 | But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. |
| 8 | Isaiah 63:16 | Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 6:18 | And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” |
| 10 | James 1:18 | He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. |
Exodus 4:22 Summary
In Exodus 4:22, God tells Moses to inform Pharaoh that Israel is His firstborn son, meaning they are precious and beloved to Him. This special relationship is rooted in God's love and care for His people, much like a parent's love for their child (Psalm 103:13). As God's children, we can learn from this verse that we are also loved and valued by God, and that He desires a personal relationship with each of us (John 3:16). By understanding our identity as children of God, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are part of a larger family of believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Israel is God's firstborn son?
In Exodus 4:22, God declares Israel as His firstborn son, indicating a special relationship and inheritance, much like the firstborn son in a family would receive a double portion of the inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17.
Is this concept of firstborn son unique to the Old Testament?
No, the concept of being a firstborn son is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are considered adopted sons and daughters of God, as stated in Romans 8:14-17 and Galatians 3:26-4:7.
How does this verse relate to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart?
The declaration of Israel as God's firstborn son serves as a warning to Pharaoh, emphasizing the gravity of his refusal to let God's people go, as seen in Exodus 4:21-23, and ultimately leading to the judgment of the firstborn sons of Egypt.
What is the significance of the staff of God in Moses' hand?
The staff of God, mentioned in Exodus 4:20, is a symbol of God's power and authority, which Moses will use to perform wonders before Pharaoh, as instructed in Exodus 4:21.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be considered a child of God, and how should this impact my daily life?
- How does the concept of being a firstborn son relate to my own sense of identity and purpose?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, be a vessel for God's power and authority in my own life and relationships?
- How can I balance the desire for God's people to be free with the reality of opposition and hardness of heart, like that of Pharaoh?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:22
And thou shall say unto Pharaoh,.... When arrived in Egypt, and in his presence: thus saith the Lord; he was to declare to him that he came in his name, and by his orders, and, as an ambassador of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:22
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: Israel is my son, even my first-born. The expression indicates special affection and interest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
By my choice and adoption. They are most dear to me, and reserved by me out of all nations to be my peculiar people; and therefore I will no longer suffer thee to invade my right, nor them to live in the neglect of my service.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:Ver. 22. Even my firstborn.] And so "higher than the kings of the earth."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
(22) Israel is my son.—Compare Hosea 11:1. This tender relation, now first revealed, is not a mere metaphor, meaning “as dear to me as a son,” but a reality. The Israel of God enjoys the sonship of adoption by being taken into the True Son, and made one with Him (Romans 8:14-17). My first – born.—Admitted to sonship in the Messiah before the other nations of the earth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
Verse 22. Israel is my son, even my firstborn] That is, The Hebrew people are unutterably dear to me.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:22
21–23. A summary statement of what Moses is to do when he comes to negotiate with Pharaoh, of the failure of his first ‘portents’ to produce any effect upon him (v. 21), and of the threat which he is ultimately to hold out to him (v. 22 f.).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:22
My firstborn - The expression would be perfectly intelligible to Pharaoh, whose official designation was “son of Ra.” In numberless inscriptions the Pharaohs are styled “own sons” or “beloved sons” of the deity.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:22
22. My firstborn — By spiritual generation. In God’s covenant Israel was adopted as the firstborn of the nations, for ultimate good of the whole family of man.
Sermons on Exodus 4:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 5 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to reveal His power and superiority over the gods of Egypt. The plagues were not random, but were specif |
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Hosea #4 Ch. 6 a Cake Not Turned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Hosea, specifically chapter 6. He mentions that Hosea tends to shift subjects suddenly, so the first three verses of chapter 6 m |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the nation of Israel and how it relates to believers in Christ. He emphasizes that God sees the nation as one son and will not |
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K-450 the Royal Priesthood by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the physical and material things in life. He uses the example of wanting to go to the mall just to see the m |
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Holl-03 Authentieke Conversie (True Conversion) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he stood up to preach in a challenging environment. He prayed for guidance and spoke a message that was not anointed, yet somethi |
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What Does It Mean to Be Firstborn? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the privileges and responsibilities of being the firstborn in the Old Testament, highlighting the greater inheritance, blessing, succession rights, and spec |
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The Incarnation Part 10 - "The First Prophecy" by Charles Alexander | Charles Alexander delves into the profound prophecies fulfilled in the early history of Jesus, focusing on the journey of the wise men, the flight into Egypt, and the return to Naz |