Exodus 6:30
Exodus 6:30 in Multiple Translations
But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
And Moses said before Jehovah, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
And Moses said to the Lord, My lips are unclean; how is it possible that Pharaoh will give me a hearing?
But Moses replied, “I'm not a good speaker—why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
Then Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of vncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heare me?
And Moses saith before Jehovah, 'Lo, I [am] of uncircumcised lips, and how doth Pharaoh hearken unto me?'
Moses said before the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?”
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken to me?
And Moses said before the Lord: Lo I am of uncircumcised lips, how will Pharao hear me?
But Moses/I said to Yahweh, “Listen to me. I am not a good speaker. [MET, MTY] So ◄the king will certainly not pay attention to what I say/why should the king pay attention to what I tell him?►!” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 6:30
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 6:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
הֵ֤ן
אֲנִי֙
עֲרַ֣ל
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
וְ/אֵ֕יךְ
יִשְׁמַ֥ע
אֵלַ֖/י
פַּרְעֹֽה
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
עֲרַ֣ל
ʻârêl
H6189
uncircumcised
Adj
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
וְ/אֵ֕יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
יִשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 6:30
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
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.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
עֲרַ֣ל
ʻârêl
H6189
"uncircumcised"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is uncircumcised, meaning they still have their foreskin. It is used to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews, as seen in Acts 7.
Definition: uncircumcised, having foreskin
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: uncircumcised (person). See also: Genesis 17:14; Jeremiah 6:10; Isaiah 52:1.
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/אֵ֕יךְ
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
יִשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלַ֖/י
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.
פַּרְעֹֽה
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 6:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Genealogies of Moses and Aaron
28Now on the day that the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt,
29He said to him, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I say to you.”
30But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 6:12 | But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech? ” |
| 2 | Exodus 4:10 | “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 9:16–17 | Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. |
Exodus 6:30 Summary
[Moses is telling God that he doesn't feel like he's a good speaker, and he's worried that Pharaoh won't listen to him. This shows that Moses is humble and aware of his own limitations, but he's also learning to trust God to work through him, as seen in Exodus 4:12. Despite his fears, God is promising to be with Moses and help him, just like He promises to be with us when we feel inadequate or scared (Joshua 1:9). By trusting God, Moses is able to overcome his limitations and fulfill God's plan.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Moses mean by saying he is 'unskilled in speech'?
Moses is expressing his humility and awareness of his limitations, as seen in Exodus 4:10, where he also mentions his struggles with speaking; this is a reminder that God often uses those who feel inadequate to accomplish great things, as seen in Jeremiah 1:6-7.
Why does Moses think Pharaoh won't listen to him?
Moses is likely thinking about his own feelings of inadequacy and the fact that Pharaoh is a powerful king, as mentioned in Exodus 5:2, but God is not limited by human weaknesses, as seen in Isaiah 55:11.
Is Moses' response an expression of faith or doubt?
Moses' response is a mixture of both, as he is acknowledging his limitations, but also questioning God's plan, similar to how Gideon questioned God's plan in Judges 6:13-16; however, God is patient and encouraging, as seen in Exodus 6:31.
What can we learn from Moses' honesty with God?
We can learn that God values honesty and vulnerability, as seen in Psalm 51:17, and that it's okay to express our doubts and fears to Him, as long as we are willing to trust and obey, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you feel 'unskilled' or inadequate, and how can you trust God to work through you despite those feelings?
- How do you respond when God asks you to do something that feels beyond your abilities, and what can you learn from Moses' example?
- In what ways can you identify with Moses' feelings of humility and inadequacy, and how can you use those feelings to grow closer to God?
- What are some things that you feel God is calling you to do, but you're hesitant because of your own limitations, and how can you take a step of faith today?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 6:30
And Moses said before the Lord, behold, I am of uncircumcised lips,.... As he had done, Exodus 6:13, and this is only a repetition of what is there said, in order to lead on to what is related in the
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 6:30
Exodus 6:30 And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I [am] of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?Ver. 30. Of uncircumcised.] See Exodus 6:12".
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 6:30
THE SECOND MESSAGE TO PHARAOH (resumed).(28-30) These verses are most closely connected with Exodus 7. They are a recapitulation of main points in Exodus 6, rendered necessary by the long parenthesis (Exodus 6:14-27), and serve to unite Exodus 7 with the previous narrative. They contain no new information.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 6:30
28–30. The stream of the narrative here, after its interruption by v. 13, and the genealogy, vv. 14–27, is resumed, v. 29 recapitulating the beginning and end of God’s words to Moses, vv. 2 and 11, and v. 30 repeating Moses’ objection in v. 12. Ch. Exodus 7:1-5 is thus really the sequel, and answer, to Exodus 6:12.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 6:30
See Exodus 6:12.
Sermons on Exodus 6:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 5:1-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the increasing difficulty faced by the Israelites in their servitude to Pharaoh. The officers of the Israelites cry out to Pharaoh, complainin |
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(Exodus) Exodus 6:14-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and his call to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. Moses initially hesitates and makes excuses, questioning his o |
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(Men God Made) Moses by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Moses and his journey with God. He highlights how Moses initially felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to lead God's people |
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Understanding Your Temptations by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal struggle with temptation and feeling different from other Christians. He explains how he was rescued by the Word of the Lord and th |
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Have You Seen Your Calling Yet by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians seeking their calling and purpose in life. He emphasizes that many believers are searching for guidance and understan |
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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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(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 |