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Exodus 7:1

Exodus 7:1 in Multiple Translations

The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.

And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

And Jehovah said unto Moses, See, I have made thee as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

And the Lord said to Moses, See I have made you a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother will be your prophet.

The Lord told Moses, “Look, I will make you seem like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.

Then the Lord saide to Moses, Behold, I haue made thee Pharaohs God, and Aaron thy brother shall be thy Prophet.

And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'See, I have given thee a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron thy brother is thy prophet;

The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.

And the LORD said to Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

And the Lord said to Moses: Behold I have appointed thee the God of Pharao: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Then Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Listen carefully. Just like I enabled prophet to speak my messages, I will cause the king to consider that you are like a god, and that Aaron is like a prophet.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:1

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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 7:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה רְאֵ֛ה נְתַתִּ֥י/ךָ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְ/פַרְעֹ֑ה וְ/אַהֲרֹ֥ן אָחִ֖י/ךָ יִהְיֶ֥ה נְבִיאֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
רְאֵ֛ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נְתַתִּ֥י/ךָ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
לְ/פַרְעֹ֑ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh Prep | N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֥ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron Conj | N-proper
אָחִ֖י/ךָ ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff
יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נְבִיאֶֽ/ךָ nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:1

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
יְהוָה֙ 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.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה 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.
רְאֵ֛ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
נְתַתִּ֥י/ךָ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" 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.
לְ/פַרְעֹ֑ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" Prep | 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.
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֥ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" Conj | N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
יִהְיֶ֥ה 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.
נְבִיאֶֽ/ךָ nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" N-ms | Suff
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

Study Notes — Exodus 7:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — God Commands Moses and Aaron

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 4:15–16 You 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. He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.
2 Psalms 82:6 I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
3 John 10:35–36 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— then what about the One whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world? How then can you accuse Me of blasphemy for stating that I am the Son of God?
4 Jeremiah 1:10 See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.”
5 1 Kings 17:23 Then Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. “Look, your son is alive,” Elijah declared.
6 2 Kings 6:32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”
7 Genesis 19:21 “Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate.
8 Ecclesiastes 1:10 Is there a case where one can say, “Look, this is new”? It has already existed in the ages before us.
9 Exodus 16:29 Understand that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day He will give you bread for two days. On the seventh day, everyone must stay where he is; no one may leave his place.”

Exodus 7:1 Summary

This verse means that God is giving Moses a special job to do, which is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Moses is like a representative of God to Pharaoh, and Aaron will help him by speaking to Pharaoh on his behalf. This is similar to how God spoke through prophets in the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:15. God is giving Moses the power and authority he needs to do this important job, and we can trust that God will be with us too when we are doing what He has called us to do, as seen in Jeremiah 1:7-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for Moses to be 'like God' to Pharaoh?

This phrase means that Moses is given authority and power by God to act on His behalf, similar to how God acts in the world, as seen in Exodus 4:16 and Deuteronomy 18:15.

Why is Aaron appointed as Moses' prophet?

Aaron is appointed as Moses' prophet because Moses struggled with speaking, as mentioned in Exodus 4:10, and Aaron would be the one to speak to Pharaoh on Moses' behalf, as commanded in Exodus 7:2.

Is this verse saying that Moses is equal to God?

No, this verse is not saying that Moses is equal to God, but rather that he is given a unique role and authority by God to act on His behalf, as seen in Exodus 4:16 and Jeremiah 1:10.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Exodus story?

This verse sets the stage for the rest of the Exodus story, where Moses and Aaron will confront Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 5:1 and Exodus 12:31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that God gives us authority and power to act on His behalf in our own lives?
  2. How can we, like Moses, trust in God's power and authority when faced with challenging situations?
  3. What role does faith and obedience play in our relationship with God, as seen in Moses' obedience to God's commands?
  4. How can we, like Aaron, support and assist others in their God-given roles and responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:1

And the Lord said unto Moses,.... In answer to his objection, taken from his own meanness, and the majesty of Pharaoh, and from his want of readiness and freedom of expression: see; take notice of,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:1

And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. The Lord said unto Moses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:1

EXODUS CHAPTER 7 God encourages Moses to speak to Pharaoh, . God foretells the hardness of, Pharaoh’ s heart, that he might multiply his wonders in Egypt, ,4 to declare to the Egyptians that he only is the Lord, . Moses and Aaron obey God’ s command, . Their age, . God commands them to show a miracle for the confirmation of their authority, ,9. Their rod turned into a serpent, . The magicians do the same, . Aaron’ s rod devoureth theirs, . Pharaoh is hardened, as the Lord had said, ; and refuseth to let the people go, . God denounces judgments on the Egyptians, ,18. Commands Moses and Aaron to stretch out their hands oven the waters, . The waters are turned into blood, . The fish die, and the river stinks, . The magicians do the same, whereby Pharaoh’ s heart is hardened, . The means they used against this plague, . The continuance of it, . To represent my person, to act like God, by requiring his obedience to thy commands, and by punishing his disobedience with such punishments as none but God can inflict, to which end thou shalt have my omnipotent assistance. i.e. Thy interpreter, or spokesman, as , to deliver thy commands to Pharaoh.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:1

Exodus 7:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.Ver. 1. And the Lord said unto Moses.] In answer to his last exception, which yet he had answered before. God bears with our infirmities. A god to Pharaoh.] Armed with mine authority; a vice-god. Shall be thy prophet,] i.e., Thy spokesman, and interpreter. Aben-Ezra saith that Aaron, as he was Moses’ s eldest brother, so he prophesied to the people before Moses showed himself; and hence he is sometimes set before Moses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:1

VII.(1) See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh . . . —This is God’s answer to the objection of Moses that his lips were uncircumcised (Exodus 6:12), and probably followed it immediately. The force of it would seem to be: “Thou art not called on to speak, but to act. In action thou wilt be to Pharaoh as a god—powerful, wonder-working, irresistible; it is Aaron who will have to speak to him, and he is eloquent” (Exodus 4:14). Thy prophet.—Or spokesman—the declarer of thy mind, which is the primary sense of “prophet.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:1

CHAPTER VII The dignified mission of Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh-the one to be as God, the other as a prophet of the Most High, 1, 2. The prediction that Pharaoh's heart should be hardened, that God might multiply his signs and wonders in Egypt, that the inhabitants might know he alone was the true God, 3-4. The age of Moses and Aaron, 7. God gives them directions how they should act before Pharaoh, 5, 9. Moses turns his rod into a serpent, 10. The magicians imitate this miracle, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened, 11-13. Moses is commanded to wait upon Pharaoh next morning when he should come to the river, and threaten to turn the waters into blood if he did not let the people go, 14-18. The waters in all the land of Egypt are turned into blood, 19, 20. The fish die, 21. The magicians imitate this, and Pharaoh's heart is again hardened, 22, 23. The Egyptians sorely distressed because of the bloody waters, 24. This plague endures seven days, 25. NOTES ON CHAP. VII Verse 1. I have made thee a god] At thy word every plague shall come, and at thy command each shall be removed. Thus Moses must have appeared as a god to Pharaoh. Shall be thy prophet.] Shall receive the word from thy mouth, and communicate it to the Egyptian king, Exodus 7:2.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:1

1, 2. As Moses is unable to speak fluently, Aaron is appointed to be his spokesman with Pharaoh, just as in J (Exodus 4:15 f.) he was appointed to be his spokesman with the people.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 7:1

With this chapter begins the series of miracles performed in Egypt. They are progressive. The first miracle is performed to accredit the mission of the brothers; it is simply credential, and unaccompanied by any infliction.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:1

1. I have made thee a god to Pharaoh — No more was he to come to Pharaoh as a suppliant, but now he was invested with divine authority.

Sermons on Exodus 7:1

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (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
Dan Biser 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
A.B. Simpson 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
Chuck Smith (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
Bob Utley 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
Richard Wurmbrand 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
Jonathan Edwards 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

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