Exodus 4 12

Exodus 4:12 kjv

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Exodus 4:12 nkjv

Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say."

Exodus 4:12 niv

Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

Exodus 4:12 esv

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak."

Exodus 4:12 nlt

Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say."

Exodus 4 verses

Exodus 4 12 meaning

Exodus 4:12 conveys God's unwavering promise to Moses, who expressed inadequacy in speech, assuring him of divine enablement. It means that God Himself will empower Moses' words, guide his utterances, and provide the exact content for him to communicate. This promise directly addresses Moses' fear of being ineloquent, ensuring that God's message would be perfectly delivered through him, not by his own human ability.

Exodus 4 12 Context

Exodus 4:12 is a pivotal moment in God's commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. Following God's clear call to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses repeatedly voiced his anxieties and objections. Specifically, in Exodus 4:10, Moses stated he was "not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant," implying a deficiency in speaking ability to convey such a monumental message to Pharaoh and the Israelites. This verse directly addresses that particular apprehension. Historically, Pharaoh was considered a divine figure, and speaking before him required immense courage and authority, something Moses felt utterly lacked. God's response here is not a rebuke of Moses' fears, but a comforting and empowering promise, asserting that the efficacy of the mission would stem from divine power, not human talent. It highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to overcome human limitations, assuring Moses that He would be his voice.

Exodus 4 12 Word analysis

• Now therefore go: The Hebrew w'attah lekh (וְעַתָּה לֵךְ) signals a conclusion based on what has preceded, serving as an imperative command for immediate action. It underscores that despite all Moses' prior objections and God's detailed responses and signs, the definitive command is still to go.
• and I will be with your mouth: The phrase w'anokhi ehyeh im-pikha (וְאָנֹכִי אֶהְיֶה עִם־פִּיךָ) is profoundly significant.
  • 'anokhi: "I," emphatically stating the divine agency. It’s "I" and no other, not even Moses' own eloquence.
  • 'ehyeh: "I will be," drawing from the divine name "I AM" (Exod 3:14). It signifies an active, dynamic, and assured presence of God's enabling power. It is a covenantal promise of being with and acting through.
  • im-pikha: "with your mouth." Peh (פֶּה) means "mouth," often a metonymy for speech. God is not merely alongside Moses, but intimately involved with his very vocal apparatus and articulation. This is a promise of divine articulation through a human agent.
• and teach you: The Hebrew w'orékha (וְאוֹרְךָ) comes from the verb yarah (יָרָה), meaning "to teach, instruct, direct, guide." It is the same root often used for giving "Torah" (instruction/law). It suggests not just an outpouring of words, but precise, accurate, and divinely authoritative instruction regarding the message's content. It speaks to wisdom and clarity of communication.
• what you shall speak: The Hebrew mah t'dabber (מַה תְּדַבֵּר). Dabbar (דָּבַר) implies comprehensive, deliberate speech, covering the entire content of communication. It means God will guide every aspect of the dialogue Moses is to have, ensuring nothing is missed or incorrectly conveyed.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth": This segment connects God's command to Moses' physical presence and direct speaking ability. It indicates that God is enabling the very act of speaking, taking over the medium of communication that Moses felt incapable of handling. This addresses the how of speaking, overcoming Moses' lack of eloquence by direct divine infusion.
• "and teach you what you shall speak": This second clause focuses on the content of Moses' communication. God promises not only to enable Moses to speak, but also to instruct him precisely on what words to use. This provides divine wisdom, ensuring the message's accuracy, truth, and strategic effectiveness in conveying God's will to Pharaoh and Israel. Together, the verse covers both the capability (how) and the content (what) of Moses' divinely inspired message.

Exodus 4 12 Bonus section

This verse sets a crucial precedent for understanding all future prophetic ministry and even the New Testament's emphasis on the Holy Spirit empowering believers for witness. It directly contrasts the wisdom and might of human power (represented by Pharaoh and Moses' own limitations) with the absolute sovereignty and efficacy of God's spoken word. It signifies that when God calls, He equips beyond natural capacities. Moses, initially defined by his "uncircumcised lips" (Exod 6:12), would become the great lawgiver whose words would guide a nation, demonstrating that divine enablement truly transforms weakness into powerful vessels for God’s purposes. This principle extends to every believer who seeks to bear witness to God; the confidence to speak should not stem from personal eloquence or knowledge, but from trust in God’s promise to be with our mouths and teach us what to say.

Exodus 4 12 Commentary

Exodus 4:12 stands as a profound declaration of God's perfect provision for those He calls into service, particularly in tasks of divine proclamation. Moses' deep-seated inadequacy concerning his speech was a significant hurdle in his obedience, yet God’s answer transcends mere reassurance; it’s a direct intervention into the very source of the perceived weakness. God’s "I will be with your mouth" signifies a supernatural empowering, not an enhancement of Moses' natural abilities, but a complete override by divine presence and utterance. This establishes a foundational principle for prophetic and ministerial calling: it is not dependent on human gifts, but on divine sufficiency. The "teach you what you shall speak" further clarifies that the message will be precisely God's, removing the burden of formulating persuasive words from Moses. This verse powerfully underpins the concept of inspiration – that God supernaturally communicates His thoughts through chosen individuals, ensuring His message remains true and authoritative. It implies that true power for God’s work resides solely in Him, transforming perceived human limitations into platforms for divine glory.