Exodus 4:15

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Literal

And you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I—I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.

Latin

Loquere ad eum, et pone verba mea in ore ejus: et ego ero in ore tuo, et in ore illius, et ostendam vobis quid agere debeatis.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

Notes

Exodus 4:14–17

God did not allow Moses to avoid his responsibility. However, he responded to the concern of Moses by appointing his brother Aaron to speak for him (14:16). Aaron would serve as the mouthpiece of Moses before Pharaoh and the people.

As the story continues, the text records fewer occasions when Aaron speaks on behalf of Moses. Moses increasingly speaks directly.

This suggests that the speaking difficulty of Moses may not have been as severe as he feared. It may also be that his confidence and ability grew with experience.

Exodus 4:10–17

The fourth and final protest of Moses was that he could not speak well. He seemed desperate to avoid this difficult task.

God was becoming angry at Moses for refusing to accept the truth. The outcome did not depend on the ability of Moses. Instead, it depended on his willingness to let God's power work through him.

Exodus 3:11–4:17

Moses, in his response to God, presented four reasons why he was not the one to fulfill God’s call. Although each reason supposedly relates to Moses and his ability, God’s answers show that they were really questions about God.

Exodus 3:1–4:28

This section describes the mission God gave Moses to rescue the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is divided into two parts, 3:1–4:17 and 4:18–28.

The first part describes God's call. The second part describes the full consequences of accepting that call. Moses not only experienced a career change, but he also had to completely change his life.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Egypt Moses Miraculous Signs in the Gospel of John

Related verses

Isaiah 51:16
I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”
Deuteronomy 18:18
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.
Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Numbers 23:5
Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”
Numbers 23:16
And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”
Numbers 23:12
But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
Jeremiah 1:9
Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.
Isaiah 59:21
“As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.
Numbers 22:38
“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”
Exodus 7:1–2
The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.
Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
Matthew 28:20
…and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Joshua, Book of Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess

Topics

Aaron: Meets Moses in the Wilderness and is Made Spokesman for Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Communion: Moses Condescension of God: Reasons with Moses Faith: Trial of Moses, when Sent to Pharaoh Israel: Moses Commissioned As the Deliverer Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Prophets: Inspiration of

Exodus 4:15

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