Exodus 4:22

Translations

Modern

Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,

Traditional

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

Literal

And you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says YHWH: My son, My firstborn is Israel.

Latin

Dicesque ad eum: Hæc dicit Dominus: Filius meus primogenitus Israël.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,

Notes

Exodus 4:21–23

These verses summarize the upcoming chapters. They start with the request to let the people go to worship God and end with the final plague, the death of the firstborn (5:3; 11:4–6). God was preparing the rescuer for the challenging task ahead (see 11:9).

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

Egypt Moses Biblical Law Holiness by Relationship Miraculous Signs in the Gospel of John The Son of God

Related verses

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
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.
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,
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.”
Deuteronomy 14:1
You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead,
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.
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.
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.
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.
2 Corinthians 6:18
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Pharaoh: Egyptian Pharaoh during the Exodus

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of Firstborn History of Israel Hosea, Book of Prophet, Prophetess Son of God

Topics

Adoption: Spiritual Adoption: Typified, in Israel Adoption: Typified: Israel Birthright: An Honorable Title Firstborn: Birthright of The: Honorable Distinction of God: Fatherhood of Moses: His Controversy with his Wife on Account of Circumcision Son of a Person's Relation to God

Exodus 4:22

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