Exodus 4:1
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֤עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ
But behold they will not believe
H539
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ
But behold they will not believe
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ
me nor hearken
H8085
יִשְׁמְע֖וּ
me nor hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Moses' concern was legitimate—false prophets and failed deliverers likely arose during 400 years of bondage. Israel had reason to be skeptical of would-be saviors. Yet God's response shows He provides validation for genuine calls. The signs Moses receives are supernatural credentials that will authenticate his divine commission before Pharaoh and Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' fear of disbelief reflect your own hesitations when God calls you to difficult tasks?
- What 'signs' or confirmations has God given you to authenticate His calling in your life?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee (וַיַּעַן מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר וְהֵן לֹא־יַאֲמִינוּ לִי וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ בְּקֹלִי כִּי יֹאמְרוּ לֹא־נִרְאָה אֵלֶיךָ יְהוָה)—Moses' first objection: credibility. They will not believe me (לֹא־יַאֲמִינוּ לִי)—Moses projects his own doubts onto Israel. After 40 years in Midian, he's forgotten Israel's desperation (2:23-25). The LORD hath not appeared unto thee—Moses fears they'll think him delusional or fraudulent. This objection reveals Moses' insecurity, a dramatic shift from his youthful overconfidence (2:12). God patiently responds with three authenticating signs (vv. 2-9), demonstrating that He equips those He calls.