Exodus 4:10

Authorized King James Version

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יְהוָה֮
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
בִּ֣י
O
oh that!; with leave, or if it please
#6
אֲדֹנָי֒
my Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#7
לֹא֩
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
אִ֨ישׁ
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#9
דְּבָרִ֜ים
am not eloquent
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#10
אָנֹ֗כִי
i
#11
גַּ֤ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
מִתְּמוֹל֙
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
#13
גַּ֣ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#14
מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם
neither heretofore
trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday
#15
גַּ֛ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#16
מֵאָ֥ז
nor since
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
#17
דַּבֶּרְךָ
thou hast spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#18
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#19
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ
unto thy servant
a servant
#20
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#21
וּכְבַ֥ד
and of a slow
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#22
פֶּ֛ה
of speech
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#23
וּכְבַ֥ד
and of a slow
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
#24
לָשׁ֖וֹן
tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#25
אָנֹֽכִי׃
i

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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