Exodus 4:12
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֖ה
H6258
לֵ֑ךְ
H1980
לֵ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
2 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
פִּ֔יךָ
and I will be with thy mouth
H6310
פִּ֔יךָ
and I will be with thy mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
6 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֖יךָ
and teach
H3384
וְהֽוֹרֵיתִ֖יךָ
and teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.Mark 13:11But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Ephesians 6:19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Luke 11:1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.Isaiah 49:2And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;Psalms 143:10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.Psalms 32:9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
Historical Context
Throughout redemptive history, God chose unlikely spokesmen: Moses (speech-impaired), Jeremiah (too young), Isaiah (unclean lips), Amos (not a prophet), Peter (uneducated), Paul (afflicted with a thorn). The pattern demonstrates that God's Word carries inherent power independent of the messenger's natural gifts. This theme runs through Scripture: God's strength perfected in weakness (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise 'I will be with your mouth' free you from fear when called to speak for Him?
- In what areas of ministry do you need to stop relying on natural ability and start trusting God's promised enablement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say (וְעַתָּה לֵךְ וְאָנֹכִי אֶהְיֶה עִם־פִּיךָ וְהוֹרֵיתִיךָ אֲשֶׁר תְּדַבֵּר)—God's promise to Moses (and later all prophets/preachers): I will be with thy mouth (אֶהְיֶה עִם־פִּיךָ). Divine presence and enablement trump human eloquence. Teach thee what thou shalt say (וְהוֹרֵיתִיךָ אֲשֶׁר תְּדַבֵּר)—content from God, not human wisdom. This promise anticipates Jesus' words to disciples: "the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say" (Luke 12:12). God doesn't need polished speakers—He needs obedient mouthpieces. Moses' weakness became the platform for God's strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). True preaching power comes from God's Spirit, not human technique.