Exodus 4:6
And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֨ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ע֗וֹד
furthermore
H5750
ע֗וֹד
furthermore
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וַיָּבֵ֥א
And he put
H935
וַיָּבֵ֥א
And he put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
נָ֤א
H4994
נָ֤א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 16
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיָּבֵ֥א
And he put
H935
וַיָּבֵ֥א
And he put
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיּ֣וֹצִאָ֔הּ
and when he took
H3318
וַיּ֣וֹצִאָ֔הּ
and when he took
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
12 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֖וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
14 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
2 Kings 5:27The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.Numbers 12:10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Historical Context
Leprosy (tsara'at) included various skin diseases, all rendering a person ceremonially unclean and socially isolated. The instant onset and healing demonstrated supernatural power over biology and disease—something no Egyptian magic could replicate. This sign also prepared Moses for intercession—experiencing affliction creates compassion for the afflicted (Hebrews 4:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' experience of both affliction and healing prepare him for ministry to a suffering people?
- What does this sign teach about God's sovereignty over sickness and health, judgment and mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה לוֹ עוֹד הָבֵא־נָא יָדְךָ בְּחֵיקֶךָ וַיָּבֵא יָדוֹ בְּחֵיקוֹ וַיּוֹצִאָהּ וְהִנֵּה־יָדוֹ מְצֹרַעַת כַּשָּׁלֶג)—The second sign: instantaneous leprosy (צָרַעַת, tsara'at, severe skin disease). Leprous as snow (מְצֹרַעַת כַּשָּׁלֶג)—white, diseased skin. In Israel, leprosy symbolized sin's corruption, requiring isolation (Leviticus 13-14). Moses experiences both affliction and healing (v. 7) instantaneously—demonstrating God's power over life, death, health, and disease. This sign previewed God's judgment on Egypt (plagues) and healing for obedient Israel. Symbolically, Moses learns that God's power both judges and restores.