Exodus 6:12

Authorized King James Version

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר

H1696

spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

And Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לִפְנֵ֥י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֑ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵ֤ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

Behold the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי

H8085

have not hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#11

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

וְאֵיךְ֙

H349

how? or how!; also where

#13

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי

H8085

have not hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#14

פַרְעֹ֔ה

H6547

unto me how then shall Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

#15

וַֽאֲנִ֖י

H589

#16

עֲרַ֥ל

H6189

who am of uncircumcised

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

#17

שְׂפָתָֽיִם׃

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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Moses