Exodus 6:12
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?
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 17
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
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּנֵֽי
Behold the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
Behold the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 17
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
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי
have not hearkened
H8085
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי
have not hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי
have not hearkened
H8085
יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי
have not hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
13 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
פַרְעֹ֔ה
unto me how then shall Pharaoh
H6547
פַרְעֹ֔ה
unto me how then shall Pharaoh
Strong's:
H6547
Word #:
14 of 17
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
Cross References
Exodus 4:10And 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.Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.Exodus 6:30And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Exodus 6:9And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.Leviticus 26:41And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern covenant formulas used repetitive structures to emphasize commitment. The detailed promises in verses 4-12 establish the legal and relational foundation for the Exodus.
Questions for Reflection
- Which aspect of God's comprehensive salvation most speaks to your need?
- How does this covenant structure foreshadow Christ's redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 12 continues the covenantal reaffirmation. God's sevenfold promise ('I will bring out, deliver, redeem, take, be your God, bring in, give') comprehensively describes salvation from multiple angles, foreshadowing the gospel's complete deliverance.