Exodus 7:1
And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רְאֵ֛ה
See
H7200
רְאֵ֛ה
See
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נְתַתִּ֥יךָ
I have made
H5414
נְתַתִּ֥יךָ
I have made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
thee a god
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
thee a god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָחִ֖יךָ
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֖יךָ
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
10 of 12
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Psalms 82:6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.Jeremiah 1:10See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.1 Kings 17:23And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.Exodus 16:29See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.Genesis 19:21And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.2 Kings 6:32But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?
Historical Context
Egyptian theology made Pharaoh a living god, son of Ra and incarnation of Horus. God's declaration that Moses is 'elohim' to Pharaoh inverts this claim—the Hebrew shepherd outranks Egypt's god-king.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Moses as God's representative encourage you in facing opposition?
- What does this verse teach about delegated divine authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God declares 'I have made thee a god to Pharaoh' (אֱלֹהִים, elohim—a god, divine representative). Moses will speak with divine authority, while Aaron serves as 'thy prophet' (נְבִיאֶךָ, nebi'ekha). This establishes the divine-prophet-people chain that challenges Pharaoh's claim to divinity.