Bible Strands
Exodus 6:30
But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses Yahweh immediately after receiving a command to confront Pharaoh. The exchange takes place in the direct presence of God.
The words — The phrase עֲרַל שְׂפָתָיִם ('a.Ral se.fa.Ta.yim) literally means "uncircumcised of lips." It functions as a Hebrew idiom for unskilled or halting speech.
The thread — Moses repeats this objection to Yahweh in Exodus 6:12 and first voices it in Exodus 4:10. The pattern of divine commission overriding human inadequacy resurfaces in 1 Corinthians 9:16.
Why it lands — The text records a human objection to a divine command without offering immediate resolution. It places the burden of obedience on the speaker despite his stated inability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
Cross-references
- Exodus 6:12 But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech?”
- Exodus 4:10 “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!