Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Moses said to the LORD, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” New Living Translation “But LORD!” Moses objected. “My own people won’t listen to me anymore. How can I expect Pharaoh to listen? I’m such a clumsy speaker!” English Standard Version But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” Berean Standard Bible 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?” King James Bible 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? New King James Version And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” New American Standard Bible But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, as I am unskilled in speech?” NASB 1995 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?” NASB 1977 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?” Legacy Standard Bible But Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” Amplified Bible But Moses said to the LORD, “Look, [my own people] the Israelites have not listened to me; so how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled and inept in speech?” Christian Standard Bible But Moses said in the LORD’s presence, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am such a poor speaker? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Moses said in the LORD’s presence: “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am such a poor speaker?” American Standard Version And Moses spake before Jehovah, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? Contemporary English Version But Moses replied, "I'm not a powerful speaker. If the Israelites won't listen to me, why should the king of Egypt?" English Revised 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? GOD'S WORD® Translation But Moses protested to the LORD, "The Israelites wouldn't listen to me. Why would Pharaoh listen to me? I'm such a poor speaker." Good News Translation But Moses replied, "Even the Israelites will not listen to me, so why should the king? I am such a poor speaker." International Standard Version Then Moses said right in front of the LORD, "Look, the Israelis didn't listen to me, so how will Pharaoh? I'm not a persuasive speaker" Majority Standard Bible 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?? NET Bible But Moses replied to the LORD, "If the Israelites did not listen to me, then how will Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with difficulty?" New Heart English Bible Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Look, the children of Israel haven't listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?" Webster's Bible Translation And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened to me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? World English Bible Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Moses speaks before YHWH, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me, and how does Pharaoh hear me, and I of uncircumcised lips?” Young's Literal Translation and Moses speaketh before Jehovah, saying, 'Lo, the sons of Israel have not hearkened unto me, and how doth Pharaoh hear me, and I of uncircumcised lips?' Smith's Literal Translation And Moses will speak before Jehovah, saying, Behold, the sons of Israel heard not to me; and how shall Pharaoh hear me, and I of uncircumcised lips? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMoses answered before the Lord Behold the children of Israel do no hearken to me; and how will Pharao hear me, especially as I am of uncircumcised lips? Catholic Public Domain Version Moses responded in the sight the Lord: “Behold, the sons of Israel do not listen to me. And how will Pharaoh listen to me, especially since I am of uncircumcised lips?” New American Bible However, Moses protested to the LORD, “If the Israelites did not listen to me, how is it possible that Pharaoh will listen to me, poor speaker that I am!” New Revised Standard Version But Moses spoke to the LORD, “The Israelites have not listened to me; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Moses said to the LORD, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened to me; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am a stutterer? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Moshe said, “LORD JEHOVAH, behold, the children of Israel do not listen to me. How will Pharaoh listen to me, for my tongue stutters?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moses spoke 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?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel hearkened not to me, and how shall Pharao hearken to me? and I am not eloquent. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Promises Deliverance…11“Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land.” 12But 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?” 13Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge concerning both the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt.… Cross References Exodus 4:10-13 “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.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” ... Exodus 3:11 But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Numbers 12:3 Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth. Jeremiah 1:6 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” Ezekiel 3:7 But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. Acts 7:22 So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Hebrews 11:27 By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. Romans 10:16 But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” John 12:37-38 Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Matthew 13:14-15 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ Mark 6:4-6 Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” / So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. / And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people. Luke 4:24 Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. Treasury of Scripture And Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not listened to me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips? children Exodus 6:9 And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. Exodus 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? Exodus 4:29-31 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: … am. Exodus 4:10 And 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. Exodus 6:30 And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? Exodus 4:10 And 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. Jump to Previous Children Ear Hear Hearken Hearkened Israel Israelites Lips Moses Pharaoh Speak Speech Uncircumcised Unclean UnskilledJump to Next Children Ear Hear Hearken Hearkened Israel Israelites Lips Moses Pharaoh Speak Speech Uncircumcised Unclean UnskilledExodus 6 1. God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH9. Moses vainly attempts to encourage the Israelites 10. He and Aaron are again sent to Pharaoh 14. Genealogies of Reuben, Simeon and Levi, of whom came Moses and Aaron 26. The history resumed But in the LORD’s presence This phrase indicates Moses is directly communicating with God, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leader. The presence of the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, signifying divine authority and guidance. This setting underscores the gravity of the conversation and the divine mission Moses is tasked with. Moses replied If the Israelites will not listen to me then why would Pharaoh listen to me since I am unskilled in speech? Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, he is chosen to be God's spokesperson. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh is the one whom Moses is instructed to confront to demand the release of the Israelites. His heart is hardened, and he is resistant to God's command. 3. Israelites The people of God who are enslaved in Egypt. They are the recipients of God's promise of deliverance, yet they struggle with disbelief and discouragement due to their harsh circumstances. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It represents a place of bondage and oppression from which God plans to deliver His people. 5. God (Yahweh) The sovereign Lord who hears the cries of His people and is committed to fulfilling His covenant promises. He empowers Moses to be His messenger. Teaching Points Understanding Human WeaknessMoses' self-doubt ("I speak with faltering lips") reminds us that God often chooses those who feel inadequate to accomplish His purposes. Our weaknesses can highlight God's strength. God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness Despite Moses' doubts and the Israelites' disbelief, God's plan for deliverance is unwavering. This teaches us to trust in God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible. The Importance of Obedience Moses' willingness to follow God's command, despite his fears, underscores the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. Obedience often precedes understanding. The Power of God's Word Moses' concern about his speaking ability is overshadowed by the power of God's message. This encourages us to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our own abilities. Encouragement in Leadership Leaders, like Moses, may face discouragement and doubt. This passage encourages leaders to seek God's strength and guidance in fulfilling their calling.(12) How then shall Pharaoh hear me?--This time the objection comes from Moses. His double rejection, by Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-4) and by Israel (Exodus 6:9), had thrown him back into utter despondency. All that diffidence and distrust of himself which he had shown in his earlier communications with Jehovah (Exodus 3:11; Exodus 4:1; Exodus 4:10; Exodus 4:13) revived, and he despaired of success in his mission. Was it of any use his making a second appeal to the foreign monarch when he had failed with his own countrymen? . . . Verse 12. - Uncircumcised lips, i.e. "lips inefficient for the purpose for which lips are given;" as "uncircumcised ears" are ears that cannot hearken (Jeremiah 6:10), and an "uncircumcised heart" a heart that cannot understand (Jeremiah 9:26). The meaning is the same as in Exodus 4:10, where Moses says that he is "slow of speech and of a slow tongue." Nothing can be determined from the expression as to the exact cause of the imperfection of which complaint is made. CHAPTER 6:13-27 Hebrew But in the LORD’sיְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel presence לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face Moses מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver replied, וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue “If הֵ֤ן (hên) Interjection Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! the Israelites בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listen שָׁמְע֣וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to me, אֵלַ֔י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to then how וְאֵיךְ֙ (wə·’êḵ) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 349: How?, how!, where will Pharaoh פַרְעֹ֔ה (p̄ar·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings listen to me, יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי (yiš·mā·‘ê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently since I וַאֲנִ֖י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am unskilled עֲרַ֥ל (‘ă·ral) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 6189: Having foreskin (uncircumcised) in speech?” שְׂפָתָֽיִם׃ (śə·p̄ā·ṯā·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin Links Exodus 6:12 NIVExodus 6:12 NLT Exodus 6:12 ESV Exodus 6:12 NASB Exodus 6:12 KJV Exodus 6:12 BibleApps.com Exodus 6:12 Biblia Paralela Exodus 6:12 Chinese Bible Exodus 6:12 French Bible Exodus 6:12 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 6:12 Moses spoke before Yahweh saying Behold (Exo. 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