Exodus 6:12
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 Version
and 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 Bible
Moses 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 Bible
But 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 1917
And 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 Unskilled
Jump to Next
Children Ear Hear Hearken Hearkened Israel Israelites Lips Moses Pharaoh Speak Speech Uncircumcised Unclean Unskilled
Exodus 6
1. God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH
9. 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 emphasizes the intimate and direct communication Moses had with God. The Hebrew word for "presence" is often associated with the face or countenance of God, indicating a personal and relational aspect of divine interaction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being in the presence of a deity was a profound experience, often reserved for prophets and leaders. Moses, despite his doubts, is in a privileged position, highlighting God's grace and the special role Moses plays in the unfolding narrative of Israel's deliverance.

Moses replied
Moses' response is a continuation of his dialogue with God, showcasing his humanity and vulnerability. The Hebrew root for "replied" suggests a conversation, not just a one-sided plea. This interaction is a reminder of the relational nature of God, who listens and responds to His people. Moses' reply is not just a statement of fact but a reflection of his internal struggle and the weight of the task before him.

If the Israelites will not listen to me
This phrase reflects Moses' frustration and doubt. The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but obeying and understanding. Moses is concerned about his credibility and the receptiveness of the Israelites, who are oppressed and despondent. Historically, the Israelites' reluctance can be understood in the context of their long-standing suffering in Egypt, which may have dulled their hope and faith.

then why would Pharaoh listen to me
Moses questions his ability to influence Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of the time. The phrase underscores the enormity of the task and the perceived improbability of success. Pharaoh, seen as a god-king in Egyptian culture, would be unlikely to heed the words of a Hebrew shepherd. This highlights the miraculous nature of the Exodus, where God's power is made perfect in human weakness.

since I am unskilled in speech
Moses' self-assessment points to his perceived inadequacy. The Hebrew phrase can be translated as "uncircumcised lips," a metaphor for being unrefined or unworthy. This reflects Moses' humility and perhaps a lack of confidence in his oratory skills. In the broader biblical narrative, God often chooses those who seem inadequate by human standards to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing that it is God's power, not human ability, that brings about His plans.

(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

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But in the LORD’s
יְהוָ֖ה (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 NIV
Exodus 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. Ex)
Exodus 6:11
Top of Page
Top of Page