Exodus 4:10

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the LORD {H3068}, O {H994} my Lord {H136}, I {H376} am not eloquent {H1697}, neither heretofore {H8032}{H8543}, nor since {H227} thou hast spoken {H1696} unto thy servant {H5650}: but I am slow {H3515} of speech {H6310}, and of a slow {H3515} tongue {H3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to ADONAI, "Oh, Adonai, I'm a terrible speaker. I always have been, and I'm no better now, even after you've spoken to your servant! My words come slowly, my tongue moves slowly."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Jehovah, Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:10 records Moses's fifth and most personal objection to God's divine commission, where he declares himself "not eloquent" and "slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." This deeply vulnerable admission, made after God has provided multiple signs and assurances, reveals Moses's profound self-doubt and perceived inadequacy for a task requiring significant public communication, setting the stage for God's demonstration of His power to equip the seemingly unqualified for His sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of Moses's extended dialogue with God at the burning bush in [Exodus 3-4](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush Narrative"). Following God's initial call and revelation of His sacred name, "[I AM THAT I AM](/exodus/3-14 "God reveals His name 'I AM' in Exodus 3:14")," Moses raises a series of objections concerning his credibility with the Israelites ([Exodus 3:11-13](/exodus/3-11-13 "Moses's first objection")), the people's belief in him ([Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses's second objection")), and the signs he might perform ([Exodus 4:2-9](/exodus/4-2-9 "God provides signs for Moses")). Having received comprehensive answers and miraculous demonstrations to address these concerns, Moses's final objection pivots from external challenges to a deeply internal, personal perceived deficiency: his inability to speak effectively. This progression highlights the intensity of Moses's reluctance and the profound nature of God's patience and persistent calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, effective public speaking and rhetorical skill were highly valued, especially for leaders, diplomats, and those representing a deity. Orators were expected to be persuasive, articulate, and commanding. For Moses to confront Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, and to lead a vast, often rebellious, nation like Israel, exceptional communication skills would have been considered indispensable. Furthermore, the role of a prophet, which Moses was being called to fulfill, inherently involved speaking God's words to the people. Moses's self-assessment of being "slow of speech" would have been a significant, culturally recognized handicap for such a monumental task, making his objection deeply rooted in the practical realities and expectations of his era.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 4:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Commission vs. Human Inadequacy**, showing how God often calls individuals who perceive themselves as utterly unqualified for monumental tasks, thereby ensuring that His power, not human ability, receives the glory. It also underscores **God's Patience and Provision**, as He systematically addresses each of Moses's objections, culminating in the gracious provision of Aaron as a spokesman ([Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "Aaron appointed as Moses's spokesman")). This verse also reinforces the foundational theme that **God Equips the Called**, demonstrating that His divine enablement is sufficient to overcome any human limitation, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, from the call of Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 1:6-9](/jeremiah/1-6-9 "Jeremiah's call and God's promise")) to the Apostle Paul's experience ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "Paul's weakness and God's strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:10 marks a critical turning point in Moses's dialogue with God, representing his final, most intimate, and arguably most desperate objection. Having exhausted arguments about his credibility, the people's belief, and the effectiveness of divine signs, Moses turns inward, focusing on his personal inability to speak effectively. His declaration, "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," reveals a profound self-perception of inadequacy that touches on a genuine physical or functional limitation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eloquent (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word (H1697), derived from the root H1696, primarily means "word" or "matter," but in this context, it takes on the nuance of being skilled in speech or articulation. Moses is stating that he is not a "man of words" in the sense of being a fluent or persuasive speaker. The implication is a lack of rhetorical ability or ease in public discourse, which would be a significant hindrance for a leader.
* **Slow (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** This term (H3515) literally means "heavy." When applied to speech or tongue, as it is here, it strongly suggests a physical impediment. It can imply difficulty, clumsiness, or a burden. Thus, "slow of speech" (כְבַד פֶּה - *kevad peh*) means "heavy of mouth," and "slow tongue" (כְבַד לָשׁוֹן - *kevad lashon*) means "heavy of tongue." This linguistic insight points to a genuine speech impediment, such as a stammer, stutter, or perhaps difficulty forming words, rather than merely shyness or a lack of oratorical training.
* **Tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This word (H3956) refers to the physical organ of the tongue, which is instrumental in speech. When described as "heavy," it reinforces the notion of a physical difficulty in articulation. The repetition of "slow" (heavy) applied to both "speech" (mouth) and "tongue") emphasizes the severity and persistence of Moses's perceived impediment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene for a direct, personal appeal to God. The use of "O my Lord" (H994, H136 - _bîy ʼĂdônây_) is a respectful, almost pleading address, indicating the earnestness and depth of Moses's objection. It signifies a humble, yet desperate, plea before the sovereign God (H3068 - _Yᵉhôvâh_).
* **"I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant:"**: Moses articulates his core inadequacy. He states that he has never been "eloquent" (H1697 - _dâbâr_, skilled in speech), neither in the past ("heretofore" - H8032, H8543 - _shilshôwm tᵉmôwl_) nor in the present moment, even after God (H1696 - _dâbar_) has directly communicated with him. This highlights his conviction that his impediment is a persistent, inherent limitation, not something that God's direct interaction has miraculously removed.
* **"but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."**: This clause provides the specific nature of Moses's "non-eloquence." The Hebrew "slow of speech" (כְבַד פֶּה - *kevad peh*) and "slow tongue" (כְבַד לָשׁוֹן - *kevad lashon*) literally mean "heavy of mouth" and "heavy of tongue." This vivid imagery strongly suggests a physical speech impediment, such as a stammer or stutter, rather than merely a lack of rhetorical flair or shyness. This physical challenge would have been a significant obstacle for a leader tasked with addressing both a multitude of people and a formidable Pharaoh, making Moses feel utterly disqualified for the public and persuasive aspects of his divine commission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several **Literary Devices** to convey Moses's deep-seated reluctance and God's interaction with it. **Repetition** of the word "slow" (Hebrew, _kâbêd_) applied to both "speech" and "tongue" emphasizes the severity and persistence of Moses's perceived impediment, reinforcing his sense of inadequacy. The verse also utilizes **Hyperbole** to some extent, as Moses, in his anxiety, might be exaggerating his inability, though the Hebrew strongly suggests a genuine issue. There is a profound **Contrast** between God's omnipotence and Moses's perceived human weakness, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His power through an unlikely vessel. Finally, the entire dialogue in [Exodus 3-4](/exodus/3 "The Call of Moses") functions as a form of **Dramatic Dialogue**, building tension as Moses raises one objection after another, only for God to patiently and powerfully respond, culminating in this deeply personal confession of inability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses's objection in Exodus 4:10 is a powerful illustration of a recurring biblical pattern: God often chooses the seemingly unqualified, the weak, or those with perceived limitations to accomplish His mighty purposes. This ensures that the glory redounds not to human ability or eloquence, but solely to God's power and faithfulness. Despite Moses's persistent doubts and excuses, God demonstrates remarkable patience, addressing each objection and ultimately providing a practical solution in Aaron, accommodating Moses's perceived limitation while still achieving His divine purpose. This narrative underscores that God does not call the equipped, but rather equips the called, transforming human weakness into a platform for divine strength and revelation.

* [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2-7 "Gideon's small army and God's victory")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "God chooses the foolish and weak")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's strength made perfect in weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses's heartfelt objection in Exodus 4:10 offers profound lessons for believers today. We, too, often allow our perceived weaknesses—whether physical, intellectual, social, or emotional—to become excuses for avoiding God's call or for doubting His ability to work powerfully through us. This passage challenges us to shift our focus from our own limitations to God's limitless power and unwavering faithfulness. It reminds us that God is not hindered by our inadequacies; rather, He delights in using them to display His omnipotence and perfect His strength. Our primary responsibility is not to be perfectly eloquent, naturally gifted, or supremely capable, but to be obedient and available, trusting that the God who calls us will also equip us for every task He sets before us. By embracing this truth, we can transform our perceived weaknesses into platforms for His glory, recognizing that our greatest service often begins where our self-sufficiency ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "slow tongues" or perceived inadequacies do I allow to hinder my obedience to God's call in my life?**
* **How does Moses's struggle encourage me to trust God's provision and enablement rather than relying on my own abilities?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to step out in faith, despite feeling unqualified, and how can I lean on God's promise to be "with my mouth"?**
* **How can I celebrate God's power working through the weaknesses of others, rather than judging their perceived limitations?**

### FAQ
**Did Moses truly have a speech impediment, or was he just shy?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrases *kevad peh* ("heavy of mouth") and *kevad lashon* ("heavy of tongue") strongly suggest a genuine physical speech impediment, such as a stammer or stutter, rather than just shyness or a lack of rhetorical skill. This interpretation is supported by God's subsequent provision of Aaron as Moses's spokesman in [Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "Aaron becomes Moses's spokesman"), indicating a need for assistance beyond mere encouragement or training. The language points to a physical difficulty in articulation.

**Why would God choose someone with a speech impediment to be a leader who needed to speak publicly?**

Answer: God often chooses individuals with perceived weaknesses or limitations to accomplish His mighty purposes. This serves to highlight that the success of the mission is due to God's power and not human ability. In Moses's case, his speech impediment ensured that Israel's deliverance and the receiving of the Law would be clearly seen as a divine act, not the result of Moses's oratorical skill. This magnifies God's glory and prevents human boasting, a principle consistently demonstrated throughout Scripture, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God chooses the weak to shame the strong").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses's perceived inadequacy and God's gracious provision for his "slow tongue" ultimately point to Jesus Christ as the perfect fulfillment of divine speech and human enablement. While Moses was "slow of speech" and required a spokesman, Jesus Christ is the very [Word of God](/john/1-1 "Jesus as the Word of God in John 1:1") Incarnate, the ultimate and perfectly eloquent communicator of God's truth and will. He is the one who "speaks as one having authority" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Jesus teaches with authority")), whose words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "Jesus's words are spirit and life")), and who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")). Where Moses's weakness necessitated divine accommodation, Christ's strength and perfection require no such supplement, for He perfectly embodies God's message and power. Furthermore, just as God equipped Moses despite his limitations, Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers His followers to overcome their own weaknesses and speak His truth boldly, transforming the "slow of speech" into courageous witnesses for His kingdom, enabling them to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

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?

Acts 7:22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

2 Corinthians 11:6

But though [I be] rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

Exodus 4:1

¶ And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.

2 Corinthians 10:10

For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

Job 12:2

No doubt but ye [are] the people, and wisdom shall die with you.