Exodus 4:12

KJV

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore go {H3212}, and I will be with thy mouth {H6310}, and teach {H3384} thee what thou shalt say {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, therefore, go; and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what to say."

Berean Standard Bible

Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt speak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:12 stands as a profound declaration of divine empowerment, directly addressing Moses's self-professed inadequacy in speech. In this pivotal moment, God assures Moses that He will intimately accompany his words and provide the precise message needed for the monumental task of leading Israel out of Egyptian bondage. This verse powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to equip and enable those He calls, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over human limitations and transforming perceived weakness into a conduit for divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is the climax of Moses's fourth objection to God's divine commission at the burning bush. Following God's initial command in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses's Call"), Moses raises a series of doubts concerning his credibility, the people's belief, and his own miraculous signs. In [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses's objection regarding his speech"), Moses explicitly articulates his deepest fear: "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." He believes his speech impediment renders him unfit for the task of confronting Pharaoh and leading a nation. God's response in [Exodus 4:11](/exodus/4-11 "God's rhetorical question about who made the mouth") directly challenges Moses's premise by rhetorically asking, "Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?" This question reasserts God's creative sovereignty over all human faculties, including speech. [Exodus 4:12](/exodus/4-12 "God's promise to be with Moses's mouth") then follows as God's direct and specific solution to Moses's perceived verbal deficiency, offering a profound promise of divine partnership and instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, effective oral communication was paramount for leadership, diplomacy, and prophetic proclamation. Leaders were expected to be articulate and persuasive, capable of commanding respect and conveying decrees with authority. Pharaoh, as the divine king of Egypt, would have been accustomed to hearing eloquent and powerful pronouncements. Moses's self-assessment as "slow of speech" (literally, "heavy of mouth") would have been a genuine and significant impediment in such a context, potentially undermining his authority and the message he was to deliver. Furthermore, the concept of a "spokesperson" or "mouthpiece" was understood; a king's vizier or a prophet's assistant often spoke on their behalf. God's promise to "be with thy mouth" would have resonated with the cultural understanding of divine inspiration and empowerment, where a deity might speak through a chosen individual, lending their words supernatural authority and efficacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Calling and Human Inadequacy**, showcasing that God often calls individuals who perceive themselves as ill-equipped, thereby magnifying His power. It underscores **Divine Empowerment for Ministry**, demonstrating that God not only calls but also supernaturally enables His chosen servants to fulfill their daunting tasks. The verse also reinforces God's **Sovereignty over Creation**, particularly over human faculties like speech, as seen in [Exodus 4:11](/exodus/4-11 "God's rhetorical question about who made the mouth"). Finally, it foreshadows the nature of **Prophetic Utterance**, where the prophet's words are not his own but divinely inspired, a theme central to the prophetic books, such as when God puts His words in [Jeremiah's mouth](/jeremiah/1-9 "God touching Jeremiah's mouth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement, literally "to walk," but also metaphorically "to carry," "to come," or "to depart." In this context, it is a direct imperative, "go!" It conveys God's unwavering command for Moses to proceed with the mission, despite his objections, emphasizing the necessity of immediate action and obedience.
* **mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to blow," this word primarily refers to the literal mouth, but frequently extends to figurative meanings, particularly "speech" or "utterance." Here, "I will be with thy mouth" is a powerful metonymy, indicating God's intimate presence and active involvement in Moses's speech itself, not just his physical presence. It implies divine control and inspiration over the very words Moses will articulate.
* **teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to flow as water," "to rain," and transitively "to lay or throw" (like an arrow). Figuratively, it means "to point out" or "to instruct/teach." This word implies not just imparting information but a comprehensive guidance, a precise aiming of words, ensuring that Moses's utterances are accurate, authoritative, and divinely directed. It speaks to God's active role in shaping Moses's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore go,"**: This opening phrase serves as a divine imperative, a direct command from God that cuts through Moses's hesitations and objections. The "therefore" links back to God's preceding declaration of His sovereignty over human faculties (Exodus 4:11), implying that because God is the creator and sustainer of speech, Moses has no legitimate excuse to refuse the call. It is a decisive call to action, demanding immediate obedience and trust.
* **"and I will be with thy mouth,"**: This is the core of God's promise, directly addressing Moses's fear of being "slow of speech." The phrase "I will be with" (אֶהְיֶה עִם, *'ehyeh 'im*) signifies an intimate, active, and empowering presence. It's not merely a general oversight but a specific, indwelling presence that will empower Moses's verbal communication. This implies that God will not just help Moses speak, but will actively indwell and direct his words, making them His own authoritative utterance.
* **"and teach thee what thou shalt say."**: This second part of the promise clarifies the nature of God's presence with Moses's mouth. The verb "teach" (וְהוֹרֵיתִיךָ, *wəhôrêtîkā*) assures Moses of direct divine instruction and guidance. God will not leave Moses to formulate his own words but will actively impart the content and manner of his speech. This ensures that Moses's message will be divinely inspired, accurate, and powerful, directly countering his perceived inability to articulate God's message effectively.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as God speaks personally and intimately to Moses, reinforcing the covenantal relationship. The phrase "I will be with thy mouth" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "mouth" stands for the act of speaking or the words themselves, emphasizing God's direct involvement in Moses's verbal communication. There is also a strong element of **Divine Assurance**, as God's promise directly counters Moses's fear and provides comfort and certainty. The entire passage functions as a **Contrast** between Moses's human weakness and God's divine omnipotence and faithfulness, highlighting that God's power is made perfect in human inadequacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:12 lays a foundational theological principle: God equips those He calls, and His divine power is made manifest through human weakness. This promise to Moses is not an isolated event but a recurring pattern throughout redemptive history, affirming God's consistent commitment to empower His messengers for their assigned tasks. It underscores that true effectiveness in ministry stems not from human eloquence or ability, but from divine enablement and presence. God's promise to provide the words signifies that His message will always be delivered with His authority and power, regardless of the messenger's perceived limitations. This principle extends beyond prophetic utterance to all forms of God-ordained service, assuring believers that God will provide the necessary grace and resources for every calling.

* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "God touching Jeremiah's mouth")
* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "Jesus's promise to His disciples about words")
* [Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "Jesus's promise about words in Luke 12:11-12")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God choosing the weak")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For every believer today, [Exodus 4:12](/exodus/4-12 "God's promise to be with Moses's mouth") serves as a profound source of encouragement and a timeless testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Just as God promised to be with Moses's mouth and teach him what to say, so too does He promise to equip and enable us for every task He calls us to, whether it's a significant ministry, a challenging conversation, or simply sharing our faith. Our perceived limitations, fears, or inadequacies are never roadblocks for God's purposes; instead, they become fertile ground for His power and glory to be magnified through us. We are invited to step out in faith, trusting not in our own eloquence or abilities, but entirely in God's active presence and the empowering work of His Holy Spirit. This verse liberates us from the burden of self-sufficiency, allowing us to serve with confidence, knowing that the God who calls also provides all that is necessary for His will to be accomplished through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of perceived inadequacy or weakness do you tend to allow to hinder your obedience to God's call?**
* **How does the promise "I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" encourage you to step out in faith in situations where you feel unprepared or inarticulate?**
* **In what practical ways can you lean on the Holy Spirit's guidance to provide the right words and wisdom in your daily interactions, especially when sharing your faith or offering counsel?**

### FAQ
**Does God's promise to "be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" apply to believers today?**

Answer: Yes, the underlying principle of divine empowerment for ministry and witness remains profoundly relevant for believers today. While the specific manifestation may differ from the direct verbal dictation experienced by Moses or the prophets, the Holy Spirit actively equips believers with wisdom, boldness, and appropriate words when they are called to speak for God. This applies to various contexts, including evangelism, teaching, counseling, or simply navigating difficult conversations where divine wisdom is needed. The promise assures us that God will provide what is necessary for His purposes through us, often by quickening our minds, giving us clarity, and enabling us to articulate truth effectively. Just as Jesus promised His disciples that the Spirit would teach them what to say when brought before authorities ([Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "Jesus's promise about words in Luke 12:11-12)), so too does He empower His church today.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 4:12](/exodus/4-12 "God's promise to Moses") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as a prophet, deliverer, and law-giver, served as a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah. However, unlike Moses, who required God to be "with his mouth" and "teach him what to say" due to his human limitations, Jesus perfectly embodied divine wisdom and speech. He is the pre-existent "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word in John 1:1)), the perfect revelation of the Father, who always spoke only what the Father commanded and taught ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "Jesus speaks what the Father commanded")). Jesus did not need to be taught what to say; He *was* the divine utterance, the very wisdom of God incarnate. Furthermore, Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, extends this same divine empowerment to His church. He promised His disciples that they would be given "what ye shall speak" when facing opposition ([Matthew 10:19](/matthew/10-19 "Jesus's promise to His disciples in Matthew 10:19)) and that the Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8)). Thus, the promise to Moses is not merely a historical event but a prophetic pointer to the One who perfectly fulfills God's word and empowers His people to proclaim it with divine authority and clarity.

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

Luke 12:11

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Luke 21:14

Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.