Exodus 4:15

KJV

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt speak {H1696} unto him, and put {H7760} words {H1697} in his mouth {H6310}: and I will be with thy mouth {H6310}, and with his mouth {H6310}, and will teach {H3384} you what ye shall do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your mouth and his, teaching you both what to do.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put the words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:15 stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Moses' call, revealing God's patient and comprehensive provision for His chosen leader. Following Moses' repeated expressions of doubt and perceived inadequacies, particularly his struggle with eloquence, this verse solidifies Aaron's role as Moses' divinely appointed spokesman and reiterates God's unwavering commitment to empower both brothers for the monumental task of leading Israel out of Egyptian bondage. It underscores God's faithfulness in equipping those He calls, addressing human weakness with divine enablement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the detailed account of Moses' call at the burning bush in [Exodus 3-4](/exodus/3-4 "Moses' Call and Commission"). After God reveals His name and mission to Moses, Moses raises a series of objections: his unworthiness ([Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses' objection of unworthiness")), the Israelites' disbelief ([Exodus 3:13](/exodus/3-13 "Moses' objection of disbelief")), his lack of miraculous signs ([Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' objection of lack of signs")), and finally, his perceived inadequacy in speech ([Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' objection of speech impediment")). Despite God's direct assurance, "who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" ([Exodus 4:11-12](/exodus/4-11-12 "God's promise to be with Moses' mouth")), Moses persists, begging God to send someone else ([Exodus 4:13](/exodus/4-13 "Moses' final objection")). It is in response to this persistent hesitation, and with God's anger kindled, that God mercifully provides Aaron as Moses' spokesman in [Exodus 4:14](/exodus/4-14 "God appoints Aaron as spokesman"), with our verse solidifying the divine arrangement and promise of empowerment for both.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the role of a spokesman or interpreter was crucial, especially when dealing with foreign dignitaries or large assemblies. Kings and deities often had official messengers or prophets who conveyed their will. Moses' concern about his speech impediment (often interpreted as a stammer or slow speech) would have been a significant barrier to his credibility and effectiveness as God's representative before Pharaoh and the Israelites. Pharaoh's court, known for its elaborate protocols and sophisticated rhetoric, would have demanded a clear and authoritative voice. Furthermore, the concept of a "prophet" in the Old Testament often involved being a "mouth" for God, speaking His exact words. God's provision of Aaron as Moses' "mouth" (or "prophet," as stated in [Exodus 7:1](/exodus/7-1 "Aaron as Moses' prophet")) directly addresses this cultural expectation and Moses' personal limitation, demonstrating God's practical and powerful intervention in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as God chooses, commissions, and equips His servant despite human weakness, demonstrating that His plan will not be thwarted by human inadequacy. It underscores **Divine Empowerment and Provision**, showing God's specific and practical solutions to the challenges faced by those He calls; He doesn't just call, He enables. The establishment of Aaron as Moses' spokesman introduces the theme of **Partnership in Ministry**, illustrating that God often uses multiple individuals, each with unique gifts, to accomplish His purposes, foreshadowing the collaborative nature of leadership seen throughout Israel's history. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as He ensures the means for His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be fulfilled through the liberation of Israel, as detailed in [Exodus 2:24-25](/exodus/2-24-25 "God remembers His covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to arrange," but is used figuratively for "to speak." It implies an ordered, intentional communication. When God commands Moses to "speak" to Aaron, it's not just casual talk but the transmission of divinely arranged words. The related noun `dâbâr` (H1697) means "a word," "a matter," or "a thing," emphasizing the substantive content being conveyed.
* **mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** From H6310, this word refers to the literal mouth, but also figuratively to speech, utterance, and authority. Its repeated use in the verse ("thy mouth," "his mouth") underscores that God's presence and power will be directly manifest in the very act of articulation, transforming a physical organ into a conduit of divine power. It signifies the source and instrument of communication.
* **teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** From H3384, this root properly means "to flow as water," or "to lay or throw" (like an arrow). Figuratively, it means "to point out" (as if by aiming the finger) or "to instruct." This highlights that God's guidance is precise and directional, like an arrow hitting its mark, ensuring that Moses and Aaron will know not only what to say but also the exact course of action to take.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt speak unto him":** This clause establishes Moses' primary role as the direct recipient of God's revelation and the immediate conduit of that revelation to Aaron. Moses, despite his perceived speech impediment, is still the one through whom God's message will flow first.
* **"and put words in his mouth":** This is a powerful idiom signifying divine inspiration and provision. It means God will provide Aaron with the exact message to deliver, channeled through Moses. It assures that Aaron's speech will not originate from his own wisdom or eloquence, but will be divinely ordained, carrying the full authority of God's message.
* **"and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth":** This is the core promise of divine empowerment. The repetition of "mouth" emphasizes God's direct, personal, and active presence in the very act of communication for both brothers. It signifies that God Himself will enable Moses to effectively transmit His words to Aaron, and will enable Aaron to articulate those words clearly and powerfully to Pharaoh and the Israelites, directly addressing Moses' initial fears about his speech.
* **"and will teach you what ye shall do":** This final clause extends God's comprehensive provision beyond mere verbal communication to encompass all necessary actions. It promises that divine instruction will cover not only *what* to say, but also *how* to act, *what* steps to take, and *how* to navigate the unfolding events. This ensures that their mission will be guided by God's wisdom in its entirety, guaranteeing obedience and effectiveness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent with the word "mouth" (Hebrew: *peh*), appearing three times. This repetition serves to emphasize the central concern of communication and God's direct involvement in enabling both Moses' and Aaron's speech. The phrase "put words in his mouth" is a powerful **idiom**, conveying the concept of divine inspiration and dictation, ensuring that the message is God's own, not human invention. Furthermore, the entire verse is an example of **Divine Discourse**, as God Himself is speaking directly to Moses, providing assurance and instruction. This direct address underscores God's authority, faithfulness, and active participation in the unfolding narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:15 profoundly illustrates God's commitment to equipping those He calls, transforming human weakness into a platform for divine power. It reveals that God's plans are not contingent upon human ability but on His own sovereign provision. He doesn't just call the qualified; He qualifies the called, often by providing partners and specific enablement for the task at hand. This principle of divine enablement for ministry is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "God puts His words in Jeremiah's mouth")
* [Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "The Holy Spirit will speak through you")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God calls and equips the willing, even when we feel inadequate or incapable. Moses' persistent objections highlight a common human tendency to focus on our limitations rather than God's limitless power. Yet, God patiently, though firmly, provides a solution that not only addresses Moses' specific weakness but also demonstrates His comprehensive care. We are not alone in our tasks, as God often provides partners and resources to complement our weaknesses, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled. Just as He promised to teach Moses and Aaron, God continues to guide His people through His Spirit and Word, empowering our words and actions to accomplish His will. This verse gives us the confidence to step out in faith despite our perceived limitations, trusting that God will be "with our mouth" and "teach us what we shall do" in every sphere of life and ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "speech impediments" or perceived inadequacies do you feel hinder you from fulfilling God's call on your life?**
* **How has God provided partners or resources to complement your weaknesses in past experiences?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need God to "teach you what you shall do," beyond just knowing what to say?**
* **How does the promise of God being "with your mouth" empower you to speak His truth in challenging situations?**

### FAQ

**How does this verse address Moses' reluctance?**

Answer: Moses repeatedly expressed doubts about his speaking ability, stating he was "slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" in [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' initial reluctance"). In response to his final plea for God to send someone else in [Exodus 4:13](/exodus/4-13 "Moses' final objection"), God, despite His anger, mercifully provides Aaron as Moses' spokesman. This verse then solidifies that arrangement, directly promising to empower both Moses' mouth (for communicating to Aaron) and Aaron's mouth (for speaking to Pharaoh and the Israelites). This demonstrates God's patient provision for human weakness and His unwavering commitment to His chosen plan, ensuring that His will is accomplished despite human limitations.

**What does it mean for God to "put words in his mouth"?**

Answer: This is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying divine inspiration and authority. It means God will directly provide Aaron with the exact message to deliver, channeled through Moses. It ensures that the words spoken are not human inventions or mere rhetoric, but divinely ordained declarations, carrying the weight and authority of God's own voice. This concept is foundational to the prophetic office, where the prophet is merely the mouthpiece for God's truth, as seen in other prophetic calls like [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "God puts His words in Jeremiah's mouth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:15, with its emphasis on divine empowerment for speech and action, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")), the ultimate spokesman through whom God speaks His final and most complete revelation to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God speaks through His Son")). Just as God promised to be "with thy mouth, and with his mouth" for Moses and Aaron, Jesus, after His ascension, promises His disciples the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who will give them the very words to speak when they are called to testify ([Matthew 10:19-20](/matthew/10-19-20 "The Spirit will speak through you") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to be witnesses")). Through Christ, believers are not only empowered by the Spirit to speak God's truth with authority and clarity but are also guided by Him in all their actions, fulfilling the promise of divine teaching and guidance for all who follow Him ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit will teach you all things") and [Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Led by the Spirit")). Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God's presence, wisdom, and power, enabling His people to participate in His ongoing mission.

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

Isaiah 51:16

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou [art] my people.

Luke 21:15

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

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Numbers 23:5

And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.

Numbers 23:16

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

Numbers 23:12

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

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.