Exodus 4:25

KJV

Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast [it] at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband [art] thou to me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Zipporah {H6855} took {H3947} a sharp stone {H6864}, and cut off {H3772} the foreskin {H6190} of her son {H1121}, and cast {H5060} it at his feet {H7272}, and said {H559}, Surely a bloody {H1818} husband {H2860} art thou to me.

Complete Jewish Bible

had not Tzipporah taken a flintstone and cut off the foreskin of her son. She threw it at his feet, saying, "What a bloody bridegroom you are for me!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched it to Moses’ feet. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.

American Standard Version

Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, Surely a bridegroom of blood art thou to me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:25 vividly portrays Zipporah's swift and decisive intervention to circumcise her son, averting a divine threat against Moses' life. This pivotal, dramatic moment profoundly underscores the absolute sanctity of covenant obedience, God's unwavering holiness, and the severe consequences of neglecting His commands, even for His chosen leaders. It highlights the profound seriousness with which the Abrahamic covenant's foundational sign was regarded and the immediate efficacy of obedience in appeasing divine wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This intense episode immediately follows God's dramatic commission of Moses at the [burning bush](/exodus/3 "The Call of Moses") and Moses' journey back to Egypt with his family. Specifically, it is a direct consequence of the preceding verse, [Exodus 4:24](/exodus/4-24 "God's encounter with Moses at the lodging place"), where "the Lord met him and sought to put him to death." The abruptness and severity of God's action in [Exodus 4:24-26](/exodus/4-24-26 "Zipporah's decisive action to save Moses") interrupt the narrative flow of Moses' return to Egypt, emphasizing the critical nature of the neglected covenant obligation. Zipporah's quick, decisive action serves as the immediate resolution to this divine confrontation, allowing Moses to proceed with his divine mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Circumcision was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, often signifying tribal identity, purification, or rites of passage. However, for Israel, it carried unique theological weight as the foundational sign of the [covenant God established with Abraham](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision"). It marked the male descendants of Abraham as God's chosen people, symbolizing their inclusion in the covenant community and their commitment to God's commands. Neglecting this rite was a profound act of disobedience and a rejection of the covenant relationship. The use of a "sharp stone" (flint knife) for the circumcision was a common and ancient practice, predating metal tools for such rituals, and is mentioned elsewhere in scripture (e.g., [Joshua 5:2](/joshua/5-2 "Circumcision at Gilgal")).
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Holiness and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute intolerance for disobedience, especially concerning His covenant. Even Moses, the chosen deliverer, is not exempt from God's righteous standards. It underscores the theme of **Covenant Obedience**, emphasizing that faithfulness to God's commands is paramount for maintaining a right relationship with Him. Furthermore, the shedding of blood to avert wrath introduces the theme of **Atonement and Redemption**, foreshadowing the necessity of blood sacrifice for appeasement and reconciliation, a concept that will be extensively developed throughout the Mosaic Law and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces)." In this context, Zipporah's action is a literal cutting, but it carries the profound implication of establishing or restoring a covenant relationship. The act of cutting off the foreskin is a physical manifestation of entering into or re-affirming the covenant with God, contrasting with the destructive implication of the root when God "cuts off" a disobedient person from the community.
* **foreskin (Hebrew, _ʻorlâh'_):** This term specifically refers to the prepuce, the part of the male anatomy removed in circumcision. In a broader sense, it can metaphorically refer to anything that is "uncircumcised" or impure, such as "uncircumcised lips" ([Exodus 6:12](/exodus/6-12 "Moses' uncircumcised lips")) or an "uncircumcised heart" ([Leviticus 26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Uncircumcised hearts")). Here, its removal signifies purification, dedication, and inclusion into the covenant people, making its absence a grave spiritual deficiency for Moses' son.
* **bloody husband (Hebrew, _dâm'_ and _châthân'_):** The phrase "bloody husband" (or "bridegroom of blood") is a highly debated and enigmatic declaration. `dâm` refers to "blood (as that which when shed causes death)," often associated with life, atonement, or guilt. `châthân` denotes "a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal); bridegroom, husband, son in law." Zipporah's statement likely signifies that Moses, or perhaps her son, has now entered into a covenant relationship *through* the shedding of blood, making him a "husband" or "bridegroom" by virtue of this bloody rite. The blood shed in circumcision has, in this unique context, served as a means of appeasement and covenant ratification, securing Moses' life and his family's place within God's covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son,"**: Faced with an immediate, life-threatening divine encounter, Zipporah, a Midianite woman, demonstrates remarkable spiritual discernment and decisive action. She quickly identifies the cause of God's wrath—Moses' neglect of his son's circumcision—and takes the initiative. The "sharp stone" (likely flint) underscores the ancient nature of the ritual and the urgency of her response, as she performs a painful and bloody act that was traditionally the father's responsibility.
* **"and cast [it] at his feet,"**: This action of casting the foreskin at Moses' feet is symbolic and impactful. It could signify a dramatic gesture of accusation, showing Moses the consequence of his neglect, or an act of dedication, presenting the blood-stained evidence of the covenant's fulfillment. Some scholars interpret it as a ritualistic act to symbolically "touch" or "appease" the divine presence that was threatening Moses, using the very sign of the covenant as a means of reconciliation.
* **"and said, Surely a bloody husband [art] thou to me."**: This enigmatic declaration is the climax of the verse. While its precise meaning is debated, it powerfully conveys the re-establishment of a covenant relationship through bloodshed. It likely means that Moses (or perhaps the son, through whom Moses is connected to the covenant) has been "married" or bound to God's covenant through this bloody rite. The shedding of blood in this context is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, averting divine judgment and restoring the covenant bond, making Moses (and his family) acceptable in God's sight.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 4:25 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "sharp stone" symbolizes both the primitive nature of the ritual and the painful, cutting truth of covenant demands. The "foreskin" itself is a potent symbol of the flesh, unholiness, and exclusion, while its removal symbolizes purification, dedication, and inclusion into God's covenant people. The "blood" shed is the most powerful symbol, representing life, atonement, and the means by which a covenant is ratified or re-established. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony** or **Situational Irony** in this passage: Moses, chosen by God to lead Israel out of bondage and into covenant relationship, himself stands in violation of that very covenant and requires a dramatic intervention to save his own life. The passage also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the broader biblical theme that the shedding of blood is necessary for atonement and the establishment of a covenant, pointing ultimately to the sacrificial system and Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to His covenant and His absolute holiness, demanding obedience even from His chosen instruments. The immediate threat to Moses' life underscores that no one, regardless of their calling or proximity to God, is exempt from the requirements of His law and covenant. God's character is revealed as one who upholds His standards with unwavering integrity, demonstrating that a breach of covenant, especially one as foundational as circumcision, carries severe consequences. This dramatic intervention also highlights the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the shedding of blood (in this case, the son's) averts wrath from another (Moses), foreshadowing the ultimate divine provision for sin.

* [Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Consequences of Neglecting Circumcision")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:25 serves as a potent and challenging reminder for believers today. It strips away any notion that our calling, spiritual gifts, or even a close relationship with God exempts us from the fundamental requirement of obedience to His revealed will. Moses, the very deliverer of Israel, faced divine judgment for neglecting a foundational covenant command, emphasizing that God's holiness demands faithfulness from all. This passage calls us to examine our own lives: Are there areas of disobedience, subtle or overt, that we have neglected? Are we truly committed to walking in accordance with God's commands, or do we rationalize our shortcomings? Furthermore, Zipporah's courageous and immediate action in the face of spiritual crisis provides a powerful example of decisive faith. Her timely obedience averted disaster, demonstrating that humble and swift alignment with God's will can restore relationship and avert spiritual peril. We are called to be vigilant, discerning, and obedient, trusting that God's commands are for our good and that His holiness requires our full devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unaddressed areas of disobedience or neglect in my life might be hindering my relationship with God or my effectiveness in His service?**
* **How does Zipporah's decisive action challenge my own tendencies to delay or rationalize obedience to God's commands?**
* **In what ways does this passage deepen my understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He views covenant faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Zipporah's statement, 'Surely a bloody husband art thou to me'?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *chatan damim* (חתן דמים) is one of the most debated and enigmatic statements in the Old Testament, literally translating to "a bridegroom of blood" or "a husband of blood." Interpretations vary widely but generally center on the idea of a covenant established or re-established through the shedding of blood. Some scholars suggest Zipporah is declaring that Moses is now truly her "husband by means of blood," having been saved from death by this bloody covenant act. Others propose it refers to the son, who, through the shedding of his blood, became a "bridegroom" to the covenant, thereby connecting his father to it and securing his life. Still others see it as an exclamation from Zipporah expressing a mix of disgust, relief, or even a ritualistic declaration of the severity and necessity of the act. Regardless of the precise nuance, the phrase powerfully signifies the re-establishment of the covenant relationship and the appeasement of divine wrath through the shedding of blood.

**Why was circumcision so crucial that its neglect threatened Moses' life?**

Answer: Circumcision was far more than a mere ritual; it was the foundational and non-negotiable sign of God's [covenant with Abraham](/genesis/17-9-14 "The Covenant of Circumcision"), symbolizing inclusion in God's chosen people and a commitment to His commands. God explicitly stated that any male who was not circumcised would be "cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant" ([Genesis 17:14](/genesis/17-14 "Consequences of Neglecting Circumcision")). For Moses, as God's chosen deliverer and the one commissioned to lead Israel in covenant faithfulness, neglecting this foundational sign was a profound act of unfaithfulness and a direct breach of the very covenant he was meant to uphold. God's absolute holiness demands obedience, and a breach of such a significant covenant sign was met with severe divine displeasure, emphasizing that even leaders must adhere to God's established requirements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:25, with its dramatic portrayal of blood-shedding to avert divine wrath and restore a covenant relationship, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate [atonement](/hebrews/9-22 "The Necessity of Blood for Remission of Sins") found in Jesus Christ. While Zipporah's act involved the physical blood of a son to appease immediate judgment and fulfill a sign of the Old Covenant, Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross shed His own divine blood, establishing a new and eternal covenant that provides complete and final redemption for all who believe. The physical circumcision, a sign of the Old Covenant that marked a people set apart, finds its spiritual fulfillment in Christ, who performs a "circumcision made without hands" ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Spiritual Circumcision in Christ")), circumcising the heart and bringing true inclusion into God's people through faith, not ritual. Where Moses, the great law-giver and deliverer, faltered in covenant obedience and required a bloody intervention to save his life, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, becoming the "bloody husband" who secures our salvation and eternal life not through a ritualistic cutting, but through His own lifeblood poured out on the cross, reconciling us fully to God.

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

Joshua 5:2

At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time.

Joshua 5:3

And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Genesis 17:14

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

2 Samuel 16:7

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: