Exodus 4:6

KJV

And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} furthermore {H5750} unto him, Put {H935} now thine hand {H3027} into thy bosom {H2436}. And he put {H935} his hand {H3027} into his bosom {H2436}: and when he took {H3318} it out, behold, his hand {H3027} was leprous {H6879} as snow {H7950}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Furthermore ADONAI said to him, "Now put your hand inside your coat." He put his hand in his coat; and when he took it out his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

Berean Standard Bible

Furthermore, the LORD said to Moses, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said furthermore unto him, Put now thy hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:6 records the second of three potent miraculous signs God grants Moses, designed to overcome his profound doubt and authenticate his divine commission to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. In this dramatic display, Moses' hand is instantaneously afflicted with *tsara'ath*, a severe skin condition described as "leprous as snow," serving as a powerful, undeniable demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over life, health, and disease, intended to convince both Moses and the Israelites of the LORD's active presence and authoritative backing for their liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after God's initial call to Moses at the burning bush and Moses' subsequent expressions of deep inadequacy and skepticism. In [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"), God reveals His name and purpose, commissioning Moses to confront Pharaoh. However, in [Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' Doubt and God's Response"), Moses voices his primary concern: "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice." This verse, therefore, directly addresses that doubt. The sign of the leprous hand follows the first sign of the staff turning into a serpent ([Exodus 4:2-4](/exodus/4-2-4 "The Sign of the Staff")). The progression from an external object (staff) to Moses' own body signifies an escalating, more personal demonstration of divine power, designed to leave no room for doubt about the authenticity of the message and the messenger. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 4:7](/exodus/4-7 "The Hand Restored"), completes this sign by showing the miraculous restoration of the hand, reinforcing God's power to both afflict and heal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The condition described as "leprous as snow" (Hebrew: *tsara'ath*) was a severe skin affliction in ancient Israel, encompassing a range of dermatological diseases, not exclusively modern Hansen's disease. In the Old Testament, *tsara'ath* was not merely a physical ailment but carried profound social and ritual implications. Those afflicted were considered ritually unclean and were often ostracized from the community ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Laws Concerning Leprosy")). Its sudden appearance was frequently associated with divine judgment or a direct act of God (e.g., Miriam's leprosy in [Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Miriam's Leprosy")). The phrase "as snow" emphasizes the stark, brilliant whiteness of the afflicted skin, making the condition immediately recognizable and its severity undeniable. This visual impact would have been particularly shocking and convincing to an ancient audience familiar with the dread and implications of such a disease.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 4:6 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authentication**; God provides tangible proof to validate His chosen servant, Moses, and His message of liberation. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence** over creation, health, and disease, demonstrating His direct control over the physical world. Thirdly, it highlights God's **Patience and Accommodation of Human Weakness**, as He graciously provides multiple signs to bolster Moses' faltering faith and equip him for the monumental task ahead. Finally, the choice of *tsara'ath* touches upon the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, foreshadowing the extensive laws concerning ritual purity found later in the Torah, and emphasizing God's ultimate authority over all forms of defilement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." Its use here emphasizes that the one speaking to Moses is not merely a deity, but the personal, relational, and sovereign God who is eternally present and faithful to His covenant promises. The miraculous sign is a direct act of this specific, powerful God.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027, a primitive word, referring to "the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)." The hand is a symbol of action, power, and capability. For Moses' own hand to be afflicted and then restored signifies God's direct control over his very instrument of action and leadership, demonstrating that Moses' power to lead comes not from himself, but from the LORD.
* **leprous (Hebrew, _tsâraʻ'_):** H6879, a primitive root meaning "to scourge, i.e. (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy." This word denotes the specific, severe skin affliction. Its use here emphasizes the debilitating, defiling, and often divinely-sent nature of the condition, making the miraculous infliction and subsequent healing (in [Exodus 4:7](/exodus/4-7 "The Hand Restored")) a profound testament to God's authority over human health and ritual purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said furthermore unto him":** This clause highlights the divine initiative. God continues to speak to Moses, adding a second sign ("furthermore") to address Moses' persistent doubt, demonstrating His patience and commitment to equipping His chosen servant.
* **"Put now thine hand into thy bosom":** This is a direct, simple command, requiring an act of obedience from Moses. The bosom (Hebrew: *chêyq*, H2436) refers to the fold of the garment over the chest, a common place for carrying items or resting the hand. The act is intimate and personal, involving Moses' own body.
* **"And he put his hand into his bosom":** Moses' immediate obedience to the divine instruction is crucial. This demonstrates his willingness, despite his doubts, to follow God's specific directions, which is a prerequisite for witnessing God's power.
* **"and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow":** The instantaneous and dramatic result. "Behold!" signals a sudden, astonishing revelation. The hand is not merely diseased but "leprous as snow," a vivid **simile** emphasizing the stark, shocking whiteness and severity of the affliction. This immediate transformation is a clear, undeniable miracle, leaving no room for natural explanation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 4:6 is **Symbolism**. Moses' hand, the instrument of his future leadership and action, becomes "leprous as snow," a condition associated with uncleanness, separation, and divine judgment in the ancient world. This symbolizes the profound spiritual "uncleanness" and inability of humanity apart from God's intervention, and by extension, the spiritual state of Israel in bondage. The subsequent restoration of the hand ([Exodus 4:7](/exodus/4-7 "The Hand Restored")) then symbolizes God's power to cleanse, restore, and empower. The phrase "leprous as snow" employs a striking **Simile**, comparing the appearance of the diseased hand to snow, which vividly conveys the extreme whiteness and unmistakable nature of the affliction, heightening the dramatic impact of the miracle. The entire sequence also serves as a form of **Divine Signage**, where a physical act or transformation communicates a profound spiritual truth and authenticates a divine messenger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:6 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of human doubt. The miracle serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including the delicate balance of human health and the very laws of nature. It underscores that God is not a distant, abstract deity but one who directly intervenes to accomplish His purposes, providing undeniable evidence of His presence and power to those He calls and to those He seeks to deliver. This direct intervention also highlights the nature of biblical miracles as revelatory acts, designed not merely to astound, but to confirm divine truth and authenticate God's chosen instruments.

* [Numbers 12:9-10](/numbers/12-9-10 "Miriam Stricken with Leprosy")
* [2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "Gehazi Stricken with Leprosy")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalms/105-26-27 "God Sends Moses and Aaron with Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in our lives and capable of dramatic, undeniable interventions to confirm His call and empower us for His purposes. When we, like Moses, are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy or face daunting tasks that seem beyond our capabilities, this passage encourages us to look beyond our limitations and trust in God's infinite power. The signs God gave Moses were not for Moses' personal benefit alone, but to authenticate his message to a skeptical audience. Similarly, God often works in our lives in ways that not only build our faith but also serve as a testimony to others, validating His truth in a world that often doubts His existence or power. We are called to obey, even when we don't fully understand, trusting that God will provide the necessary confirmation and strength to fulfill His divine will. This passage also implicitly challenges us to consider what "signs" God might be providing in our own lives or in the world around us to draw us closer to Him and affirm His ongoing work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bosom" might God be asking you to put your hand into, revealing a hidden challenge or area of weakness that He desires to transform for His glory?**
* **How does God's patience with Moses' doubt encourage you in your own struggles with faith or insecurity?**
* **In what ways has God provided "signs" or confirmations in your life that have strengthened your belief in His presence and power?**
* **How can the dramatic nature of this miracle inform your understanding of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including health and well-being?**

### FAQ

**Why did God choose leprosy as a sign?**

Answer: God chose *tsara'ath* (often translated "leprosy") as a sign because it was a highly visible, debilitating, and feared condition in ancient Israel, symbolizing severe uncleanness and often associated with divine judgment or direct divine action. Its sudden appearance and immediate reversal (as seen in [Exodus 4:7](/exodus/4-7 "The Hand Restored")) powerfully demonstrated God's absolute power over health, disease, and ritual purity. This made it an undeniable and impactful sign for Moses and, crucially, for the Israelites who would witness it, leaving no doubt that the God of their fathers had indeed appeared to Moses and was actively working on their behalf.

**Does this passage suggest God causes sickness?**

Answer: In this specific instance, God directly inflicted the *tsara'ath* upon Moses' hand as a miraculous sign to demonstrate His power and authenticate Moses' mission. This was a unique, targeted act for a specific revelatory purpose, not a general statement about the cause of all illness. While God is ultimately sovereign over all things, including sickness, this event primarily highlights His ability to both bring and remove affliction at will, thereby asserting His supreme authority and control over creation for His redemptive purposes. It serves as a powerful display of His power rather than a theological statement on the origin of all human suffering.

**What does "as snow" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "as snow" is a vivid simile emphasizing the stark, brilliant white appearance of Moses' hand. This indicates the severe, unmistakable, and profound nature of the *tsara'ath*. In ancient cultures, pure white was often associated with extreme forms of leprosy. By using this comparison, the text vividly conveys the visual horror and undeniable severity of the affliction, making it clear that the condition was miraculously profound and left no room for doubt about the divine origin of the event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 4:6 demonstrates God's power through a temporary affliction and its immediate reversal, it powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority over sickness and sin, and His capacity to bring complete spiritual and physical cleansing. Just as God could instantly inflict and remove *tsara'ath* from Moses' hand, Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated His divine power by healing countless individuals afflicted with leprosy during His earthly ministry, as seen in the accounts of Him touching and cleansing a leper in [Matthew 8:2-3](/matthew/8-2-3 "Jesus Heals a Leper") and cleansing ten lepers in [Luke 17:12-19](/luke/17-12-19 "Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers"). These acts were not merely physical cures but profound signs of the arrival of God's kingdom and the Messiah's authority over all forms of impurity and disease. More profoundly, Christ's atoning work on the cross addresses the deeper, spiritual "leprosy" of sin that separates humanity from God, offering complete cleansing, forgiveness, and restoration to all who believe in Him. Through His sacrifice, Jesus makes the spiritually unclean clean, fulfilling the symbolic power of God's ability to bring judgment or impurity, and equally, to restore and make whole, as prophesied by Isaiah in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "By His Wounds We Are Healed") and realized in the New Covenant through the shedding of His blood for the remission of sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")).

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

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

Numbers 12:10

¶ And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam [became] leprous, [white] as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, [she was] leprous.