Exodus 4:7

KJV

And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his [other] flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Put {H7725} thine hand {H3027} into thy bosom {H2436} again {H7725}. And he put {H7725} his hand {H3027} into his bosom {H2436} again {H7725}; and plucked {H3318} it out of his bosom {H2436}, and, behold, it was turned again {H7725} as his other flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then God said, "Now put your hand back in your coat." He put his hand back in his coat; and when he took it out, it was as healthy as the rest of his body.

Berean Standard Bible

“Put your hand back inside your cloak,” said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin.

American Standard Version

And he said, Put thy hand into thy bosom again. (And he put his hand into his bosom again; and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:7 narrates the miraculous restoration of Moses' hand, which had been momentarily afflicted with leprosy by divine command. This pivotal event serves as the second of three signs God provides to Moses, decisively confirming His absolute power over creation, health, and disease, and unequivocally validating Moses' divine commission to both the Israelites and Pharaoh. The instantaneous healing underscores God's ability to both inflict and reverse conditions, offering undeniable proof of His presence, authority, and the veracity of His message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 4:7 is nestled within the profound narrative of Moses' call at the burning bush, a foundational moment in the book of Exodus. Following Moses' initial reluctance and his expression of doubt regarding the Israelites' willingness to believe his divine mandate ([Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' initial doubt and God's response")), the Lord graciously provides a series of three powerful signs to authenticate Moses' authority. The first sign involved Moses' staff transforming into a serpent and then back into a staff ([Exodus 4:2-5](/exodus/4-2-5 "The sign of the staff and serpent")). The second sign, which culminates in this verse, begins in [Exodus 4:6](/exodus/4-6 "Moses' hand becoming leprous"), where Moses is commanded to place his hand into his bosom, and upon withdrawal, it emerges "leprous as snow." Verse 7 then details the immediate and complete reversal of this condition, demonstrating God's absolute control over physical ailments. This sequence of signs is designed to build Moses' confidence and provide irrefutable evidence for the elders of Israel and, ultimately, for Pharaoh, that the God of their fathers has indeed appeared to Moses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, signs and wonders were crucial for validating the claims of prophets or divine messengers. Leprosy, in particular, held profound cultural and religious significance within Israelite society. It was not merely a physical ailment but was often associated with impurity, sin, and divine judgment, rendering the afflicted ritually unclean and socially ostracized (as detailed in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Laws concerning leprosy")). The instantaneous infliction and reversal of such a potent symbol of impurity would have been an incredibly powerful and shocking demonstration of divine authority. Furthermore, the act of placing the hand "into the bosom" was a common gesture for carrying or concealing something, making the sudden transformation even more dramatic and unexpected when the hand was "plucked out." This context highlights the profound impact such a sign would have had on Moses, and subsequently, on the Israelites and Egyptians, who understood the gravity and implications of such a visible affliction and its miraculous cure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authentication and Authority**, as God provides tangible proof of His presence and Moses' commission, addressing Moses' doubts and preparing him for the skepticism of others. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty over Creation and Disease**, demonstrating His ability to both inflict and heal, to bring judgment and restoration, thereby asserting His absolute control over all aspects of existence. This theme is foundational to understanding God's power in the Exodus narrative. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **God Equipping the Called**, as the signs are not just for others, but also for Moses himself, bolstering his faith and confidence for the daunting task of confronting Pharaoh and leading a nation. The immediate and complete nature of the healing also subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Restoration**, a concept that will find its ultimate fulfillment in God's redemptive plan for Israel and all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse describes a direct, divinely orchestrated sequence of actions and their immediate, miraculous outcome. God's command initiates the second phase of the sign, followed by Moses' swift obedience, culminating in the instantaneous restoration of his hand.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320. This word refers to the physical substance of the body, often emphasizing its freshness or vitality. In this context, it highlights the complete and perfect restoration of Moses' hand to its normal, healthy state, indistinguishable from his "other flesh." The use of "flesh" here emphasizes the physical reality of the miracle, not a mere illusion.
* **bosom (Hebrew, _chêyq'_):** From H2436. This term denotes the fold of a garment against the chest, a common place for concealment or carrying small items. The act of placing the hand into the bosom and drawing it out, first leprous and then whole, emphasizes the hidden nature of the transformation and the sudden, visible revelation of God's power, leaving no room for natural explanation.
* **turned again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725. This primitive root means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." In this verse, it signifies a complete reversal of the previous condition. The hand did not gradually heal; it was instantly "turned again" to its original, healthy state, highlighting the immediate and supernatural nature of God's intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again."**: This is a direct, imperative command from God, signaling the next stage of the miraculous demonstration. The word "again" indicates a repetition of the action from [Exodus 4:6](/exodus/4-6 "Moses putting his hand into his bosom"), setting up a clear before-and-after comparison.
* **"And he put his hand into his bosom again;"**: Moses' immediate and unquestioning obedience is highlighted. This swift compliance is crucial for the manifestation of God's power and underscores Moses' growing trust, despite his earlier doubts.
* **"and plucked it out of his bosom,"**: This phrase emphasizes the decisive and swift action of Moses withdrawing his hand. The act of "plucking out" suggests a quick, intentional movement, setting the stage for the revelation.
* **"and, behold, it was turned again as his [other] flesh."**: The climactic moment. The interjection "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _wəhinnēh_) draws attention to the astonishing sight. "Turned again" signifies a complete, instantaneous, and perfect reversal. The hand was restored to its normal, healthy condition, indistinguishable from his other, healthy hand, leaving no doubt about the miraculous nature of the event.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Repetition** by having Moses perform the same action—placing his hand into his bosom—twice. This repetition serves to highlight the dramatic **Contrast** between the initial outcome (leprosy) and the subsequent outcome (complete healing), emphasizing the divine control over the transformation. The use of "behold" (וְהִנֵּה) acts as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and astonishing nature of the miracle, underscoring its immediate and undeniable impact. Furthermore, the entire sequence functions as **Symbolism**, where leprosy represents impurity, judgment, or even the power of death, and its instantaneous healing symbolizes God's power to cleanse, restore, and give life, foreshadowing His ultimate redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:7 is a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. It unequivocally demonstrates that God is not merely a distant deity but one who possesses immediate and complete control over the physical world, including the human body and its conditions. This power is not arbitrary but is deployed for specific redemptive purposes: to authenticate His chosen messenger, to confirm His word, and to build the faith of His people. The miracle serves as a tangible sign that the God who promised deliverance is fully capable of overcoming any obstacle, whether it be disease, doubt, or the might of Pharaoh. It reveals a God who both afflicts and heals, whose power is ultimate and whose word is truth, providing irrefutable evidence for His divine commission.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death")
* [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "God Forgives and Heals")
* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Healing Through the Suffering Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is fully capable of reversing seemingly impossible situations. In a world often plagued by sickness, brokenness, and despair, this verse stands as a powerful testament to God's limitless power and His desire for restoration. When faced with overwhelming challenges, whether personal struggles, relational brokenness, or spiritual ailments, we are called to remember that God's power is not diminished, and He can bring about complete healing and renewal. While we may not experience such dramatic physical signs in our daily lives, God continues to confirm His word and presence through the transformative power of His Holy Spirit, the efficacy of prayer, and the life-changing message of the Gospel. This passage equips us to trust in God's ability to heal and restore not only our physical bodies but also our broken lives, relationships, and spirits, offering profound hope for renewal in all aspects of life. It calls us to obedience, just as Moses obeyed, trusting that as we step out in faith, God will reveal His power and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' initial doubt and subsequent obedience in this passage challenge or encourage your own faith when faced with difficult commands from God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to witness God's "restoration" or "healing" today, and how does this miracle strengthen your hope?**
* **How does the instantaneous nature of this miracle inform your understanding of God's power versus gradual processes of change or healing?**
* **Beyond physical healing, what "leprosy" (impurity, brokenness, sin) in your life or in the world do you believe God desires to "turn again" or restore?**

### FAQ
**Why did God inflict leprosy on Moses' hand only to heal it immediately?**

Answer: God inflicted leprosy on Moses' hand and then immediately healed it to provide an undeniable, visual, and deeply personal sign of His absolute power over life, death, disease, and health. This dual demonstration proved that God could both inflict judgment (symbolized by leprosy, a sign of impurity and separation under the Mosaic Law, as seen in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Laws for the leprous")) and bring about complete restoration. It was intended to convince Moses, and through him, the Israelites, that the God who sent him possessed the ultimate authority and power necessary to deliver them from Egypt and to overcome any obstacle, including the might of Pharaoh. It served as a powerful authentication of Moses' divine commission.

**Does this miracle imply that God is the cause of all sickness?**

Answer: This miracle demonstrates God's *sovereignty* over all physical conditions, including sickness and health. It shows He has the power to inflict and to heal, and that He can use sickness for His specific divine purposes (as He did here to provide a sign). However, it does not imply that God is the direct or sole cause of all sickness in every instance. Sickness often results from the fallen nature of the world, human sin, or natural causes. Nevertheless, God remains ultimately in control and can intervene as He wills, whether to permit, inflict, or heal, always working according to His perfect will and redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The instantaneous healing of Moses' hand in [Exodus 4:7](/exodus/4-7 "Moses' hand healed") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate healing and restoration found in Jesus Christ. Just as God demonstrated His power over physical disease through Moses, Christ, as God incarnate, displayed supreme authority over all sickness, sin, and death during His earthly ministry. His numerous miracles of healing, casting out demons, and even raising the dead (such as [Lazarus in John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "The raising of Lazarus")) were not merely acts of compassion but powerful signs confirming His divine identity and validating His message of the Kingdom of God. The restoration of Moses' leprous hand points directly to Christ's ability to cleanse the spiritually leprous—those burdened by sin and separated from God—and restore them to perfect fellowship with God. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ offers not just physical healing but eternal spiritual renewal and reconciliation, fulfilling the deepest need for restoration that this ancient miracle only hinted at (as seen in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "By His stripes we are healed") and [1 Peter 2:24](/1-peter/2-24 "By His wounds you were healed")). He is the ultimate Healer, bringing life and wholeness where there was disease and death.

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 5:14

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Matthew 8:3

And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Numbers 12:13

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

Numbers 12:15

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in [again].