What number verse is Exodus 6:10 in the Bible?

Exodus 6:10 is the 1,666th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 6:10 sits at position 1,666.

Translation

King James Version

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD ^H3068 spake ^H1696 unto Moses ^H4872, saying ^H559,

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Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe,

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Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD said to Moses,

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American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

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World English Bible Messianic

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Then the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,

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Young's Literal Translation

And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

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In the KJVVerse 1,666 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 6:10 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for Israel despite human discouragement and weariness. Following a period of intense suffering and Moses's own questioning, this verse marks a renewed divine initiative, highlighting the Lord's persistence in communicating His will and preparing His chosen messenger for the next crucial instructions in the unfolding narrative of deliverance.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse immediately follows a profound period of discouragement for both Moses and the Israelites. Moses had previously confronted Pharaoh, which led not to freedom but to an increase in the Israelites' burdens and suffering, as detailed in Exodus 5:6-9. This difficult outcome caused Moses to question God's plan and faithfulness, expressing his complaint to the Lord in Exodus 5:22-23. In response, God powerfully reaffirmed His covenant promises to Moses in Exodus 6:2-8, identifying Himself by His personal covenant name, YHWH. However, the Israelites were so disheartened and weary that they "hearkened not unto Moses" in Exodus 6:9. In light of this widespread despair and Moses's own weariness, Exodus 6:10 highlights God's unwavering commitment to His plan by speaking again to His chosen leader, preparing him for the next divine command.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical setting is ancient Egypt, where the Israelites were enslaved under a harsh pharaoh. Their forced labor, described in Exodus 1:11-14, was designed to break their spirit and control their population. In this context, divine communication was paramount, as the people had no earthly power or recourse. The role of a prophet like Moses was crucial as the intermediary between God and His people, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern cultures where deities communicated through chosen individuals. The cultural expectation was that a god's word carried absolute authority and power, and its utterance signaled a significant event or command. God's act of speaking directly to Moses, despite the prevailing despair, underscored His active involvement and supreme authority over human rulers and circumstances.
Key Themes: Exodus 6:10 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of Divine Initiative and Sovereignty, demonstrating that God's plan of deliverance is not dependent on human strength or optimism, but on His own will and power. It highlights the Faithfulness of God to His Covenant Promises, as His renewed communication follows His reaffirmation of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Exodus 6:2-8. The verse also underscores the theme of Prophetic Mediation, establishing Moses's indispensable role as God's chosen messenger, through whom divine revelation is conveyed to Israel and Pharaoh. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of Divine Judgment and Deliverance, as God's subsequent commands will initiate the plagues and the ultimate exodus from Egypt, fulfilling His word spoken here.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), the personal, covenant name of God, often vocalized as Yahweh. Derived from a root meaning "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its repeated use in Exodus 6:2-8 emphasizes God's unchanging nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When "the LORD" speaks, it is the sovereign, eternal, covenant-keeping God initiating communication.
spake (Hebrew, dâbar', H1696): The Hebrew verb dâbar (H1696) implies a deliberate, purposeful, and authoritative communication. It is not merely a casual utterance but a weighty pronouncement that carries divine intent and power. This word suggests that God is not just talking, but actively arranging, commanding, and declaring His will, demonstrating His active involvement and control over the unfolding events.
saying (Hebrew, ʼâmar', H559): The Hebrew verb ʼâmar (H559), here a participle, functions as an introductory particle indicating that direct speech or a command is about to follow. While dâbar emphasizes the authoritative nature of the speaking, ʼâmar highlights the content that is to be uttered. It signals that the divine communication is not yet complete, but is immediately followed by specific instructions or declarations, setting the stage for the subsequent verses.

Verse Breakdown

"And the LORD spake": This opening phrase emphasizes the divine initiative. Despite the profound discouragement of Moses and the Israelites, God is the one who acts, breaking the silence and reasserting His presence and purpose. It underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) reinforces that this is the self-existent, faithful God who is speaking.
"unto Moses": This highlights Moses's unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator and prophet. Despite his recent complaints and feelings of inadequacy, God continues to single him out as the direct recipient of divine revelation. This reaffirms Moses's authority and responsibility as the conduit through whom God's will is conveyed to both Israel and Pharaoh, a role that demands careful listening and obedience.
"saying": This concluding word serves as a direct transition, indicating that the communication is not merely an observation but an introduction to further, specific divine instructions or declarations. It creates immediate anticipation for what God is about to command, signaling the imminent next phase of His redemptive plan for Israel.

Literary Devices

Exodus 6:10, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the Divine Speech Formula, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," which is a recurring pattern throughout the Pentateuch, signaling a direct divine revelation or command. This formula emphasizes God's active involvement in human affairs and the absolute authority of His word. It also functions as Foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the weighty pronouncements that will immediately follow, setting the narrative in motion. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates Repetition of God's initiative in speaking, echoing previous instances where God called and instructed Moses (e.g., Exodus 3:4, Exodus 4:1). This repetition underscores God's persistence and faithfulness, even when His human instruments are hesitant or discouraged.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 6:10 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's active involvement and unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human doubt, despair, or opposition. His word, once spoken, is effective and will accomplish what He intends. This verse highlights the consistent nature of God's communication with His chosen servants, emphasizing that He is a God who speaks, reveals His will, and initiates action to fulfill His covenant promises, regardless of the immediate circumstances or the faithlessness of His people. It is a powerful testament to divine sovereignty and faithfulness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 6:10, though concise, offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is ever-present and continually communicates His will, even when circumstances seem bleak or we feel like giving up. Just as He spoke to Moses amidst deep discouragement, God continues to speak to us through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of readiness to hear from God, especially when faced with challenges or doubts, trusting that His plans are not thwarted by human weakness or external opposition. His divine initiative ensures His purposes will prevail, and He often uses His followers as channels for His truth and love in the world, much like Moses was prepared to deliver the next commands to speak to Pharaoh. We are invited to trust in His persistent voice and sovereign power, knowing that His word is always faithful and effective.

Questions for Reflection

How does God's persistent communication with Moses, despite the Israelites' discouragement, encourage you in your own moments of doubt or despair?
In what ways do you believe God is speaking to you today, and how can you cultivate a greater readiness to hear and obey His voice?
How does the unchanging character of "the LORD" (YHWH) in this verse provide a foundation for trusting His promises in your life?

FAQ

Why does God keep speaking to Moses and Israel when they are so discouraged?

Answer: God's continued communication in Exodus 6:10 despite the deep discouragement of Moses and the Israelites demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness, patience, and commitment to His covenant promises. He is not deterred by human weakness or lack of faith, nor by the immediate failure of His initial confrontation with Pharaoh. His purpose to deliver Israel is sovereign, and He persists in revealing His will and strengthening His chosen instruments, ensuring His plan will be accomplished regardless of immediate human response. This persistence highlights His immutable character and His determination to fulfill His word.

What is the significance of the phrase "the LORD spake" in this context?

Answer: The phrase "the LORD spake" emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. "The LORD" translates the Hebrew Yᵉhôvâh (YHWH), God's personal covenant name, which was just reaffirmed in Exodus 6:2-3. This signifies that the communication comes from the self-existent, eternal, and faithful God who is bound by His promises. The verb "spake" (dâbar) denotes a deliberate, powerful, and effective utterance, highlighting that God's word is not empty but carries the power to bring about His will, setting the stage for the next phase of the Exodus narrative, including the commands to go to Pharaoh.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 6:10, where "the LORD spake unto Moses," foreshadows the ultimate divine communication and revelation found in Jesus Christ. While God spoke through prophets in various ways in the Old Testament, as Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, in the "last days," He has spoken to us by His Son. Christ is the living Word of God, the perfect embodiment of God's will and character, through whom the Father fully reveals Himself and accomplishes His redemptive purposes. Just as God's persistent word to Moses initiated Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, Christ, as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), initiates and fulfills the New Covenant, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death through His life, death, and resurrection (Romans 6:23). He is the ultimate and final revelation of God's unwavering commitment to His people, embodying the divine initiative and faithfulness that characterized God's interaction with Moses.

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Commentary on Exodus 6 verses 10–13

10 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

11 Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.

12 And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

13 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Here, I. God sends Moses the second time to Pharaoh (Exo 6:11) upon the same errand as before, to command him, at his peril, that he let the children of Israel go. Note, God repeats his precepts before he begins his punishments. Those that have often been called in vain to leave their sins must yet be called again and again, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear, Eze 3:11. God is said to hew sinners by his prophets (Hos 6:5), which denotes the repetition of the strokes. How often would I have gathered you?

II. Moses makes objections, as one discouraged, and willing to give up the cause, Exo 6:12. He pleads, 1. The unlikelihood of Pharaoh's hearing: "Behold the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; they give no heed, no credit, to what I have said; how then can I expect that Pharaoh should hear me? If the anguish of their spirit makes them deaf to that which would compose and comfort them, much more will the anger of his spirit, his pride and insolence, make him deaf to that which will but exasperate and provoke him." If God's professing people hear not his messengers, how can it be thought that his professed enemy should? Note, The frowardness and untractableness of those that are called Christians greatly discourage ministers, and make them ready to despair of success in dealing with those that are atheistical and profane. We would be instrumental to unite Israelites, to refine and purify them, to comfort and pacify them; but, if they hearken not to us, how shall we prevail with those in whom we cannot pretend to such an interest? But with God all things are possible. 2. He pleads the unreadiness and infirmity of his own speaking: I am of uncircumcised lips; it is repeated, Exo 6:30. He was conscious to himself that he had not the gift of utterance, had no command of language; his talent did not lie that way. To this objection God had given a sufficient answer before, and therefore he ought not to have insisted upon it, for the sufficiency of grace can supply the defects of nature at any time. Note, Though our infirmities ought to humble us, yet they ought not to discourage us from doing our best in any service we have to do for God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

III. God again joins Aaron in commission with Moses, and puts an end to the dispute by interposing his own authority, and giving them both a solemn charge, upon their allegiance to their great Lord, to execute it with all possible expedition and fidelity. When Moses repeats his baffled arguments, he shall be argued with no longer, but God gives him a charge, and Aaron with him, both to the children of Israel and to Pharaoh, Exo 6:13. Note, God's authority is sufficient to answer all objections, and binds us to obedience, without murmuring or disputing, Phi 2:14. Moses himself has need to be charged, and so has Timothy, Ti1 6:13; Ti2 4:1.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–13. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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