Exodus 6:12

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Behold, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} have not hearkened {H8085} unto me; how then shall Pharaoh {H6547} hear {H8085} me {H589}, who am of uncircumcised {H6189} lips {H8193}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to ADONAI, "Look, the people of Isra'el haven't listened to me; so how will Pharaoh listen to me, poor speaker that I am?"

Berean Standard Bible

But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:12 encapsulates Moses's profound struggle with self-doubt and perceived inadequacy, voiced directly to the LORD. Following the Israelites' failure to heed his divine message due to their severe oppression, Moses questions his ability to persuade the formidable Pharaoh. His poignant lament, "who [am] of uncircumcised lips?", reveals a deep-seated conviction that his speech impediment or lack of eloquence renders him unfit for the monumental task of leading God's people out of bondage and confronting the most powerful ruler of his time. This verse highlights the tension between human limitation and divine commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant name, Yahweh, and His unwavering promise to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery, a declaration detailed in [Exodus 6:1-8](/exodus/6-1-8 "God's Renewed Covenant Promise to Moses"). Despite this majestic and comprehensive divine assurance, Moses had just attempted to convey God's message to the Israelites, only to be met with unresponsive hearts, as they "hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage" ([Exodus 6:9](/exodus/6-9 "Israel's Unresponsiveness to Moses")). This immediate and disheartening failure to gain his own people's attention, coupled with the immense power wielded by Pharaoh, triggers Moses's renewed expression of doubt and perceived speech impediment, echoing his initial reluctance and concerns voiced at the burning bush in [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses's Initial Objections and Speech Concerns"). The verse thus marks a critical moment of human frailty in the face of overwhelming divine mandate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant world power, with its Pharaoh considered a divine ruler, an embodiment of the gods. To confront such a figure, especially on behalf of a slave population, was an act of immense audacity, seemingly impossible from a human perspective. The concept of "uncircumcised lips" draws from Israelite covenantal understanding, where physical circumcision was a sign of purity, readiness, and belonging to God's covenant people. Metaphorically, "uncircumcised" could signify something blocked, impure, or unprepared. In a culture that valued eloquence and authoritative speech, a perceived speech impediment would be a significant barrier for a leader, particularly one tasked with speaking truth to power. Moses's lament reflects not just a personal insecurity but also a cultural understanding of what made a speaker effective.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Calling and Human Inadequacy**, illustrating how God often chooses and empowers seemingly unqualified individuals to accomplish His purposes, thereby magnifying His own power rather than human ability. It also highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over human resistance and political power, as God's plan for deliverance remains steadfast despite both the Israelites' initial unresponsiveness and Pharaoh's impending obstinacy. Furthermore, Moses's persistent struggle with doubt, even after profound divine encounters, emphasizes the theme of **God's Patience and Perseverance with His Servants**, revealing a God who repeatedly reassures and equips His chosen instruments, rather than abandoning them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but primarily used figuratively to "speak." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions, including to command, declare, tell, teach, and utter. In this context, it signifies Moses's act of communicating, whether to the LORD or to the people, highlighting the very function he feels inadequate to perform.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, or understanding. When used causatively, it means to tell. Here, it describes the Israelites' failure to listen and obey Moses's message, directly contrasting with the desired outcome of Pharaoh's hearing. Moses's concern is that if his own people, who should be receptive, did not "hearken," how could Pharaoh, who is hostile, possibly "hear" him?
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From a root meaning "exposed" or "projecting loose." Technically, it refers to one who is physically uncircumcised. However, it is used metaphorically in the Old Testament to describe something blocked, impure, or unprepared. When applied to lips, as here, it powerfully conveys the idea of a speech impediment, a lack of fluency or clarity, or an inability to speak effectively and persuasively for God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses spake before the LORD, saying,"**: This clause sets the scene, emphasizing that Moses is directly addressing God. It is not a private thought but an open complaint or plea, highlighting the intimate and often challenging dialogue between God and His chosen servant. Moses, despite his previous encounters with God, continues to bring his human limitations and frustrations before the divine.
* **"Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me;"**: Moses presents his immediate and disheartening evidence. The very people he is called to deliver, those who should be most receptive to a message of hope, have failed to listen or respond to him. This failure, born of their "anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage" (Exodus 6:9), becomes Moses's primary justification for his doubt. He perceives his initial mission to his own people as a failure, undermining his confidence.
* **"how then shall Pharaoh hear me,"**: This is a rhetorical question that expresses Moses's profound skepticism and despair. If his own suffering people, who have every reason to listen, ignored him, how much less likely is it that the powerful and oppressive Pharaoh, who has no vested interest in hearing a demand for freedom, will pay him any mind? It highlights the seemingly insurmountable human obstacle.
* **"who [am] of uncircumcised lips?"**: This is the core of Moses's self-diagnosis and perceived inadequacy. The phrase is a powerful metaphor for a speech impediment or a lack of eloquence and persuasive ability. Moses believes his speech is "blocked" or "unready" for the profound task of speaking on God's behalf to such a formidable ruler. It signifies a deep personal conviction of his unfitness for the divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "uncircumcised lips." This metaphor extends the physical concept of circumcision, a sign of covenant and readiness, to the realm of speech. Just as an uncircumcised heart or ear implies spiritual unresponsiveness or impurity, "uncircumcised lips" metaphorically signifies a speech impediment, a lack of fluency, or an inability to communicate effectively and persuasively. This vivid imagery conveys Moses's deep-seated feeling of inadequacy. Additionally, Moses's question, "how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who [am] of uncircumcised lips?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**. It is not asked to elicit an answer from God, but rather to express Moses's profound despair, doubt, and the perceived impossibility of his task from a human perspective. This rhetorical device underscores the magnitude of the challenge and Moses's personal struggle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses's lament in Exodus 6:12 stands as a poignant testament to the tension between divine commission and human limitation. It powerfully illustrates that God often calls individuals who feel profoundly unqualified, not despite their weaknesses, but often so that His power may be made perfect in them. This narrative underscores the biblical truth that God's plans are not contingent upon human eloquence or strength, but upon His own sovereign will and ability to work through imperfect vessels. Moses's persistent doubt, even after direct encounters with the Almighty, highlights the journey of faith, where trust in God's enablement must overcome personal insecurities and daunting external circumstances.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace is Sufficient")
* [Jeremiah 9:26](/jeremiah/9-26 "Uncircumcised Hearts and Ears")
* [Exodus 4:10-17](/exodus/4-10-17 "God Equips Moses Despite His Objections")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses's lament in Exodus 6:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that our perceived weaknesses, limitations, or even past failures do not disqualify us from God's service. On the contrary, they can become the very platforms upon which God's strength and glory are most clearly displayed. This verse calls us to trust implicitly in God's ability to equip and empower us, even when our own efforts seem to fall short or when those we seek to influence do not immediately respond. It encourages perseverance in the face of daunting tasks, knowing that our sufficiency comes from God, not from ourselves. Just as God persisted with Moses despite his "uncircumcised lips," He continues to work through our imperfections, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness. Our role is not to be perfectly eloquent or capable, but to be obedient and available, allowing God to accomplish His purposes through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "uncircumcised lips" or perceived inadequacies do you bring before the Lord in your own life or ministry?**
* **How does Moses's struggle encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or unresponsiveness from others?**
* **In what ways can your weaknesses become opportunities for God's strength to be more clearly revealed through you?**

### FAQ
**What does "uncircumcised lips" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Exodus 6:12](/exodus/6-12 "Meaning of Uncircumcised Lips"), "uncircumcised lips" is a potent metaphorical expression. It signifies Moses's deep-seated conviction that he possesses a speech impediment, a lack of eloquence, or an inability to speak clearly, persuasively, and effectively. Just as physical circumcision marked a person as pure and ready for covenant relationship, "uncircumcised" in a metaphorical sense implies something is blocked, impure, or unprepared. Moses felt his speech was inadequate, "blocked," or "unready" for the profound and daunting task of communicating God's message to the powerful Pharaoh and the disheartened Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses's "uncircumcised lips" and his reliance on God's enablement perfectly foreshadow the ultimate and authoritative voice of Jesus Christ. While Moses struggled with human inadequacy and a perceived speech impediment, Christ, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - Christ as the Eternal Word"), spoke with unparalleled authority and clarity, perfectly articulating the will and nature of God. He did not speak as the scribes, but [as one having authority](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaching with Authority"). Furthermore, Moses's experience of God working through his weakness points to the New Covenant reality where believers, though inherently imperfect and limited, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel. Our natural "uncircumcised lips"—our human limitations in eloquence or ability—become instruments of divine truth, as the Spirit enables us to speak God's message with power, as seen in the outpouring at Pentecost where disciples [spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Speaking in Tongues by the Spirit"). Christ's finished work ensures that our effectiveness in ministry is not based on our own human capabilities but on the indwelling power of the Spirit working through us.

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

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Exodus 6:30

And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I [am] of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

Jeremiah 6:10

To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Leviticus 26:41

And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Exodus 6:9

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.