Exodus 6:12

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?

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}?

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?"

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?”

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

Exodus 6:12 captures a moment of profound doubt and humility from Moses, as he struggles with the daunting task God has given him. After delivering God's message to the Israelites, who were too overwhelmed by their bondage to listen, and facing the formidable power of Pharaoh, Moses expresses his deep inadequacy to the Lord.

Context

This verse follows a renewed divine commission to Moses (Exodus 6:1-8), where God reiterates His covenant name, Yahweh, and His unwavering promise to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery. Moses had just attempted to share this message with the Israelites, but they "hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage" (Exodus 6:9). This failure to gain his own people's attention, coupled with the immense power of Pharaoh, leads Moses to question his ability to succeed, echoing his initial reluctance and perceived speech impediment at the burning bush (Exodus 4:10).

Key Themes

  • Human Inadequacy vs. Divine Power: Moses feels utterly unqualified for the mission, highlighting the common human experience of feeling overwhelmed by God's call. His perceived weakness, however, sets the stage for God's power to be fully displayed.
  • Doubt and Perseverance: Despite God's clear instructions and promises, Moses's faith wavers in the face of practical opposition. This human struggle is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, demonstrating that God often works through imperfect instruments.
  • The Nature of Leadership: Moses's honesty about his limitations underscores that effective spiritual leadership doesn't rely on personal eloquence or charisma, but on obedience and trust in God's enablement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "uncircumcised lips" (Hebrew: aral sěpāṯayim) is a vivid metaphorical expression. In ancient Israel, circumcision was a sign of the covenant and completeness. To be "uncircumcised" metaphorically implied something was blocked, defective, or impure. Applied to lips, it suggests a speech impediment, lack of fluency, or an inability to speak effectively and persuasively. It means his speech was "blocked" or "unready" for the profound task, much like an "uncircumcised heart" might be unresponsive to God (Jeremiah 9:26). Moses genuinely believed his speech was inadequate for communicating with both his people and the mighty Pharaoh.

Practical Application

Moses's lament in Exodus 6:12 offers powerful encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God often calls and uses individuals who feel profoundly inadequate for the tasks He sets before them. Our perceived weaknesses or limitations do not disqualify us from God's service; rather, they can become opportunities for God's strength to be made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to equip and enable us, even when our own efforts seem to fall short or when those we seek to influence do not immediately respond.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:10 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 1:6 (6 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 6:10 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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