Exodus 6:29

KJV

That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I [am] the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559}, I am the LORD {H3068}: speak {H1696} thou unto Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} all that I say {H1696} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said, "I am ADONAI. Tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, everything I say to you."

Berean Standard Bible

He said to him, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I say to you.”

American Standard Version

that Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, I am Jehovah: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I speak unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:29 serves as a pivotal reaffirmation of God's sovereign authority and His unwavering commission to Moses. Following the initial setbacks and the Israelites' profound discouragement, this verse underscores God's steadfast identity as "the LORD" (YHWH), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. It forcefully reiterates Moses' divine mandate to faithfully deliver God's entire message to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, thereby emphasizing God's absolute control over all circumstances and His unyielding purpose to fulfill His promises, regardless of human resistance or perceived difficulties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a crucial section of the Exodus narrative, immediately following God's profound revelation to Moses in [Exodus 6:1-8](/exodus/6-1-8 "God's Reassurance and Covenant Promises to Moses"). Moses had previously confronted Pharaoh, which resulted in the intensification of Israelite forced labor, leading to widespread despair among the people and even Moses' own complaint to God in [Exodus 5:22-23](/exodus/5-22-23 "Moses' Complaint and God's Response"). In response to this crisis of faith and leadership, God graciously reiterates His covenant promises, reminding Moses of His name YHWH and His intention to deliver Israel. Verse 29, therefore, functions as a direct and forceful re-commissioning of Moses, emphasizing that despite the initial resistance and the people's lack of faith, God's plan remains immutable, and Moses' role as His messenger is indispensable. It sets the stage for the escalating confrontation with Pharaoh and the subsequent plagues.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting places this command within the oppressive grip of the Egyptian Empire. Pharaoh, as the king, was considered a divine figure, a living god, and the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His word was law, and his power was absolute, making any challenge to his authority an act of rebellion against the divine order. Egypt was a polytheistic society, with a vast pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of nature and life. In this context, God's repeated declaration "I am the LORD" (YHWH) is a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the supremacy of the Egyptian gods. It asserts the singular, transcendent authority of the God of Israel over all other deities and earthly rulers, preparing the way for the demonstrations of power in the plagues that will systematically dismantle the authority of Egypt's gods.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, asserting God's absolute control over history, human rulers, and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst immense opposition. It also highlights **God's Unchanging Character and Faithfulness** to His covenant, as He reiterates His identity and commitment despite Israel's despair and Moses' initial failures. The verse is central to the theme of **Divine Commission and Human Obedience**, emphasizing that God chooses and empowers His servants (like Moses) and expects their faithful proclamation of His word, regardless of the difficulty of the task or the status of the recipient (Pharaoh). Furthermore, it foreshadows the theme of **God's Glory Revealed Through Opposition**, as Pharaoh's continued resistance will ultimately serve to magnify God's power and name before both Israel and Egypt, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 7:3-5](/exodus/7-3-5 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root _hâyâh_ (to be), this is the self-Existent or Eternal One, the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah, often rendered "the LORD" in English translations. In Exodus 6:29, its reiteration emphasizes God's unchanging, self-sustaining nature and His active presence as the covenant-keeping God who is faithful to His promises. It asserts His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from and superior to all other gods and earthly rulers.
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root, meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively of words, "to speak." It encompasses a wide range of verbal actions, including to command, declare, pronounce, tell, and utter. In this context, it signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional divine communication. The use of this verb highlights that God's communication is not merely suggestive but declarative and purposeful, carrying the weight of His will and authority.
* **Pharaoh (Hebrew, _Parʻôh'_):** Of Egyptian derivation, this is a general title for Egyptian kings. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh represents the epitome of worldly power and resistance to God's will. The command to speak to Pharaoh specifically underscores the direct confrontation between God's absolute sovereignty and human defiance, setting the stage for God's demonstration of power over all earthly authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent message. It emphasizes that the words Moses is about to hear and deliver are not his own, nor are they a mere suggestion, but a direct, authoritative utterance from YHWH, the sovereign God. The phrase "spake unto Moses" highlights Moses' role as the chosen mediator and recipient of divine revelation.
* **"I [am] the LORD:"**: This is a powerful, self-declaratory statement from God, reiterating His personal, covenant name, YHWH. It is a profound assertion of His self-existence, eternal nature, and His active presence as the faithful, covenant-keeping God. In the context of Moses' and Israel's discouragement and Pharaoh's defiance, this declaration serves as a foundational reminder of God's unchanging character, His supreme authority over all creation, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It is a declaration of identity that undergirds all His subsequent actions.
* **"speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt"**: This is a direct, unequivocal command to Moses, re-commissioning him for the daunting task ahead. Despite Moses' previous reluctance and the recent setbacks, God reaffirms his role as His mouthpiece to the most powerful ruler of the known world. The specific mention of "Pharaoh king of Egypt" underscores the magnitude of the opposition and the direct confrontation that God is initiating between His divine authority and human power.
* **"all that I say unto thee."**: This concluding phrase emphasizes the divine origin and integrity of the message Moses is to deliver. Moses is not to filter, modify, or omit any part of God's word. His task is one of faithful transmission, highlighting the importance of delivering God's message exactly as given, regardless of the recipient or the expected outcome. This underscores God's steadfastness in His chosen instruments and His expectation of absolute obedience and fidelity to His revealed word.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 6:29 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic reiteration of "I am the LORD." This serves not only as a reminder but as a forceful assertion of God's unchanging identity and absolute sovereignty, especially after the initial failures. This is intertwined with a **Divine Speech Formula**, a common biblical convention ("the LORD spake unto Moses, saying"), which lends immediate authority and divine weight to the words that follow. The verse also utilizes **Commissioning Language**, as God directly commands Moses to "speak thou," reinforcing Moses' role as a divinely appointed messenger. Finally, there is a clear element of **Assertion of Divine Authority**, as God's declaration of His name and His command to confront Pharaoh directly challenges the perceived power and divinity of the Egyptian ruler, setting the stage for a dramatic display of God's supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:29 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs. The repeated declaration "I am the LORD" is not merely a statement of identity but a powerful assertion of God's self-existence, His eternal nature, and His active presence as the faithful, covenant-keeping God. It assures Moses and Israel that despite their current despair and Pharaoh's formidable power, God's purpose to deliver His people and bring judgment upon Egypt is unshakeable. This verse underscores the divine origin and inherent power of God's word, which Moses is commanded to deliver without alteration, highlighting the critical importance of faithful proclamation of God's truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant Promise to Abraham Regarding Israel's Deliverance")
* [Isaiah 43:10-11](/isaiah/43-10-11 "God's Declaration of His Unique Identity and Saving Power")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Raising up Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:29 offers a powerful anchor for believers navigating seasons of discouragement, opposition, or doubt. Just as Moses and the Israelites faced intensified hardship after their initial attempt at deliverance, we too may encounter increased resistance when seeking to obey God's call or advance His kingdom. This verse reminds us that God's identity as "the LORD" (YHWH) remains constant and His purposes are unshakeable, regardless of the immediate circumstances. Our calling to speak and live out God's truth is not negated by human weakness, fear, or initial failure. Instead, God reiterates His commission, empowering us with His authority and assuring us of His unwavering presence. When we feel overwhelmed by the "Pharaohs" in our lives—whether they be systemic injustices, personal struggles, or spiritual battles—we are called to remember God's absolute sovereignty and faithfully proclaim His word, trusting that He will accomplish His perfect will and reveal His glory. This passage encourages steadfast obedience, even when the path is difficult, knowing that the God who declares "I am the LORD" is faithful to complete what He has begun.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's self-declaration "I am the LORD" in this verse speak to your own fears or doubts when facing difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might God be re-commissioning you to "speak all that I say unto thee," even when it feels daunting?**
* **How does the unwavering nature of God's command to Moses encourage you to persevere in your own walk of faith, despite setbacks?**
* **What "Pharaohs" (obstacles, opposition, or systems) in your life or community is God calling you to confront with His truth?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need to tell Moses "I am the LORD" again?**

Answer: God's reiteration of "I am the LORD" (YHWH) in [Exodus 6:29](/exodus/6-29 "Exodus 6:29 - God Reaffirms His Command to Moses") serves not as a new revelation, but as a powerful reaffirmation and reminder to Moses, and through him, to the discouraged Israelites. After the initial confrontation with Pharaoh led to intensified labor and profound despair among the people, and even Moses himself was disheartened, as recorded in [Exodus 5:22-23](/exodus/5-22-23 "Exodus 5:22-23 - Moses' Complaint and God's Response"). God's declaration here is meant to bolster Moses' faith and confidence, reminding him of the absolute authority, faithfulness, and power of the God who called him, ensuring him that despite current difficulties, God's ultimate purpose will prevail. It's a foundational truth re-emphasized for a moment of crisis.

**What is the significance of the phrase "I [am] the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "I [am] the LORD" translates the Hebrew `YHWH`, God's personal covenant name. Its significance lies in its assertion of God's self-existence, echoing His earlier self-declaration "I AM THAT I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Declaration 'I Am That I Am'"). It signifies His eternal nature, His unchanging character, and His active presence as the covenant-keeping God. In [Exodus 6:29](/exodus/6-29 "Exodus 6:29 - God Reaffirms His Command to Moses"), it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His unique identity as the one true God, distinct from and infinitely superior to all the gods of Egypt and the perceived power of Pharaoh. It is a foundational statement of His authority to deliver on His promises and execute His will.

**Why was Moses commanded to "speak... all that I say unto thee" to Pharaoh?**

Answer: This command underscores the divine origin and inherent integrity of the message Moses was to deliver. Moses was not to dilute, modify, or omit any part of God's word, highlighting his indispensable role as a faithful and precise messenger. It emphasized the importance of absolute obedience and trust in God's wisdom, even when the message was confrontational or seemed to yield negative immediate results. This ensured that Pharaoh's defiance was unequivocally against God's direct word, not Moses' interpretation or human initiative, thereby setting the stage for God to display His power and glory through the ensuing plagues.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:29, with its emphasis on God's unwavering identity as "the LORD" (YHWH) and His steadfast commission to Moses, finds profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "I AM," echoing God's self-declaration, as seen in His own divine claims such as, "[before Abraham was, I am](/john/8-58 "John 8:58 - Jesus' Divine Claim 'I Am'")." He is the perfect embodiment of God's unwavering purpose and authority, perfectly fulfilling all that the Father commanded Him to speak and do, even unto death on the cross. Just as Moses was commissioned to confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel from physical bondage, Christ came to confront the spiritual "Pharaohs" of sin, death, and Satan, perfectly fulfilling the Father's will and delivering humanity from spiritual slavery. His victory over sin and death, achieved through His obedient sacrifice and resurrection, is the ultimate demonstration of God's unchanging power and faithfulness, ensuring the final triumph of God's kingdom and the ultimate liberation of His people, a theme beautifully captured in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness to Light") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil").

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 7:2

Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.

Exodus 6:11

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

Exodus 6:2

And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I [am] the LORD:

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 6:6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Jeremiah 1:17

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.