Exodus 6:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, Behold, I am of uncircumcised {H6189} lips {H8193}, and how shall Pharaoh {H6547} hearken {H8085} unto me?

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe answered ADONAI, "Look, I'm such a poor speaker that Pharaoh won't listen to me."

Berean Standard Bible

But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”

American Standard Version

And Moses said before Jehovah, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Moses' persistent self-doubt and perceived inadequacy are poignantly captured in Exodus 6:30. Despite God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant and command to confront Pharaoh, Moses reiterates his profound sense of rhetorical inability, declaring himself to be of "uncircumcised lips." This expression highlights his personal limitations and deep-seated reluctance to fulfill the monumental task of leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, setting a crucial stage for God to demonstrate His omnipotent power through an unlikely, hesitant vessel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a profound divine revelation in [Exodus 6:2-8](/exodus/6-2-8 "God's Reaffirmation of Covenant and Promise"), where the LORD powerfully reaffirms His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, declaring Himself as Yahweh (the LORD) and solemnly pledging to deliver the children of Israel from slavery with an outstretched arm and great judgments. This divine assurance is meant to overcome the Israelites' despair and Moses' own previous failures. Moses' renewed objection in [Exodus 6:30](/exodus/6-30 "Moses' Persistent Reluctance") serves as a stark contrast to God's unwavering resolve and highlights the human struggle to fully grasp and trust divine omnipotence even in the face of clear revelation. It also sets up the subsequent narrative where God will provide Aaron as Moses' spokesman, directly addressing this specific concern.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured and powerful empire, ruled by a divine king, Pharaoh. Diplomacy and communication with such a ruler would have required immense rhetorical skill, confidence, and authority. Moses, having spent forty years as a shepherd in Midian, was far removed from the sophisticated court life of Egypt where he was raised. His self-perception of "uncircumcised lips" likely reflects a genuine concern about his ability to command respect and effectively convey God's message to a formidable monarch, especially given the gravity of demanding the release of an entire slave population. The concept of "circumcision" in ancient Israelite culture extended beyond a physical rite to signify purity, readiness, and fitness for a task, making Moses' metaphorical application to his lips a culturally resonant expression of inadequacy.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 6:30](/exodus/6-30 "Exodus 6:30 - Moses' Reluctance") contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Human Inadequacy vs. Divine Sovereignty**. Moses' persistent objections, first voiced at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses' Initial Objection") and [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' Claim of Being Slow of Speech"), consistently highlight his perceived limitations, thereby magnifying God's power and faithfulness in accomplishing His will through an unlikely vessel. Secondly, it develops the theme of **God's Patience and Provision**, as the LORD repeatedly addresses Moses' doubts and ultimately provides Aaron as a solution in [Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "God Appoints Aaron as Moses' Spokesman"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Obedience Amidst Doubt**, portraying Moses' wrestling with faith and obedience, which is a recurring motif for God's servants throughout biblical history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From H4872, meaning "drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued." This name itself, given by Pharaoh's daughter, foreshadows his role as the rescuer of Israel. Here, Moses, the one rescued by God, expresses profound doubt about his ability to rescue others, highlighting the divine initiative behind the deliverance.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** From H6189, properly meaning "exposed, i.e. projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e. still having the prepuce uncurtailed)." When applied metaphorically, as here, it signifies a state of being unfit, impure, or hindered. In this context, it speaks to Moses' perceived inability to speak effectively or persuasively.
* **lips (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** From H8193, meaning "the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin." In this verse, "lips" directly refers to the organ of speech, but by implication, it signifies Moses' entire capacity for verbal communication and persuasion. His "uncircumcised lips" therefore denote a profound sense of rhetorical inadequacy.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." Moses' question "how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?" expresses his doubt that Pharaoh will not only hear his words but also give them serious consideration and, crucially, obey them. This word implies a deeper level of reception than mere auditory perception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said before the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting for Moses' complaint. He is not speaking to himself or to others, but directly to Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God who has just powerfully reaffirmed His promises. This indicates a continued, albeit reluctant, engagement with the divine will, even in the face of deep personal struggle.
* **"Behold, I [am] of uncircumcised lips,"**: This is the core of Moses' objection. The phrase "uncircumcised lips" (Hebrew: *’arel sephathayim*) is a vivid Hebrew idiom. While physical circumcision signified covenant purity and readiness, applying "uncircumcised" to other body parts indicated a state of being unfit, impure, or hindered. For example, an "uncircumcised heart" (e.g., [Leviticus 26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41 - Uncircumcised Heart")) signifies spiritual stubbornness, and "uncircumcised ears" (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:10](/jeremiah/6-10 "Jeremiah 6:10 - Uncircumcised Ears")) denotes an unwillingness to hear God's word. Therefore, Moses' "uncircumcised lips" means he felt his speech was hindered, ineffective, impure, or lacking the necessary eloquence and authority to articulate God's message convincingly. It was a deep sense of rhetorical inadequacy, perhaps even a speech impediment, that he believed rendered him unsuitable for the task.
* **"and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?"**: This rhetorical question expresses Moses' profound doubt and despair. Given his perceived inability to speak effectively, he questions the very practicality of God's command. He understands that Pharaoh (H6547, _Parʻôh'_), a powerful and proud ruler, would require not just words, but words delivered with authority and conviction. Moses' question reveals his focus on his own limitations rather than on the omnipotent power of the God who called him. It underscores the human tendency to measure divine tasks by human capabilities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "uncircumcised lips" (*’arel sephathayim*). This is not a literal description but a figurative expression, drawing on the cultural significance of circumcision to convey a state of being unfit, hindered, or impure in speech. It powerfully communicates Moses' deep-seated sense of rhetorical inadequacy, perhaps even a speech impediment, that he believes renders him incapable of effectively communicating with Pharaoh. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?") further emphasizes Moses' doubt and despair, highlighting his internal struggle and the perceived impossibility of the task from his human perspective. This question is not seeking an answer from the LORD, but rather expresses his conviction that the task is futile given his limitations. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** in Moses' persistent objections. Despite his profound self-doubt and perceived unfitness, God continues to choose and use him, ultimately demonstrating that divine power is perfected in human weakness, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 6:30](/exodus/6-30 "Exodus 6:30 - Moses' Self-Doubt") serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine calling and human response. Moses' repeated objections, culminating in this lament about his "uncircumcised lips," underscore the profound chasm between human inadequacy and God's omnipotent power and unwavering faithfulness. The narrative consistently highlights that God chooses to work through imperfect vessels, not because of their inherent abilities, but precisely so that His power and glory are magnified. This dynamic teaches us that God's plans are not contingent on human strength or eloquence, but on His sovereign will and His commitment to equip those He calls, often in ways that defy human expectation. Moses' wrestling also illustrates the journey of faith and obedience, where trust in God's character must ultimately overcome personal fears and perceived limitations.

* [Exodus 4:10-12](/exodus/4-10-12 "God's Promise to Be with Moses' Mouth")
* [Jeremiah 1:6-9](/jeremiah/1-6-9 "Jeremiah's Call and God's Promise")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' struggle with his "uncircumcised lips" in [Exodus 6:30](/exodus/6-30 "Exodus 6:30 - Moses' Self-Doubt") offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or perceived inability are not foreign to those God calls to significant tasks. In fact, God often chooses individuals with apparent weaknesses precisely so that His power, not human capability, is unmistakably demonstrated, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Weak and Foolish"). When we acknowledge our limitations and surrender them to God, we create the necessary space for His divine strength to work through us. This verse challenges us not to allow self-doubt to paralyze our obedience or to become an excuse for inaction. Instead, it encourages us to step forward in faith, trusting that God's command always comes with His enabling power and provision, and that His purposes will be accomplished regardless of our perceived shortcomings. Our willingness to be used, despite our fears, is often the very pathway through which God unfolds His most miraculous plans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "uncircumcised lips" or other perceived inadequacies do you believe hinder you from fully embracing God's calling in your life?**
* **How does Moses' persistent doubt, despite God's clear assurances, challenge or affirm your own struggles with faith and obedience?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to trust in God's enabling power rather than relying on your own perceived abilities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Moses calling his lips "uncircumcised"?**

Answer: The phrase "uncircumcised lips" (Hebrew: *’arel sephathayim*) is a powerful Hebrew idiom. While physical circumcision signified covenant purity and readiness, applying "uncircumcised" to other body parts indicated a state of being unfit, impure, or hindered. For example, an "uncircumcised heart" (e.g., [Leviticus 26:41](/leviticus/26-41 "Leviticus 26:41 - Uncircumcised Heart")) signifies spiritual stubbornness, and "uncircumcised ears" (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:10](/jeremiah/6-10 "Jeremiah 6:10 - Uncircumcised Ears")) denotes an unwillingness to hear God's word. Therefore, Moses' "uncircumcised lips" indicates a deep sense of rhetorical inadequacy. He felt his speech was ineffective, impure, or lacked the eloquence and authority needed to convincingly convey God's message to Pharaoh and the Israelites.

**Why does Moses continue to object to God's call, even after divine assurances?**

Answer: Moses' persistent objections, seen throughout the narrative from his initial encounter at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses' Initial Objection") and [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' Claim of Being Slow of Speech"), stem from a profound sense of personal inadequacy and self-doubt. His past experiences, including his recent failure to gain the Israelites' trust in [Exodus 6:9](/exodus/6-9 "Israelites' Distress and Unbelief"), likely reinforced these feelings. This repeated reluctance highlights the universal human struggle to trust in God's power and provision over one's own limitations, even in the face of clear divine command and promise. It also sets the stage for God to demonstrate His patience and faithfulness in equipping His chosen servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' profound sense of inadequacy, particularly concerning his "uncircumcised lips," and God's subsequent provision of Aaron as his spokesman in [Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "God Appoints Aaron as Moses' Spokesman"), beautifully foreshadow the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. While Moses struggled to speak God's word with authority and eloquence, Christ is the perfect Word made flesh, the divine Logos who perfectly articulates the Father's will and truth, as revealed in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Our own spiritual "uncircumcised lips"—our inherent inability to perfectly represent God or articulate His truth due to sin and human limitation—are fully overcome by Christ. He is not only our perfect High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Christ Our High Priest")), but also the one who empowers us through His Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")) to speak and live out God's truth. We are enabled to be His witnesses, not by our own eloquence or strength, but by His divine power working through us, fulfilling the promise that God equips those He calls, ultimately through the perfect mediator, Jesus Christ, who is the "circumcision of the heart" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")) for all who believe.

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 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?

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.

1 Corinthians 9:16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:17

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.