King James Version

What Does Exodus 3:10 Mean?

Exodus 3:10 in the King James Version says “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Exodus 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

9

Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

10

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

11

And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (וְעַתָּה לְכָה וְאֶשְׁלָחֲךָ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְהוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם)—God's commission: I will send thee (אֶשְׁלָחֲךָ, eshlachakha). Come... and I will send—Moses must draw near before being sent. Unto Pharaoh—direct confrontation with world's greatest power. Bring forth my people (הוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי)—bring forth (יָצָא, yatsa, "exodus/go out") gives the book its name. My people emphasizes covenant relationship. This is Moses' life-defining call—leading the greatest deliverance in OT history, typifying Christ's greater redemption (Luke 9:31, Jesus' "exodus" at Jerusalem). Moses will resist (vv. 11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13), but God's call stands firm.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' commission comes after 80 years of preparation: 40 in Pharaoh's court learning Egyptian politics/culture, 40 in Midian's wilderness learning humility and survival. God's call is specific (unto Pharaoh), purposeful (bring forth), and personal (my people). This pattern of long preparation followed by specific commissioning appears throughout Scripture (Joseph, David, John the Baptist, Paul).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' 80-year preparation encourage you during seasons of waiting before clear calling emerges?
  2. What does God's direct commission ('I will send you') teach about the authority and responsibility of those called to difficult ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה1 of 11
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לְכָ֔ה2 of 11
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאֶֽשְׁלָחֲךָ֖3 of 11

now therefore and I will send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל4 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פַּרְעֹ֑ה5 of 11

thee unto Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְהוֹצֵ֛א6 of 11

that thou mayest bring forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶת7 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמִּ֥י8 of 11

my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְנֵֽי9 of 11

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל10 of 11

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃11 of 11

out of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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