King James Version

What Does Exodus 4:23 Mean?

Exodus 4:23 in the King James Version says “And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son,...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.”

Exodus 4:23 · KJV

Context

21

And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

22

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

23

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

24

And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.

25

Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. sharp: or, knife cast: Heb. made it touch

Read Exodus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn (וָאֹמַר אֵלֶיךָ שַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנִי וְיַעַבְדֵנִי וַתְּמָאֵן לְשַׁלְּחוֹ הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי הֹרֵג אֶת־בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ)—God's demand and threat: Let my son go, that he may serve me (שַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנִי וְיַעַבְדֵנִי)—Israel's purpose is worship/service (עָבַד, avad). They exchange slavery to Pharaoh for service to YHWH. The threat: I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn (הֹרֵג אֶת־בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ)—lex talionis (eye for eye): you enslaved My firstborn, I'll kill yours. This previews the tenth plague (12:29-30) when all Egypt's firstborn die. The threat establishes moral framework—Pharaoh's refusal costs his nation's children. God gives ample warning; judgment comes only after repeated rejection. The Exodus becomes cosmic battle between YHWH and Pharaoh over whose "son" will serve whom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tenth plague's horrific devastation—death of all Egyptian firstborn—is foreshadowed here in Moses' initial message. God's justice is precise: Pharaoh kills Hebrew baby boys (1:22), so God takes Egyptian firstborn sons. Pharaoh enslaves God's firstborn son Israel, so God kills Pharaoh's firstborn son. The literary structure emphasizes divine justice executing appropriate judgment on those who harm God's chosen people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the exchange—'Let My son go to serve Me'—illustrate that freedom from one master means service to another (Romans 6:15-23)?
  2. What does God's warning to Pharaoh about the firstborn teach about His patience in giving opportunity for repentance before executing judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָֽאֹמַ֣ר1 of 14

“And I say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֗יךָ2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ3 of 14

“go”

H7971

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

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

בִּנְךָ֖5 of 14

“thy son”

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

וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי6 of 14

“that he may serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן7 of 14

“me and if thou refuse”

H3985

to refuse

לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ8 of 14

“go”

H7971

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

הִנֵּה֙9 of 14
H2009

lo!

אָֽנֹכִ֣י10 of 14
H595

i

הֹרֵ֔ג11 of 14

“behold I will slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אֶת12 of 14
H853

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

בִּנְךָ֖13 of 14

“thy son”

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

בְּכֹרֶֽךָ׃14 of 14

“even thy firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

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 4:23 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 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 11:5Exodus 12:29Psalms 105:36Psalms 135:8Psalms 78:51Exodus 5:1

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 4 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes