King James Version

What Does Exodus 4:26 Mean?

Exodus 4:26 in the King James Version says “So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.”

Exodus 4:26 · KJV

Context

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

26

So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

27

And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.

28

And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision (וַיִּרֶף מִמֶּנּוּ אָז אָמְרָה חֲתַן דָּמִים לַמּוּלֹת)—So he let him go (וַיִּרֶף מִמֶּנּוּ, "and He released him")—God withdraws the threat once circumcision occurs. Immediate obedience averts judgment. Zipporah repeats bloody husband, clarifying because of the circumcision (לַמּוּלֹת, lamulot). The crisis passes, but the family dynamic is strained. This incident establishes a crucial principle: covenant markers matter, especially for covenant leaders. Moses learned that God's grace doesn't nullify obedience requirements. Covenant relationship demands covenant faithfulness. This painful encounter prepared Moses for leading Israel into covenant at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The incident's placement between Moses' commission and arrival in Egypt emphasizes that personal consecration precedes public ministry. Moses would later enforce circumcision for all males before Passover (12:48) and for the generation entering Canaan (Joshua 5:2-9). His own near-death experience over this issue gave him authority and urgency to maintain covenant distinctiveness among Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this near-death experience teach that God takes covenant signs and obedience seriously, especially among leaders?
  2. What areas of your life require immediate obedience to avoid discipline or disqualification from ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּ֖רֶף1 of 7

“So he let him go”

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ2 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אָ֚ז3 of 7
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

אָֽמְרָ֔ה4 of 7

“then she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֲתַ֥ן5 of 7

“husband”

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

דָּמִ֖ים6 of 7

“A bloody”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

לַמּוּלֹֽת׃7 of 7

“thou art because of the circumcision”

H4139

circumcision

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 4:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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