King James Version

What Does Exodus 4:28 Mean?

Exodus 4:28 in the King James Version says “And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 4:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:

30

And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him (וַיַּגֵּד מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן אֵת כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר שְׁלָחוֹ וְאֵת כָּל־הָאֹתֹת אֲשֶׁר צִוָּהוּ)—Moses briefs Aaron on the burning bush encounter, God's commission, and the authenticating signs. All the words... all the signs (כָּל־דִּבְרֵי... כָּל־הָאֹתֹת)—complete disclosure ensures Aaron fully understands the mission and God's revelation. Moses shares authority by sharing information. This transparency creates genuine partnership rather than hierarchy. Aaron must know God's plan to function as Moses' spokesman. The detail which he had commanded him (אֲשֶׁר צִוָּהוּ) emphasizes divine origin—Moses isn't self-appointed but commissioned. Aaron receives this secondhand revelation, accepting Moses' authority to mediate God's word.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Moses-Aaron partnership required clear communication and trust. Aaron's acceptance of Moses' account without demanding his own burning bush experience shows faith and humility. Throughout Exodus, Aaron faithfully communicates Moses' messages, though he struggles with leadership when Moses is absent (Exodus 32). This initial thorough briefing established the working relationship that would endure through Israel's formation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' transparent sharing with Aaron model healthy leadership that empowers partners through full information rather than hoarding knowledge?
  2. What does Aaron's acceptance of secondhand revelation through Moses teach about submission to God's appointed authority structures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיַּגֵּ֤ד1 of 14

told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 14

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן3 of 14

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֵ֛ת4 of 14
H853

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

כָּל5 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דִּבְרֵ֥י6 of 14

all the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שְׁלָח֑וֹ9 of 14

who had sent

H7971

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

וְאֵ֥ת10 of 14
H853

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

כָּל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֹתֹ֖ת12 of 14

him and all the signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּֽהוּ׃14 of 14

which he had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin


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 4:28 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 4:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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