King James Version
What Does Exodus 4:3 Mean?
“And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.”
Context
1
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.
2
And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4
And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
5
That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **A serpent.**—The word here used (*nakhash*) is a generic one for a snake of any kind, and tells us nothing as to the species. A different word (*tannin*) is used in Exodus 7:10, while *nakhash *recurs in Exodus 7:15. *Tannin *is, like *nakhash, *a generic term.
**And Moses fled from before it**—It was natural for Moses to remember his alarm, and record it. Any-later writer would have passed over so *small *a circumstance. (See the Introduction, p. 3.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:3 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 4:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge