King James Version

What Does Exodus 4:8 Mean?

Exodus 4:8 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.”

Exodus 4:8 · KJV

Faith

Context

6

And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

7

And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

8

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

9

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land. shall become: Heb. shall be and shall be

10

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore , nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. eloquent: Heb. a man of words heretofore: Heb. since yesterday, nor since the third day

Read Exodus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign (וְהָיָה אִם־לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ לָךְ וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ לְקֹל הָאֹת הָרִאשׁוֹן וְהֶאֱמִינוּ לְקֹל הָאֹת הָאַחֲרוֹן)—God's patient provision: if they will not believe... the first sign... the latter sign. God knows human weakness and provides multiple confirmations. Voice of the sign (קֹל הָאֹת, qol ha'ot)—signs "speak," testifying to God's power. The progression from rod-to-serpent (power over forces of evil) to leprosy-healing (power over sin/disease) moves from external authority to personal transformation. God's patience with skepticism shows His understanding of human frailty—He provides sufficient evidence for faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's 400 years of bondage likely witnessed failed liberation attempts and false messiahs, creating understandable skepticism. God's provision of multiple signs shows wisdom—He doesn't expect blind faith but provides reasonable evidence. The graduated signs (if the first doesn't convince, try the second) demonstrate God's patient accommodation to human weakness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of multiple signs encourage you that He understands and accommodates honest doubt?
  2. What 'signs' has God given you progressively to build faith when initial doubts remained?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָה֙1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִם2 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א3 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ4 of 14

“And it shall come to pass if they will not believe”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לָ֔ךְ5 of 14
H0
וְלֹ֣א6 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁמְע֔וּ7 of 14

“thee neither hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְקֹ֖ל8 of 14

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

הָאֹ֥ת9 of 14

“sign”

H226

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

הָֽרִאשׁ֑וֹן10 of 14

“of the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְהֶֽאֱמִ֔ינוּ11 of 14

“And it shall come to pass if they will not believe”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לְקֹ֖ל12 of 14

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

הָאֹ֥ת13 of 14

“sign”

H226

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

הָאַֽחֲרֽוֹן׃14 of 14

“of the latter”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:39Isaiah 28:10Exodus 4:30-31Job 5:182 Kings 5:7John 12:37

Test Your Knowledge

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

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