King James Version

What Does Exodus 6:12 Mean?

Exodus 6:12 in the King James Version says “And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Phara... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

Exodus 6:12 · KJV


Context

10

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

11

Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.

12

And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

13

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

14

These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 12 continues the covenantal reaffirmation. God's sevenfold promise ('I will bring out, deliver, redeem, take, be your God, bring in, give') comprehensively describes salvation from multiple angles, foreshadowing the gospel's complete deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern covenant formulas used repetitive structures to emphasize commitment. The detailed promises in verses 4-12 establish the legal and relational foundation for the Exodus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of God's comprehensive salvation most speaks to your need?
  2. How does this covenant structure foreshadow Christ's redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 17

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 17

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לִפְנֵ֥י3 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵ֤ן6 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

בְּנֵֽי7 of 17

Behold the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙8 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֹֽא9 of 17
H3808

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

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי10 of 17

have not hearkened

H8085

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

אֵלַ֔י11 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֵיךְ֙12 of 17
H349

how? or how!; also where

יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי13 of 17

have not hearkened

H8085

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

פַרְעֹ֔ה14 of 17

unto me how then shall Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וַֽאֲנִ֖י15 of 17

me

H589

i

עֲרַ֥ל16 of 17

who am of uncircumcised

H6189

properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)

שְׂפָתָֽיִם׃17 of 17

lips

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)


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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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