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.

EXODUS 4:10KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 4:10 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:10 mean?

Exodus 4:10 shows Moses telling the LORD that he does not feel capable of speaking well, saying he is not eloquent and is slow of speech and tongue. Moses is expressing his insecurity and reluctance to take on the task God is giving him, feeling unqualified to speak as a leader.

In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to the LORD (God), responding to God's call for him to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses points out his own weakness in speaking, emphasizing that he has never been good with words, even after God has spoken to him. This moment highlights Moses’ human hesitation and the real fear he feels about stepping into a public role.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:10

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) and "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): Moses addresses God first with the divine name Yahweh, then with the respectful title Adonai, showing both reverence and a personal plea.
  • "Eloquent" (דָּבָר, davar): This word usually means "word" or "thing," but here it refers to being skillful or fluent in speech. Moses is saying he does not have the right words or the ability to speak them well.
  • "Slow" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word means "heavy." Moses describes his speech and tongue as "heavy," a Hebrew way of saying he finds speaking difficult or burdensome, not just slow.
  • "Speech" (פֶּה, peh) and "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): Moses uses both terms to stress his struggle with speaking, possibly hinting at a speech impediment or simply a lack of confidence in public speaking.

Why Exodus 4:10 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that biblical leaders were always confident or naturally gifted; Moses himself felt deeply inadequate for the task God gave him.
  • The emphasis on Moses’ "slow speech" shows that God’s choices do not depend on human ability, setting up the theme that God equips those He calls.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the beginning of Moses’ dialogue with God about his calling, leading to God’s reassurance and provision for Moses’ weakness.

Where else these words appear

“O” Hebrew H994 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 43:20 And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food:
  • Numbers 12:11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
  • Judges 13:8 Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

“heretofore” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

“since” Hebrew H227 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • 1 Kings 9:11 ( Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

“heretofore” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 19:4 And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.