And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

EXODUS 4:14KJV
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Exodus 4:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:14 mean?

Exodus 4:14 describes how the LORD became angry with Moses because Moses kept hesitating and making excuses about leading the Israelites, but God responded by providing Aaron, Moses’ brother, to help him speak. God reassures Moses that Aaron is already on his way and will be happy to see him.

In this verse, God (the LORD) is speaking directly to Moses, who has just expressed doubt about his ability to speak well enough to confront Pharaoh. The LORD’s “anger” shows that Moses’ reluctance has gone too far, but instead of punishing Moses, God offers a practical solution by appointing Aaron, a Levite and Moses’ brother, as his spokesman. The verse highlights both God’s frustration and His willingness to work with Moses’ weaknesses.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:14

  • “anger” (אַף, ’aph, H639): This word often refers to nostrils or face, but in Hebrew it is a common way to describe anger, especially strong or burning anger. Here, it shows God’s emotional response to Moses’ repeated objections.
  • “kindled” (חָרָה, charah, H2734): This verb means to burn or become hot, often used for anger that flares up. The phrase “the anger of the LORD was kindled” paints a vivid picture of God’s patience reaching a limit.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it is the covenant God of Israel who is speaking and acting in this moment.
  • “glad” (שָׂמַח, samach, H8055): This word means to rejoice or be happy. God knows Aaron’s reaction will be genuine joy, not jealousy or resentment, showing the positive relationship between the brothers.

Why Exodus 4:14 matters

  • Exodus 4:14 clears up the idea that God’s anger always leads to punishment; here, God’s anger leads to a solution that helps Moses.
  • The verse emphasizes that God knows both Moses’ and Aaron’s abilities and feelings, showing God’s personal involvement and understanding.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by introducing Aaron as a key partner for Moses, setting up their teamwork throughout the Exodus story.

Where else these words appear

“kindled” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

“meet” Hebrew H7125 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
  • 1 Kings 2:8 And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.

“glad” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.