Exodus 4:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:15 mean?

Exodus 4:15 describes God instructing Moses to speak to his brother Aaron and give him the words to say, assuring Moses that God will guide both of them in what to speak and do. God promises to be present with both Moses’ and Aaron’s mouths, teaching them what actions to take.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who feels inadequate about speaking to Pharaoh because of his own limitations. God responds by telling Moses that Aaron will help by speaking for him, but God will be the one guiding both of their words and actions. This shows God’s personal involvement in equipping Moses and Aaron for their mission to free the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:15

• speak (דָּבַר, dabar): This word is often used for formal or significant speech, highlighting the importance of Moses’ role in communicating God’s message.
• put (שִׂים, sim): This verb means “to place” or “to set,” emphasizing that Moses is to actively give Aaron the words, not just suggest them.
• words (דָּבָר, davar): This term can mean “words” or “matters,” suggesting that what Moses gives Aaron is not just speech, but the substance of God’s message.
• mouth (פֶּה, peh): Repeated three times, this word draws attention to the act of speaking and the idea that God is directly involved in what comes out of their mouths.
• teach (יָרָה, yarah): This verb means “to instruct” or “to show,” indicating that God is not only giving information but also guiding their actions step by step.
• do (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means “to do” or “to make,” showing that God’s guidance covers both speech and action.

Why Exodus 4:15 matters

• Exodus 4:15 clarifies that Moses’ role is not diminished by his speaking difficulties; instead, God provides help through Aaron while still working through Moses.
• The verse emphasizes that God’s guidance is active and ongoing, not just a one-time instruction, which reassures readers that God equips those he calls.
• This verse connects to the larger story of Moses’ calling by showing how God addresses human weakness with practical solutions, highlighting God’s patience and provision.