Exodus 4:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:26 mean?

Exodus 4:26 describes how God stopped threatening Moses’ life after Zipporah circumcised their son, and Zipporah then spoke to Moses, calling him a “bloody husband” because of the circumcision. The verse highlights the seriousness of the covenant sign of circumcision and Zipporah’s emotional reaction to what just happened.

In this scene, God had confronted Moses on the journey to Egypt because Moses had not circumcised his son. Zipporah, Moses’ wife, quickly performed the circumcision herself, and as a result, God “let him go.” Zipporah’s words reflect her distress and perhaps her frustration with the painful and bloody ritual that was suddenly required.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:26

• go (רָפָה, raphah): This word means “to let go” or “to release.” Here, it shows that God stopped afflicting Moses after the circumcision was performed.
• bloody (דָּם, dam): This word means “blood,” and in this context, it emphasizes the physical and emotional impact of the circumcision.
• husband (חָתָן, chatan): This word can mean “bridegroom” or “relative by marriage.” Zipporah uses it in a way that connects Moses’ role as her husband to the act of circumcision.
• circumcision (מוּלָה, mulah): This is the specific term for the act of circumcision, which was a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants.

Why Exodus 4:26 matters

• Exodus 4:26 clears up why God’s anger was directed at Moses: it was connected to the neglected covenant sign of circumcision for his son.
• The verse highlights Zipporah’s key role in averting disaster, showing that she understood the seriousness of the situation even if she was upset by it.
• This moment connects Moses’ family to the covenant promises given to Abraham, setting the stage for Moses to lead Israel as someone who honors God’s commands.