Exodus 4:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:27 mean?

Exodus 4:27 describes how God told Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses, and Aaron obeyed, finding Moses at the mountain of God and greeting him with a kiss. This moment marks the reunion of the two brothers as they prepare to carry out God’s instructions together.

In this verse, the LORD (God) speaks directly to Aaron, instructing him to leave where he is and seek out Moses, who has just received his own calling from God. The meeting takes place at the “mount of God,” often understood as Mount Sinai, and the kiss shows a warm, familial greeting. This sets the stage for Aaron and Moses to work together in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:27

• יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated as "Yahweh"): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the instruction comes directly from the God of Israel, not through a messenger.
• מִדְבָּר (midbar, “wilderness”): The word points to a remote, unsettled place, highlighting that Moses is not in a city or village but in a place set apart, which often has spiritual significance in the Bible.
• הַר (har, “mount”): Refers to a mountain, here called the “mount of God,” which is a significant location for encounters with God in Exodus.
• נָשַׁק (nashaq, “kissed”): This verb describes a customary greeting in the ancient world, showing affection and acceptance between Aaron and Moses.

Why Exodus 4:27 matters

• Exodus 4:27 shows that Aaron’s journey to meet Moses was not accidental or self-initiated; it was prompted by a direct command from God, underscoring God’s orchestration of events.
• The meeting at the “mount of God” connects this moment to other key events at Sinai, hinting at the mountain’s ongoing importance in Israel’s story.
• The greeting with a kiss highlights the restored relationship and unity between Moses and Aaron, which is essential for their joint mission to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites.