That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
EXODUS 6:29KJVWhat does Exodus 6:29 mean?
Exodus 6:29 records that the LORD spoke directly to Moses, telling him to deliver every word God commanded to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The verse emphasizes that Moses is to pass on God’s exact message, not his own words, to Pharaoh.
In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking to Moses during a time when the Israelites are enslaved in Egypt. God is preparing Moses for his role as a messenger to Pharaoh, making it clear that Moses must faithfully communicate all that God says. This instruction comes as part of a larger conversation where God reassures Moses of His authority and purpose in freeing the Israelites.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:29
- LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, used here to stress God’s authority and identity as the one sending Moses.
- spake (דָּבַר, dabar): This Hebrew word means "to speak" or "to declare." It highlights that the message comes directly from God, not from Moses himself.
- speak (דָּבַר, dabar): The same root is used when God tells Moses to "speak" to Pharaoh, underlining that Moses is to act as God’s spokesperson, not as an independent negotiator.
- Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה, Par‘oh): Naming Pharaoh specifically shows that God’s message is directed at the highest authority in Egypt, not just anyone in power.
Why Exodus 6:29 matters
- This verse clarifies that Moses’ authority comes only from God’s command, not from his own position or ideas, which is important for understanding Moses’ role throughout the Exodus story.
- The emphasis on speaking "all that I say unto thee" shows that God wants His message delivered fully and accurately, not selectively or partially.
- By repeating God’s name and command, the verse connects to the larger theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in the book of Exodus, especially as He prepares to confront Pharaoh’s power.