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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 4:4 "Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail," the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/02_Exo_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:4 - Moses' Staff" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail, the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: <a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), <a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out with your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he reached out with his hand and caught it, and it turned into a staff in his hand— <a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the LORD said to Moses, &#8220Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail &#8220— so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— <a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— <a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and took hold of it, and it became a staff in his hand— <a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and grasp it by the tail.” So he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— <a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD told Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail.” So he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but the LORD told him, &#8220Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail.&#8221 So he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand. &#8220 <a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Moses, Put forth thy hand, and take it by the tail: (and he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand); <a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Pick it up by the tail!" the LORD told him. And when Moses did this, the snake turned back into a walking stick. <a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail: (and he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand:) <a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out and grab the snake by its tail." He reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a staff as he held it. <a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach down and pick it up by the tail." So Moses reached down and caught it, and it became a walking stick again. <a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then God told Moses, "Reach out and grab its tail." So he reached out, grabbed it, and it became a staff in his hand. <a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,? the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. <a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a> But the LORD said to Moses, "Put out your hand and grab it by the tail"--so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand-- <a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Moses, "Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail." He put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand. <a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Moses, Put forth thy hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: <a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand, and take it by the tail.” He stretched out his hand, and took hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Moses, “Put forth your hand, and lay hold on the tail of it”; and he puts forth his hand, and lays hold on it, and it becomes a rod in his hand— <a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Put forth thy hand, and lay hold on the tail of it;' and he putteth forth his hand, and layeth hold on it, and it becometh a rod in his hand -- <a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Moses, Stretch forth thy hand, and seize by its tail. And he will stretch forth his hand, and will hold fast upon it, and it will be for a rod in his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said: Put out thy hand and take it by the tail. He put forth his hand, and took hold of it, and it was turned into a rod. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord said, “Reach out your hand, and take hold of its tail.” He reached out his hand and took hold, and it was turned into a staff. <a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Moses: Now stretch out your hand and take hold of its tail. So he stretched out his hand and took hold of it, and it became a staff in his hand. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand, and seize it by the tail”—so he reached out his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff in his hand—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said to Moses, Put forth your hand and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand; <a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe, “Reach your hand and hold it by its tail”, and he reached his hand and held firmly on it and it was a staff in his hand:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Put forth thy hand, and take it by the tail--and he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand-- <a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Moses, Stretch forth thine hand, and take hold of its tail: so he stretched forth his hand and took hold of the tail, <a href="/parallel/exodus/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=670" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Moses' Staff</a> …3“Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4<a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šə·laḥ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">“Stretch out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">your hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: we·’ĕ·ḥōz (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">and grab it</a> <a href="/hebrew/2180.htm" title="2180: biz·nā·ḇōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Tail, end, stump. From zanab; the tail.">by the tail,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">who reached out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ya·ḥă·zeq (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">and caught</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">the snake,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and it turned back</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: lə·maṭ·ṭeh (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">into a staff</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: bə·ḵap·pōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">in his hand.</a> 5“This is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8-9</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” / So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a> Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, / that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. <a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a> they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” <a href="/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3-6</a> Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. / When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” / But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ... <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ... <a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a> He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a> Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. <a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a> You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent. <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Isaiah 11:8</a> The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-7.htm">2 Corinthians 5:7</a> For we walk by faith, not by sight. <a href="/hebrews/11-23.htm">Hebrews 11:23-29</a> By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. / By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. ... <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">1 Corinthians 10:9</a> We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Deuteronomy 8:15</a> He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Moses, Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:put forth.<a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1,2</a> And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am… <a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a> Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.<a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a> They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.and he put.<a href="/john/2-5.htm">John 2:5</a> His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/acts/27-15.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/exodus/4-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/genesis/19-22.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/exodus/3-9.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/exodus/4-2.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/exodus/4-2.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/revelation/12-4.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/10-19.htm">Caught</a> <a href="/exodus/4-14.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-5.htm">Grasp</a> <a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/exodus/5-9.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/exodus/26-28.htm">Reach</a> <a href="/numbers/13-23.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/exodus/7-10.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Staff</a> <a href="/exodus/7-5.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/exodus/29-22.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/exodus/4-7.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div>1. <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a> 24. <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,” In this command, God instructs Moses to take an action that defies natural instinct. Grabbing a snake by the tail is dangerous, as it leaves the head free to strike. This act requires faith and trust in God's protection and power. It symbolizes Moses' need to rely on God rather than his own understanding. This moment is a test of obedience, reflecting the broader theme of faith throughout Scripture, such as Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).the LORD said to Moses, The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This divine name signifies God's eternal presence and faithfulness. Moses, as the chosen leader, is receiving direct communication from God, highlighting his prophetic role. This encounter is part of Moses' preparation for leading the Israelites out of Egypt, paralleling other divine callings, such as those of Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1).who reached out his hand and caught the snake, Moses' obedience in reaching out and catching the snake demonstrates his growing faith and trust in God. This act is a precursor to the miracles he will perform in Egypt, serving as a sign of God's power working through him. The transformation of the staff into a snake and back again is a demonstration of God's control over creation, similar to Jesus calming the storm (<a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39</a>).and it turned back into a staff in his hand. The transformation of the snake back into a staff signifies the restoration of order and authority. The staff, a symbol of leadership and guidance, is restored to Moses, affirming his role as God's chosen instrument. This miracle foreshadows the signs and wonders Moses will perform in Egypt, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty. It also prefigures the ultimate authority of Christ, who exercises dominion over all creation (<a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> A Hebrew prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point, Moses is at the burning bush, receiving his commission from God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant name of God, who is revealing Himself to Moses and demonstrating His power and authority through signs. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_staff.htm">The Staff</a> A shepherd's tool that Moses carries, which God uses to perform a miraculous sign by turning it into a serpent and back into a staff. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_serpent.htm">The Serpent</a> A symbol of danger and fear, representing the miraculous power of God to transform and control creation. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mount_horeb.htm">Mount Horeb (Sinai)</a> The location where Moses encounters God in the burning bush and receives his divine commission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_command.htm">Obedience to God's Command</a> Moses' willingness to obey God's command to grab the serpent by the tail demonstrates trust in God's protection and authority. We are called to obey God's instructions, even when they seem daunting or dangerous. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Creation</a> The transformation of the staff into a serpent and back again illustrates God's control over the natural world. Believers can trust in God's power to intervene in their lives and circumstances. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Moses' action of reaching out to grab the serpent is an act of faith. Our faith is often demonstrated through our actions, especially when we step out of our comfort zones in obedience to God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_preparation_for_leadership.htm">God's Preparation for Leadership</a> This event is part of God's preparation of Moses for leadership. God equips those He calls, often through experiences that build trust and reliance on Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a> <a href="/q/how_did_moses'_hand_heal_instantly.htm">(Exodus 4:6-7) What medical or supernatural explanation could account for Moses' hand becoming leprous and instantly healing?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_moses'_staff_become_a_snake.htm">(Exodus 4:2-5) How could Moses' staff physically transform into a snake and then revert back without any natural or scientific basis?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_seek_to_kill_moses.htm">(Exodus 4:24-26) What is the significance and historical context of the bizarre episode where God seeks to kill Moses, and Zipporah circumcises their son?</a> <a href="/q/what_proof_did_moses_give_to_israelites.htm">Exodus 6:7-9: If the Israelites still doubt Moses, what empirical proof did he provide to convince them then or later?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Take it by the tail.--Those who venture to handle poisonous snakes, like the modern Egyptians and the inhabitants of the coast of Barbary, generally take hold of them by the neck, in which case they are unable to bite. To test the faith and courage of Moses, the command is given him to lay hold of this serpent "by the tail."He put forth his hand.--Faith triumphed over instinct. Moses had "fled from" the snake when first he saw it (<a href="/exodus/4-3.htm" title="And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.">Exodus 4:3</a>). Now he is daring enough to stoop down, put his hand on the creature's tail, and so lift it up.It became a rod.--Its real nature returned to it. Once more it was, not a stiffened serpent, but an actual staff, or walking-stick.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - By the tail. A snake-charmer will usually take up his serpents by the neck, so that they may not be able to bite him. Moses was bidden to show his trust in God by taking up his serpent by the tail. His courage, as well as his faith, is shown in his ready obedience. It became a rod. A veritable rod once more, not a mere stiffened snake like the "rods" of the magicians (<a href="/exodus/7-12.htm">Exodus 7:12</a>) <a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Stretch out שְׁלַח֙ (šə·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out your hand יָֽדְךָ֔ (yā·ḏə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand and grab it וֶאֱחֹ֖ז (we·’ĕ·ḥōz) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> To grasp, take hold, take possession by the tail,” בִּזְנָב֑וֹ (biz·nā·ḇōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2180.htm">Strong's 2180: </a> Tail, end, stump the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Moses. מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver So he reached out וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out his hand יָדוֹ֙ (yā·ḏōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand and caught וַיַּ֣חֲזֶק (way·ya·ḥă·zeq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer [the snake], בּ֔וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and it turned back וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be into a staff לְמַטֶּ֖ה (lə·maṭ·ṭeh) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe in his hand. בְּכַפּֽוֹ׃ (bə·ḵap·pōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/4-4.htm">Exodus 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:4 Yahweh said to Moses Put forth your (Exo. 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