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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 4:16 He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:16 - The Appointment of Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/4-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/4-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/4-15.htm" title="Exodus 4:15">◄</a> Exodus 4:16 <a href="/exodus/4-17.htm" title="Exodus 4:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, <i>even</i> he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and it shall come about that he shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will become as a mouth for you, and you will become as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; he will act as a mouthpiece for you, and you will be as God to him [telling him what I say to you].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you. He will serve as a mouth for you, and you will serve as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and you will serve as God to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Aaron will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and you will be like God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He is to speak to the people for you as your spokesman and you are to act in the role of God for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He will speak for you to the people, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were his God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he shall speak for thee to the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He will be your spokesman to the people. It will happen that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he, he has spoken to the people for you, and it has come to pass, he is to you for a mouth, and you are to him for God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he, he hath spoken for thee unto the people, and it hath come to pass, he -- he is to thee for a mouth, and thou -- thou art to him for God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he the word for thee to the people: and being, he shall be to thee for a mouth, and thou shalt be to him for God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He shall speak in thy stead to the people, and shall be thy mouth: but thou shalt be to him in those things that pertain to God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He will speak for you to the people, and he will be your mouth. But you will be with him in those things that pertain to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He will speak to the people for you: he will be your spokesman, and you will be as God to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He indeed shall speak for you to the people; he shall serve as a mouth for you, and you shall serve as God for him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he shall be your spokesman to the people; and he shall be an interpreter for you, and you shall be to him instead of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He shall speak for you with the people and he shall be an interpreter for you and you shall be for his God to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him in God's stead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he shall speak for thee to the people, and he shall be thy mouth, and thou shalt be for him in things pertaining to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=800" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">The Appointment of Aaron</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·ber- (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">will speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄eh (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">spokesman,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and it will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">as if you were</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-1.htm">Exodus 7:1-2</a></span><br />The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. / You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6-8</a></span><br />He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. / But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. / I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-19</a></span><br />I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a></span><br />Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-16.htm">Isaiah 51:16</a></span><br />I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">1 Samuel 9:9</a></span><br />(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-24.htm">1 Kings 17:24</a></span><br />Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">2 Kings 17:13</a></span><br />Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/3-4.htm">Ezekiel 3:4-7</a></span><br />Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. / For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— / not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a></span><br />Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-70.htm">Luke 1:70</a></span><br />as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17</a></span><br />For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a></span><br />I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-22.htm">Acts 3:22-23</a></span><br />For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you. / Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he shall be your spokesman to the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to you instead of a mouth, and you shall be to him instead of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/7-1.htm">Exodus 7:1,2</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Exodus 18:19</a></b></br> Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/82-6.htm">Psalm 82:6</a></b></br> I have said, Ye <i>are</i> gods; and all of you <i>are</i> children of the most High.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/44-33.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/exodus/3-15.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/exodus/4-15.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Spokesman</a> <a href="/genesis/36-39.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/genesis/45-19.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/4-20.htm">God's</a> <a href="/exodus/5-12.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/exodus/9-35.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/exodus/5-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-19.htm">Spokesman</a> <a href="/exodus/7-1.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/exodus/16-10.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/exodus/7-2.htm">Thou</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>He will speak to the people for you.</b><br>This phrase refers to Aaron, Moses' brother, who is appointed by God to be Moses' spokesperson. In the context of Exodus, Moses expresses his insecurity about his speaking abilities, and God provides Aaron as a solution. This arrangement highlights the importance of teamwork and delegation in leadership. Aaron's role as a spokesperson is significant in the cultural context of ancient Egypt, where eloquence and the ability to communicate effectively were highly valued. This also prefigures the role of prophets in Israel, who would speak on behalf of God to the people.<p><b>He will be your spokesman,</b><br>Aaron's role as a spokesman is crucial in the unfolding narrative of the Exodus. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a spokesman or mediator was often necessary to communicate between parties of different statuses. This arrangement underscores the hierarchical structure of communication, where Aaron acts as an intermediary between Moses and the people, and ultimately between God and the people. This foreshadows the role of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>.<p><b>and it will be as if you were God to him.</b><br>This phrase indicates the authority Moses holds in this relationship. Moses is given a God-like status in his relationship with Aaron, symbolizing the divine authority bestowed upon him. This reflects the theocratic leadership model where God communicates His will through chosen leaders. The phrase also points to the concept of divine representation, where Moses acts as God's representative on earth. This prefigures the role of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate representation of God to humanity, as stated in <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> and <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, God reassures him of his role and provides support through Aaron.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother, appointed by God to be Moses' spokesman. Aaron's role is crucial in communicating God's message to the people and Pharaoh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and source of power, who commissions Moses and Aaron for the task of liberating the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, enslaved in Egypt, whom Moses and Aaron are tasked to lead to freedom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land of bondage for the Israelites, representing oppression and the need for divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_appointment_and_authority.htm">Divine Appointment and Authority</a></b><br>God equips those He calls. Moses' perceived inadequacies are met with divine provision through Aaron, showing that God’s call comes with His empowerment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_spokesman.htm">The Role of a Spokesman</a></b><br>Aaron’s role as a spokesman underscores the importance of clear communication in leadership. In our lives, we should seek to be effective communicators of God’s truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/partnership_in_ministry.htm">Partnership in Ministry</a></b><br>The partnership between Moses and Aaron highlights the value of teamwork in fulfilling God’s purposes. We are reminded to support and collaborate with others in ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God’s Plan</a></b><br>Despite Moses’ initial hesitations, God’s plan prevails. Trusting in God’s plan, even when we feel inadequate, is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/representation_of_god's_authority.htm">Representation of God’s Authority</a></b><br>Moses being "as God" to Aaron signifies the weight of representing God’s authority. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s character and authority in our interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_nature_of_manna.htm">What is the nature of manna?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_testing_god_considered_wrong.htm">Is testing God considered wrong?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_synonymous_with_love.htm">Is God synonymous with love?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_miracle_money.htm">What does the Bible say about miracle money?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">He shall be thy spokesman.</span>--Heb.,<span class= "ital">He shall speak for thee.</span><p><span class= "bld">He shall</span> <span class= "bld">be, even</span> <span class= "bld">he shall be.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">it shall come to pass that he shall be,</span> &c.<p><span class= "bld">Instead of God.</span>--God did not speak to Aaron directly, but only through Moses. Aaron was to recognise in Moses God's mouthpiece, and to consider what Moses told him as coming from God. Moses had still, therefore, the higher position.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He shall be thy spokesman</span>. Literally, "He shall speak for thee." He shall be, even he. It is the verb that is repeated, not the pronoun. Probably the meaning is, "he shall <span class="accented">surely</span> be." There is no comparison between Aaron and anyone else. <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt be to him instead of God</span>. Divine inspiration, that is, shall rest on thee; and it shall be his duty to accept thy words as Divine words, and to do all that thou biddest him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֥וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will speak</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדִבֶּר־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏib·ber-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people for you.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He</span><br /><span class="heb">הוּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָ֤יָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your spokesman,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and it will be</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּֽהְיֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(tih·yeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as if you were</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(lê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/4-16.htm">Exodus 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/4-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:16 He will be your spokesman to (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>