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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 4:23 and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/02_Exo_04_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:23 - Moses Leaves for Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. 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But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, <i>even</i> thy firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I said to you, ‘Let My son go so that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I am going to kill your son, your firstborn.”’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220So I said to you, &#8216Let My son go that he may serve Me’ but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn."&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“So I said to you, ‘Let My son go, that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your first-born.”’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So I said to you, ‘Let My son go that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.”’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I say to you, ‘Let My son go so that he may serve Me’; and if you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.”’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I told you: Let my son go so that he may worship me, but you refused to let him go. Look, I am about to kill your firstborn son! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I told you: Let My son go so that he may worship Me, but you refused to let him go. Now I will kill your firstborn son!&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and I commanded you to release him, so he could worship me. But you refused, and now I will kill your first-born son." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I told you to let my son go so that he may worship me. But you refused to let him go. So now I'm going to kill your firstborn son.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I told you to let my son go, so that he might worship me, but you refused. Now I am going to kill your first-born son.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And I say to you, 'Let my son go so he may serve me. If you refuse to let him go, then I will kill your firstborn son.'"'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and I said to you, 'Let my son go that he may serve me,' but since you have refused to let him go, I will surely kill your son, your firstborn!"'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and I have said to you, "Let my son go, that he may serve me;" and you have refused to let him go. Look, I will kill your son, your firstborn.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I say to thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou shalt refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and I have said to you, “Let my son go, that he may serve me;” and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and I say to you, send My son away, and he serves Me; and [if] you refuse to send him away, behold, I am slaying your son, your firstborn.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and I say unto thee, Send away My son, and he doth serve Me; and -- thou dost refuse to send him away -- lo, I am slaying thy son, thy first-born.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And saying to thee, Send forth my son, and he shall save me: and shalt thou refuse to send him, behold me killing thy son, thy first-born.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I have said to thee: Let my son go, that he may serve me, and thou wouldst not let him go: behold I will kill thy son, thy firstborn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have said to you: Release my son, so that he may serve me. And you were not willing to release him. Behold, I will put to death your firstborn son.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I said to you: Let my son go, that he may serve me. Since you refused to let him go, I will kill your son, your firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I said to you, “Let my son go that he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; now I will kill your firstborn son.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I say to you, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and if you refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay your first-born son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have said to you ‘Send out my son and he will serve me,’ and if you choose not to send out my son, behold, I am killing your son, your firstborn.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I have said unto thee: Let My son go, that he may serve Me; and thou hast refused to let him go. Behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.'--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I said to thee, Send away my people, that they may serve me: now if thou wilt not send them away, see, I will slay thy fir-born son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/4-23.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=864" 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">Moses Leaves for Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son, <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and I told you</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to let My son</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šal·laḥ (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: wə·ya·‘aḇ·ḏê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">so that he may worship Me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3985.htm" title="3985: wat·tə·mā·’ên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms) -- To refuse. A primitive root; to refuse.">But since you have refused</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: lə·šal·lə·ḥōw (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">to let him go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: hō·rêḡ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">will kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·re·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">your firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bin·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son!’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.…<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/5-1.htm">Exodus 5:1</a></span><br />After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-16.htm">Exodus 7:16</a></span><br />Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/8-1.htm">Exodus 8:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-1.htm">Exodus 9:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/10-3.htm">Exodus 10:3</a></span><br />So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/11-1.htm">Exodus 11:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague. After that, he will allow you to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-29.htm">Exodus 12:29-30</a></span><br />Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. / During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-15.htm">Exodus 13:15</a></span><br />And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Exodus 14:5-9</a></span><br />When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” / So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him. / He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-2.htm">Exodus 20:2</a></span><br />“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-21.htm">Deuteronomy 6:21</a></span><br />then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-36.htm">Psalm 105:36</a></span><br />Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-8.htm">Psalm 135:8</a></span><br />He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/136-10.htm">Psalm 136:10</a></span><br />He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-32.htm">Jeremiah 31:32</a></span><br />It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I say to you, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if you refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay your son, even your firstborn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/11-5.htm">Exodus 11:5</a></b></br> And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that <i>is</i> behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-29.htm">Exodus 12:29</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that <i>was</i> in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-51.htm">Psalm 78:51</a></b></br> And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of <i>their</i> strength in the tabernacles of Ham:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/genesis/24-41.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-16.htm">Slaying</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Worship</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Death</a> <a href="/exodus/11-5.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/6-14.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/6-14.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/8-2.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/exodus/7-14.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/exodus/5-18.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-25.htm">Slaying</a> <a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Worship</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>and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me.</b><br>This phrase refers to God's command to Pharaoh through Moses to release the Israelites, whom God refers to as "My son." This designation of Israel as God's son highlights the special covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/14.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1-2</a>. The purpose of their release is to worship God, emphasizing the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. Worship here implies not just ritual acts but a life oriented towards God, as seen in the broader narrative of Exodus where the Israelites are called to serve God alone. The demand for release is not merely a request for freedom but a divine mandate, underscoring God's authority over earthly rulers.<p><b>But since you have refused to let him go,</b><br>Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites sets the stage for the plagues that follow. This refusal is a demonstration of Pharaoh's hardened heart, a theme that recurs throughout the Exodus narrative. It also reflects the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, as Pharaoh is seen as a representative of these false deities. The refusal is not just a political decision but a spiritual defiance against God's will, illustrating the broader biblical theme of human rebellion against divine authority.<p><b>behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’”</b><br>This pronouncement of judgment is a foreshadowing of the final and most severe plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt. The firstborn in ancient cultures, including Egypt, held a place of prominence and inheritance, making this judgment particularly devastating. This act of judgment is both a direct response to Pharaoh's actions and a demonstration of God's power and justice. It also serves as a type of Christ, as the death of the firstborn in Egypt prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus, God's only Son, for the redemption of humanity. The Passover, which commemorates the sparing of the Israelite firstborn, becomes a foundational event pointing to Christ's atoning sacrifice, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">1 Corinthians 5:7</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is the one delivering God's message to Pharaoh.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt who is refusing to release the Israelites from slavery, representing opposition to God's will.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>Referred to as God's "son," they are the people enslaved in Egypt whom God intends to free.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of bondage and oppression.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Lord who commands Pharaoh through Moses and declares the consequences of disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_authority.htm">God's Sovereignty and Authority</a></b><br>God has ultimate authority over nations and rulers. His commands are not suggestions but divine mandates that carry consequences for disobedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Pharaoh's refusal to obey God's command led to severe consequences. This highlights the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_relationship_with_his_people.htm">God's Relationship with His People</a></b><br>Referring to Israel as His "son" emphasizes the intimate and covenantal relationship God has with His people. Believers today are also called to live as children of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_redemption.htm">Judgment and Redemption</a></b><br>The warning of judgment upon Egypt's firstborn foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ, who is the firstborn over all creation and the means of our deliverance from sin.<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/how_do_levites_replace_firstborns.htm">If the Levites replaced all Israel's firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16-18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_threat_to_egypt_just.htm">(Exodus 4:22-23) In what way does God's threat to kill Egypt's firstborn reconcile with a just and merciful deity, furthermore aligning with the broader biblical narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ruth_1_4_conflict_with_deut._23_3.htm">Does the marriage of Naomi's sons to Moabite women (Ruth 1:4) conflict with restrictions found in Deuteronomy 23:3?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_eleazar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Eleazar in the Bible?</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>(23) <span class= "bld">I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.</span>--The threat was not made until immediately before the tenth plague (<a href="/exodus/11-5.htm" title="And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.">Exodus 11:5</a>). It is not recorded in the words which Moses is here directed to use; but the speech of Moses in Exodus 11 is no doubt much abbreviated.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn</span>. For the fulfilment of the threat, see <a href="/exodus/12-29.htm">Exodus 12:29</a>. Moses did not utter it till all other arguments were exhausted, and he knew that he was having his last interview with the monarch (<a href="/exodus/10-29.htm">Exodus 10:29</a>; <a href="/exodus/11-4.htm">Exodus 11:4, 5</a>). In this reserve and in the whole series of his dealings with the Egyptian king, we must regard him as simply carrying out the special directions which, after his return to Egypt, he continually received from the Almighty. (See <a href="/exodus/6-11.htm">Exodus 6:11</a>; <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Exodus 7:9, 15</a> 19: 8:1, 5, 16, 20, etc.) <p> CHAPTER 4:24-26 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-23.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">and I told you</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֹמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to let My son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁלַּ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(šal·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that he may worship Me.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ya·‘aḇ·ḏê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But you have refused</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּמָאֵ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·mā·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> </span><span class="str2">To refuse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to let him go,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šal·lə·ḥōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will kill</span><br /><span class="heb">הֹרֵ֔ג</span> <span class="translit">(hō·rêḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your firstborn</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹרֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·re·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son!’”</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּנְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(bin·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/4-23.htm">Exodus 4:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/4-23.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:23 And I have said to you Let (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:24" /></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>