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Exodus 4:5 "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."
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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 />“This,” said the LORD, “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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Perform this sign,” the LORD told him. “Then they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“that they may believe that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[“You shall do this,” said the LORD,] “so that the elders may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has [most certainly] appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“This will take place,” he continued, “so that they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This will take place,” He continued, “so they will believe that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that they may believe that Jehovah, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Do this," the LORD said, "and the Israelites will believe that you have seen me, the God who was worshiped by their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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, hath appeared unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[The LORD explained,] "This is to convince the people that the LORD God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "Do this to prove to the Israelites that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God said, "I've done this so that they may believe that the LORD God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"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."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“This is so that they may believe that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“so that they believe that YHWH, God of their fathers, has appeared to you, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> ' -- so that they believe that Jehovah, God of their fathers, hath appeared unto thee, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />That they shall believe that Jehovah was seen to thee, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaak, and the God of Jacob.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That they may believe, saith he, that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared to thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“So may they believe,” he said, “that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />That is so they will believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did appear to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />This is done that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“So that they will believe that LORD JEHOVAH appeared to you, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Yaquuv.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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, hath appeared unto thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and it became a rod in his hand, - that they may believe thee, that the God of thy fathers has appeared to thee, the God of Abraam, and God of Isaac, and God of Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/4-5.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=682" 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' Staff</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>“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. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">“This is so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ya·’ă·mî·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To confirm, support. ">they may believe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of their fathers—</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">of Abraham,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">of Isaac,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: wê·lō·hê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">and the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">of Jacob—</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: nir·’āh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">has appeared</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you.”</a> </span><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="/john/20-30.htm">John 20:30-31</a></span><br />Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. / But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-42.htm">John 11:42</a></span><br />I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-36.htm">John 5:36</a></span><br />But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-38.htm">John 10:38</a></span><br />But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-11.htm">John 14:11</a></span><br />Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-22.htm">Acts 2:22</a></span><br />Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-30.htm">Acts 4:30</a></span><br />as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Hebrews 2:4</a></span><br />and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Mark 16:20</a></span><br />And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">1 Corinthians 14:22</a></span><br />Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Romans 15:19</a></span><br />by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a></span><br />The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">Matthew 11:4-5</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: / The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-22.htm">Luke 7:22</a></span><br />So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-36.htm">1 Kings 18:36-39</a></span><br />At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” / Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.</p><p class="hdg">that they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Exodus 4:1</a></b></br> And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/3-18.htm">Exodus 3:18</a></b></br> And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Exodus 4:31</a></b></br> And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.</p><p class="hdg">the Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/3-15.htm">Exodus 3:15</a></b></br> And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this <i>is</i> my name for ever, and this <i>is</i> my memorial unto all generations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a></b></br> And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/17-1.htm">Genesis 17:1</a></b></br> And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I <i>am</i> the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/exodus/3-16.htm">Jacob</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/6-3.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/exodus/6-3.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/exodus/4-8.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/exodus/6-14.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/exodus/6-3.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/exodus/6-3.htm">Jacob</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'; 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In the context of the Exodus narrative, belief is crucial for the Israelites to trust Moses as their leader and God's chosen instrument for their deliverance. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where signs and wonders are used to confirm divine authority and mission, as seen in the ministries of prophets and Jesus Christ (<a href="/john/20-30.htm">John 20:30-31</a>).<p><b>that the LORD,</b><br>The use of "LORD" in all capital letters signifies the divine name YHWH, emphasizing God's covenantal relationship with Israel. This name is first revealed to Moses in <a href="/exodus/3-14.htm">Exodus 3:14</a>, where God declares, "I AM WHO I AM." It underscores God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises.<p><b>the God of their fathers—</b><br>This phrase connects the current generation of Israelites with their ancestral heritage, reminding them of the longstanding covenant relationship. It serves to reassure the Israelites that the God who is acting now is the same God who was faithful to their ancestors, reinforcing continuity and trust in His promises.<p><b>the God of Abraham,</b><br>Abraham is the patriarch with whom God first established His covenant, promising numerous descendants and a land for his offspring (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). This reference to Abraham underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and His ongoing commitment to the covenant, which is foundational to Israel's identity and hope.<p><b>the God of Isaac,</b><br>Isaac, the son of promise, represents the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham. The mention of Isaac highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the covenant line and His miraculous provision, as seen in Isaac's birth to Sarah in her old age (<a href="/genesis/21.htm">Genesis 21:1-3</a>).<p><b>and the God of Jacob—</b><br>Jacob, later named Israel, is the father of the twelve tribes. His life is marked by encounters with God, such as the vision at Bethel (<a href="/genesis/28-10.htm">Genesis 28:10-22</a>) and wrestling with the angel (<a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Genesis 32:22-32</a>). This reference emphasizes God's personal involvement and transformative power in the lives of His people.<p><b>has appeared to you.</b><br>The appearance of God to Moses is a theophany, a direct encounter with the divine. This validates Moses' prophetic authority and mission. The burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2-4</a>) is a significant theophany, symbolizing God's holiness and His call to deliver Israel. This encounter prefigures the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God (<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>The central figure in this passage, Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is given signs to perform to validate his divine commission.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. He is the God of the patriarchs and the one who commissions Moses.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_god_of_abraham,_isaac,_and_jacob.htm">The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob</a></b><br>This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant promises through the patriarchs, underscoring His faithfulness and the historical roots of Israel's faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are enslaved in Egypt and are the intended audience of the signs given to Moses.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The place of Israel's bondage, from which God intends to deliver them through Moses.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>God identifies Himself as the God of the patriarchs, reminding us of His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_commission.htm">Divine Commission</a></b><br>Moses' calling and the signs he is given underscore the importance of divine authority in ministry and leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_signs.htm">The Role of Signs</a></b><br>Signs are given to confirm God's message and messenger, pointing to the necessity of faith and obedience in response to God's revelation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuity_of_god's_plan.htm">Continuity of God's Plan</a></b><br>The reference to the patriarchs highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history, encouraging believers to trust in His overarching purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_presence.htm">Trust in God's Presence</a></b><br>Just as God appeared to Moses, believers are reminded of God's presence with them, empowering them to fulfill their calling.<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_are_all_the_names_in_the_bible.htm">What are all the names in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_pentateuch.htm">What is The Pentateuch?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_god's_promises_in_the_bible.htm">What are God's promises 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>(5) <span class= "bld">That they may believe . . . --</span>These are God's words to Moses, in continuation of those which form the first portion of the preceding verse. The clause describing the action of Moses in <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm" title="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:">Exodus 4:4</a> is parenthetic. The words give Diviue sanction to the view, so strangely combatted of late, that the power of working miracles is given to men, primarily and mainly, for its evidential value to accredit them as God's messengers. Without the gift of miracles neither would Moses have persuaded the Israelites, nor would the Apostles have converted the world.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That they may believe</span>. The sign was to convince the Israelites, in the first instance, and cause them to accept the mission of Moses (see vers. 30, 31). It was afterwards to be exhibited before Pharaoh (ver. 21), to try him and prove him, but not to convince him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-5.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">“This is so that</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֣עַן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they may believe</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲמִ֔ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·mî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<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">of their fathers—</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבֹתָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֧י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<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">of Abraham,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<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">of Isaac,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִצְחָ֖ק</span> <span class="translit">(yiṣ·ḥāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> </span><span class="str2">Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the God</span><br /><span class="heb">וֵאלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wê·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<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">of Jacob—</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has appeared</span><br /><span class="heb">נִרְאָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(nir·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֛יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/4-5.htm">Exodus 4:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/4-5.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:5 That they may believe that Yahweh (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:6" /></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>