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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 4:3 "Throw it on the ground," said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/02_Exo_04_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:3 - Moses' Staff" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Throw it on the ground, said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it." /><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/4-3.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/4-3.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 3</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="/ad3.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/4-2.htm" title="Exodus 4:2">◄</a> Exodus 4:3 <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm" title="Exodus 4:4">►</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 />The LORD said, &#8220Throw it on the ground.&#8221 Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Throw it down on the ground,” the LORD told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it turned into a serpent; and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then He said, &#8220Throw it on the ground.&#8221 So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a [living] serpent [like the royal symbol on the crown of Pharaoh]; and Moses ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Throw it on the ground,” he said. So Moses threw it on the ground, it became a snake, and he ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then He said, &#8220Throw it on the ground.&#8221 He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake. Moses ran from it, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Cast in on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Throw it down!" the LORD commanded. So Moses threw the stick on the ground. It immediately turned into a snake, and Moses jumped back. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground." When Moses threw it on the ground, it became a snake, and he ran away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground." When Moses threw it down, it turned into a snake, and he ran away from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then God said, "Throw it to the ground." He threw it to the ground and it became a snake. Moses ran away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Throw it on the ground,? said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said, "Throw it to the ground." So he threw it to the ground, and it became a snake, and Moses ran from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "Throw it on the ground." He threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses ran away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent: and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “Throw it on the ground.” He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it. <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 says, “Cast it to the earth”; and he casts it to the earth, and it becomes a serpent—and Moses flees from its presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and He saith, 'Cast it to the earth;' and he casteth it to the earth, and it becometh a serpent -- and Moses fleeth from its presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Cast it upon the earth. And he will cast it upon the earth and it will be into a serpent, and Moses will flee from before it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord said: Cast it down upon the ground. He cast it down, and it was turned into a serpent: so that Moses fled from it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord said, “Cast it down upon the ground.” He cast it down, and it was turned into a snake, so that Moses fled away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God said: Throw it on the ground. So he threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and Moses backed away from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw the staff on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses drew back from it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said, “Throw it on the ground”, and he cast it on the ground, and it was a snake and Moshe fled from before it.<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 said: 'Cast it on the ground.' And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Cast it on the ground: and he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses fled from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/4-3.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=662" 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">2</span>And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: haš·lî·ḵê·hū (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3ms) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">“Throw</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">it on the ground,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: way·yaš·lî·ḵê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">So Moses threw</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">it on the ground,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and it became</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: lə·nā·ḥāš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">a snake,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: way·yā·nās (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">ran</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·nāw (Prep-m:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">from it.</a> </span><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.…<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="/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” / So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a></span><br />Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, / that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-18.htm">Mark 16:18</a></span><br />they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-3.htm">Acts 28:3-6</a></span><br />Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. / When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” / But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a></span><br />Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a></span><br />You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Isaiah 11:8</a></span><br />The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-10.htm">Matthew 7:10</a></span><br />Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a></span><br />And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2</a></span><br />He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">1 Corinthians 10:9</a></span><br />We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Deuteronomy 8:15</a></span><br />He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness with its venomous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty and waterless land. He brought you water from the rock of flint.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.</p><p class="hdg">it became.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-17.htm">Exodus 4:17</a></b></br> And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/7-10.htm">Exodus 7:10-15</a></b></br> And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Amos 5:19</a></b></br> As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/39-18.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/genesis/39-18.htm">Running</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/genesis/49-17.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/genesis/50-18.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Throw</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/exodus/7-10.htm">Casteth</a> <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/exodus/14-5.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-36.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/exodus/8-16.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/5-20.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/exodus/9-24.htm">Running</a> <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Throw</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>“Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD.</b><br>This command from God to Moses occurs during their encounter at the burning bush on Mount Horeb. The act of throwing the staff on the ground is a demonstration of God's power and authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a staff was a symbol of leadership and authority, often carried by shepherds and leaders. By instructing Moses to throw it down, God is showing that He can transform ordinary objects to fulfill His divine purposes. This act foreshadows the miracles Moses will perform in Egypt, emphasizing that God is the source of power behind these signs.<p><b>So Moses threw it on the ground,</b><br>Moses' obedience in following God's command is significant. Despite his initial hesitations and feelings of inadequacy, Moses acts in faith. This moment marks the beginning of Moses' transformation from a shepherd to the leader of the Israelites. The act of throwing the staff is symbolic of Moses casting aside his old life and accepting the mission God has for him. It also serves as a test of faith, as Moses must trust in God's instructions without knowing the outcome.<p><b>and it became a snake,</b><br>The transformation of the staff into a snake is a miraculous sign. In Egyptian culture, snakes were symbols of power and were associated with the Pharaoh, who wore a serpent on his crown. This miracle is a direct challenge to the authority of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, demonstrating that the God of Israel is supreme. The snake is also a reminder of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, symbolizing sin and deception. This transformation can be seen as a type of Christ, who would later take on the form of sinful flesh to conquer sin and death.<p><b>and he ran from it.</b><br>Moses' reaction of fear and retreat is a natural human response to the unexpected and the supernatural. It highlights Moses' humanity and his initial reluctance to embrace his role as God's chosen leader. This moment of fear contrasts with the courage Moses will later display as he confronts Pharaoh and leads the Israelites out of Egypt. It serves as a reminder that God often calls imperfect and fearful individuals to accomplish His purposes, equipping them with the strength and courage they need.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>A Hebrew prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point in the account, Moses is at the burning bush, receiving his commission from God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, who is revealing Himself to Moses and demonstrating His power through signs.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_snake.htm">The Snake</a></b><br>The rod turning into a snake is a miraculous sign from God, symbolizing His power and authority. The Hebrew word for snake here is (nachash), which can also mean serpent.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rod/staff.htm">The Rod/Staff</a></b><br>A common tool for shepherds, representing Moses' identity and authority. It becomes a symbol of God's power when transformed into a snake.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_burning_bush.htm">The Burning Bush</a></b><br>The location where God appears to Moses, a significant event marking the beginning of Moses' mission to free the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_authority_over_nature.htm">God's Authority Over Nature</a></b><br>The transformation of the rod into a snake demonstrates God's supreme power over creation. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty over all aspects of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>Moses' initial reaction of fear is natural, yet God calls him to trust and obey. In our lives, we may face situations that cause fear, but faith requires us to trust in God's power and plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/signs_and_wonders.htm">Signs and Wonders</a></b><br>God uses signs to confirm His word and mission. While we may not always see miraculous signs, we are called to recognize God's work in our lives and respond in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a></b><br>Moses' obedience in throwing down the rod is a step of faith. We are called to obey God's instructions, even when they seem daunting or unclear.<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_does_a_donkey_speak_in_numbers_22.htm">How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28–30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals? </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/why_does_god_speak_audibly_in_exodus_3_4.htm">In Exodus 3:4, why does God speak audibly only here, and not in a consistent manner throughout the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_moses'_serpent_link_to_jesus.htm">John 3:14-15 references Moses lifting up the serpent; is there archeological or historical evidence to verify this event and its connection to Jesus?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">A serpent.</span>--The word here used (<span class= "ital">nakhash</span>) is a generic one for a snake of any kind, and tells us nothing as to the species. A different word (<span class= "ital">tannin</span>) is used in <a href="/exodus/7-10.htm" title="And Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.">Exodus 7:10</a>, while <span class= "ital">nakhash </span>recurs in <a href="/exodus/7-15.htm" title="Get you to Pharaoh in the morning; see, he goes out to the water; and you shall stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shall you take in your hand.">Exodus 7:15</a>. <span class= "ital">Tannin </span>is, like <span class= "ital">nakhash, </span>a generic term.<p><span class= "bld">And Moses fled from before it</span>--It was natural for Moses to remember his alarm, and record it. Any-later writer would have passed over so <span class= "ital">small </span>a circumstance. (See the Introduction, p. 3.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It became a serpent</span>. The word here used for "serpent," <span class="accented">nakhash</span>, is a generic word applicable to any species of snake. We cannot assume that the <span class="accented">cobra is the</span> serpent meant, though no doubt Moses, when he <span class="cmt_word">fled from before it</span>, believed it to be a venomous serpent. Various reasons for God's choice of this particular sign have been given. Perhaps the best is, that a trick of the kind was known to the Egyptian conjurors, who would be tempted to exhibit it in order to discredit Moses, and would then be discredited themselves by his stick swallowing theirs. (See <a href="/exodus/7-10.htm">Exodus 7:10-12</a>.) It is fanciful to suppose a reference either to the serpent of <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. (Keil and Delitzsch) or to the uraeus (<span class="accented">cobra</span>), which the Egyptian kings bore in their headdress as a mark of sovereignty {Canon Cook) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-3.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">“Throw</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְׁלִיכֵ֣הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(haš·lî·ḵê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw out, down, away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it on the ground,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֔רְצָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said [the Lord].</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine 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">So [Moses] threw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaš·lî·ḵê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw out, down, away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it on the ground,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֖רְצָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and it became</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - 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">a snake,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנָחָ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nā·ḥāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [he]</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ran</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֥נָס</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·nās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from it.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפָּנָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/4-3.htm">Exodus 4:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:3 He said Throw it on the ground (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:4" /></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>