Exodus 4:13
Exodus 4:13 in Multiple Translations
But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
And he said, Oh, Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
And he said, O Lord, send, if you will, by the hand of anyone whom it seems good to you to send.
“Please, Lord, send someone else!” Moses responded.
But he saide, Oh my Lord, sende, I pray thee, by the hande of him, whome thou shouldest sende.
and he saith, 'O, my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand Thou dost send.'
Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.”
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
But he said: I beseech thee, Lord send whom thou wilt send.
But he/I replied, “O, Yahweh, I ask you, please send someone else instead!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
בִּ֣י
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
שְֽׁלַֽח
נָ֖א
בְּ/יַד
תִּשְׁלָֽח
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ֣י
bîy
H994
please
Part
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
שְֽׁלַֽח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
תִּשְׁלָֽח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 4:13
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בִּ֣י
bîy
H994
"please"
Part
This phrase means please or oh that, used to introduce a request or entreaty, like saying excuse me or if it please you.
Definition: 1) if it please, pray excuse me, excuse me please 1a) used to introduce an entreaty or request
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: alas, O, oh. See also: Genesis 43:20; Judges 6:13; 1 Kings 3:26.
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
שְֽׁלַֽח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
תִּשְׁלָֽח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:13
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
- Sermons on Exodus 4:13
Context — The Appointment of Aaron
11And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
12Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
13But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.”
14Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonah 1:3 | Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. |
| 2 | Exodus 4:1 | Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” |
| 3 | Matthew 13:41 | The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:20 | Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. |
| 5 | Genesis 48:16 | the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 1:6 | “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 20:9 | If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 3:14–15 | So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. I came to the exiles at Tel-abib who dwelt by the River Kebar. And for seven days I sat where they sat and remained there among them, overwhelmed. |
| 9 | John 6:29 | Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” |
| 10 | Judges 2:1 | Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, |
Exodus 4:13 Summary
[Moses was feeling overwhelmed and unsure of himself when God asked him to speak to Pharaoh, so he asked God to send someone else. This verse shows that even great leaders like Moses can feel inadequate and unsure, but it's how we respond to those feelings that matters. As we see in Jeremiah 1:7-8, God promises to be with us and help us, even when we feel like we're not enough. By trusting in God's power and presence, we can, like Moses, learn to overcome our limitations and do great things for Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses ask God to send someone else?
Moses asked God to send someone else because he felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to speak to Pharaoh, as seen in Exodus 4:10 where he says he is slow of speech and tongue, similar to Jeremiah's concerns in Jeremiah 1:6.
Is it wrong to feel inadequate for a task God has given us?
No, it's not wrong to feel inadequate, but it's how we respond to those feelings that matters, as Moses' response led to God's anger, whereas a humble acknowledgment of our limitations can lead to God's empowerment, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
What can we learn from Moses' reluctance to obey God?
We can learn that God often calls us to do things that are outside of our comfort zone or natural abilities, but He promises to be with us and help us, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 28:20.
How does God respond to our reluctance or disobedience?
God can respond with anger, as seen in this verse, but He also responds with patience, love, and provision, as seen in the rest of the story of Moses and the Israelites, and in His promise to never leave or forsake us in Hebrews 13:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some tasks or responsibilities that God has given me that make me feel inadequate or unsure?
- How can I, like Moses, learn to trust in God's power and presence to help me overcome my limitations?
- What are some ways that I can, in my own life, experience God's empowerment and help in the midst of feeling inadequate or overwhelmed?
- How can I balance honesty about my weaknesses with a willingness to trust and obey God, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:13
And he said, O my Lord,.... Acknowledging his dominion, his sovereignty, his power to do the above things: or "on me, O Lord" (u), be the blame for making such objections; or on me let this work be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:13
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. I am not eloquent.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
By one who is fitter for the work than I am. Heb. Send by the hand of him whom thou wilt send, i.e. should send; for the future tense oft signifies what one should do. See 34:7 2:7. Thou usest according to thy wisdom to choose fit instruments, and to use none but whom thou dost either find or make fit for their employment, which I am not. Others, Send by the hand of Messias, whom thou wilt certainly send, and canst not send at a fitter time, nor for better work. Moses and the prophets knew that Christ would come, but the particular time of his coming was unknown to them. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
Exodus 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand [of him whom] thou wilt send.Ver. 13. By the hand of him whom thou wilt.] Or, shouldst send: by that excellent speaker the Messiah, cuius dicere est facere. Thus when God had answered all Moses’ s objections, he frowardly denies to go notwithstanding, and bids him send by his son, as one that was better fitted for the service. That which made Moses so unwilling, was, whatever he pretended, the fear of his life: which rub when God had once removed, he went on his journey.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
(13) Send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.—Rather, pray send by whom thou wilt. A curt, impatient, and scarcely reverent speech. Moses means that he will undertake the task if God insists; but that God would do far better to send another. Hence the “anger of the Lord” against him (Exodus 4:14), which led to Aaron’s association with him as joint leader of the people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
Verse 13. Send - by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.] Many commentators, both ancient and modern, have thought that Moses prays here for the immediate mission of the Messiah; as if he had said: "Lord, thou hast purposed to send this glorious person at some time or other, I beseech thee send him now, for who can be sufficient to deliver and rule this people but himself alone?" The Hebrew שלח נא ביד תשלח shelach na beyad tishlach literally translated is, Send now (or, I beseech thee) by the hand thou wilt send; which seems to intimate, Send a person more fit for the work than I am. So the Septuagint: Προχειρισαιδυναμενοναλλον, ὁναποστελεις· Elect another powerful person, whom thou wilt send. It is right to find out the Messiah wherever he is mentioned in the Old Testament; but to press scriptures into this service which have not an obvious tendency that way, is both improper and dangerous. I am firmly of opinion that Moses had no reference to the Messiah when he spoke these words.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:13
13. Send, I pray thee, him whom thou wilt send, whoever it may be (for the idiom, see on Exodus 33:19). Moses assents, but unwillingly and ambiguously (cf. W. R. Smith [p. 40 n.], p. 163).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:13
And he said - The reluctance of Moses is in accordance with the inner law of man’s spiritual development, and specially with his own character; but, under the circumstances, it indicated a weakness of faith.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:13
13. Send, I pray thee, by the hand (of whomsoever else) thou wilt send — All his objections had been removed, yet still he hesitated and shrank.
Sermons on Exodus 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the qualities of a true leader. He highlights the importance of brokenness and humility in leadership, contrasting it with the ambition and s |
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Oh America, What Will Be Your Destiny - Part 2 by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the responsibility of God's people in a nation, specifically the church in the United States of America. He starts by referencing Exodus cha |
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Exodus 3:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the theme of identity in his sermon 'Exodus 3:11', emphasizing that true identity is found not in our roles or self-perception but in our relationship with Go |
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The Call of God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and fulfilling our missionary responsibilities. He highlights that living in a global village mea |
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When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im |
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Sin Immeasurable by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sinful nature of humanity and the extent of our guilt. He uses the analogy of a heated bar of iron being struck by hammers, with the spa |
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His Manifest Presence - Part 2 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal encounter with God. He highlights that while acquiring knowledge is valuable, it is our personal relation |