Exodus 4:10

ESV But Moses said to the Lord, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue."

NIV Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

NASB Then Moses said to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.'

CSB But Moses replied to the Lord, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish."

NLT But Moses pleaded with the Lord, 'O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.'

KJV 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.

NKJV Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

What does Exodus 4:10 mean?

Moses' first resistance to the Lord's call (Exodus 3:10) was doubt in his own importance (Exodus 3:11). His next concern was about proving that he'd really spoken with God (Exodus 3:13; 4:1). Now, God has provided three miraculous signs which Moses can use against skepticism (Exodus 4:8–9).

Now, Moses expresses more doubts about himself. He claims to be a poor speaker. There is no suggestion in Scripture that he had an actual speech impediment—though that is possible. It probably means that Moses didn't think of himself as a powerful orator or an eloquent man. He was certainly educated (Exodus 2:10). Later generations would applaud his speaking (Acts 7:22). This may also have been an excuse inspired by fear or intimidation over his mission. Whether he lacked confidence or ability, Moses expresses this to the Lord.

God responds by telling Moses not to worry about his own power. God's presence and guidance will be enough (Exodus 4:11–12).

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