Exodus 6:30

ESV But Moses said to the Lord, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?"

NIV But Moses said to the Lord, "Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?"

NASB But Moses said before the Lord, 'Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?'

CSB But Moses replied in the Lord’s presence, "Since I am such a poor speaker, how will Pharaoh listen to me?"

NLT But Moses argued with the Lord, saying, 'I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?'

KJV And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

NKJV But Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heed me?”

What does Exodus 6:30 mean?

This chapter ends by repeating Moses' self-criticism (Exodus 6:12). His statement uses a word derived from 'ārēl, an adjective which literally means "uncircumcised." This can mean some-thing physical. Yet it is also used in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 44:7; Acts 7:51). This could be a way of implying that there is something obstructing Moses' speech. Or it may mean that Moses believes he is too unworthy to successfully com-municate the Lord's message. This attitude has been interpreted as either a lack of faith, or an expression of deep humility, or some combination of both. If he is so unsuitable, and even his own people will not listen (Exodus 6:9), why think a pagan ruler like Pharaoh will be different?

Scripture contains thousands and thousands of questions. Many of these come from human beings who struggle to understand their role in God's plans. God will answer Moses' concerns (Exodus 7:1) by repeating much of what's already been said (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:21–23; 6:5–8). Because Moses chooses to obey, despite his uncertainty, the Lord uses him to accomplish Israel's rescue (Exodus 12:41).

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