Old Testament
Exodus 4:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the LORD let him go. She had called him a "bridegroom of blood" because of the circumcision.
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So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
What Exodus 4:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God allowed Moses to continue his journey after a tense encounter. Moses' wife, Zipporah, performed a circumcision on their son, which was a significant act in their culture. She referred to Moses as a 'bridegroom of blood' because this act was essential for their family's covenant with God. This phrase highlights the seriousness of the covenant and the importance of obedience to God's commands. Zipporah's actions were not just about tradition; they were about ensuring that their family was in right standing with God. This incident shows how vital it is to uphold commitments, even when they are challenging. It also emphasizes the role of family in spiritual matters, as Zipporah took decisive action to protect her family. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that sometimes, fulfilling our responsibilities requires difficult choices and sacrifices, but they are necessary for our spiritual journey and relationship with God. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of commitment involved in our own lives.
How to apply Exodus 4:26 to your life
Reflect on your own commitments and responsibilities. Are there areas in your life where you need to make sacrifices to uphold your values? Consider how your actions impact your family and your relationship with your beliefs. Sometimes, doing the right thing requires courage and determination, but it is worth it in the end. Stay committed to your path, even when it's tough.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18–31)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Exodus 4:26
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 4:26 mean?
Exodus 4:26 describes a moment when God allowed Moses to continue his journey after Zipporah, his wife, circumcised their son. This act was crucial for their family's covenant with God, highlighting the importance of obedience to divine commands.
What is the meaning of 'bridegroom of blood' in Exodus 4:26?
The phrase 'bridegroom of blood' refers to Moses and signifies the seriousness of the circumcision performed by Zipporah. It emphasizes the significance of the covenant and the sacrifices made to ensure their family's standing with God.
Why did Zipporah perform a circumcision in Exodus 4:26?
Zipporah performed the circumcision to fulfill the covenant requirement for their son, which was essential for their family's relationship with God. This act was a decisive step to ensure they were in obedience to God's commands.
What is the significance of the circumcision in Exodus 4:26?
The circumcision in Exodus 4:26 is significant as it represents obedience to God's covenant and the importance of family commitments. It shows that fulfilling spiritual responsibilities can require difficult choices.
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