Old Testament
Exodus 6:12
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But Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, "Look, the children of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, since I have uncircumcised lips?"
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And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
What Exodus 6:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses is expressing his frustration to God. He feels that the Israelites, his own people, have not listened to him, which makes him doubt his ability to persuade Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Moses refers to his 'uncircumcised lips,' a metaphor for his lack of eloquence or confidence in speaking. He is essentially saying that if his own people won't listen, how can he expect a powerful ruler like Pharaoh to take him seriously? This highlights Moses' feelings of inadequacy and the challenge he faces in fulfilling his mission. It’s a relatable moment where we see someone struggling with self-doubt and the pressure of leadership. Moses is caught between his calling and his fears, showing that even great leaders can feel overwhelmed. This passage reminds us that feeling unqualified is a common human experience, especially when facing daunting tasks or responsibilities. It encourages us to seek strength and support from a higher power when we feel inadequate.
How to apply Exodus 6:12 to your life
When you feel unqualified or unheard, remember that even great leaders like Moses faced similar challenges. It's okay to express your feelings of inadequacy. Seek support from others and trust that your voice matters, even when it feels like it doesn't. Keep pushing forward despite your fears and doubts. You are not alone in your struggles, and your journey is important to others too. “Be brave and keep speaking your truth.”
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: God Renews His Promise (Exodus 6:1–13)
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Moses
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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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 6:12 mean?
Exodus 6:12 shows Moses expressing his frustration to God about the Israelites not listening to him. He doubts his ability to persuade Pharaoh, feeling inadequate due to his lack of eloquence, which he describes as having 'uncircumcised lips.' This reflects his struggle with self-doubt and the challenges of leadership.
What is the meaning of 'uncircumcised lips' in Exodus 6:12?
In Exodus 6:12, 'uncircumcised lips' is a metaphor used by Moses to indicate his lack of eloquence or confidence in speaking. It suggests that he feels unqualified to communicate effectively, especially to someone as powerful as Pharaoh.
How does Exodus 6:12 relate to feelings of inadequacy?
Exodus 6:12 illustrates that even strong leaders like Moses can feel inadequate and unheard. It serves as a reminder that such feelings are common and that seeking support and expressing one's struggles is important.
What can we learn from Moses in Exodus 6:12?
From Moses in Exodus 6:12, we learn that it's okay to express feelings of inadequacy and doubt. It encourages us to keep pushing forward despite our fears and to seek strength from others when facing challenges.
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