Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This promise isn't just about God giving Moses words to speak, but about God being with his mouth—implying a divine indwelling and empowerment that transforms the very way Moses would communicate, making him mighty in speech as well as deed. It corrects the idea that Moses was merely handed a script, suggesting instead a continuous, active presence that shaped his prophetic voice.
Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses expresses his deep inadequacy for the task of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites, citing his lack of eloquence. God responds with reassurance, promising to be with Moses' mouth and teach him what to say, and also reveals that Aaron, Moses' brother and a gifted speaker, will accompany him and act as his spokesman. This exchange highlights Moses' initial reluctance and God's provision for his weaknesses, setting the stage for their joint mission.
Moses felt totally inadequate for the monumental task God had given him. He was worried about his ability to speak, but God's response was incredibly reassuring.
When God calls us to do something, especially something that feels far beyond our capabilities, He promises to be with us. This isn't just a passive presence; it's an active partnership.
God's Promise to Moses:
This shows that God equips those He calls. Our limitations are not God's obstacles; they are opportunities for His power to be displayed through us. Think of it like God saying, 'You bring your voice, I'll bring the power and the message.'
Moses was painfully aware of his lack of eloquence, describing himself as 'slow of speech.' Yet, God's commission wasn't invalidated by his perceived weakness.
It's easy to look at our own shortcomings – whether it's public speaking, interpersonal skills, or creative abilities – and believe we're disqualified for God's work. Moses felt this intensely. He wasn't naturally gifted with eloquent speech.
Ask a follow-up
God's Perspective:
Understand the original words
im · Hebrew Preposition
Refers to the divine presence and guidance granted to a believer, ensuring that God is actively involved in and directing the actions or speech of His servant.
c. 1446 BC
Moses Flees to Midian
After killing an Egyptian, Moses fled Egypt and lived as a shepherd in Midian for forty years, far removed from his people and their suffering.
c. 1406 BC
The Burning Bush Encounter
God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, commissioning him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Expresses Doubts and Fears
Moses protested God's call, citing his lack of eloquence and his fear of how the Israelites and Pharaoh would receive him.
c. 1406 BC
God Appoints Aaron as Spokesperson
To address Moses's concerns about his speech, God appointed his brother Aaron to speak for him, becoming his 'mouth'.
c. 1406 BC
The Miracles of the Staff and Hand
God gave Moses two signs to perform: turning his staff into a serpent and his hand leprous then whole, to prove God's power when he spoke.
c. 1406 BC
Moses and Aaron Return to Egypt
Accompanied by his wife and children, Moses and Aaron traveled back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.
Jesus makes a similar promise to His disciples, assuring them that the Holy Spirit will speak through them when they are brought before authorities, echoing God's promise to Moses that He would be with his mouth.
Jeremiah 1:9God equips the prophet Jeremiah with divine words, stating, 'I have put my words in your mouth,' which parallels the assurance given to Moses that God would teach him what to say.
1 Samuel 12:22This verse speaks of God not forsaking His people, implying His continued presence and guidance, much like God's assurance to Moses that He would be with him and his mouth.
Deuteronomy 18:18God promises to put His words into the mouth of a prophet like Moses, highlighting the pattern of divine empowerment and instruction given to those called to speak His message.
Exodus 3:12This earlier encounter in the burning bush shows God giving Moses a sign of His presence and a similar promise: 'I will be with you.' This reinforces the consistent pattern of God's presence and empowerment for His called servants.
gillExodus 4:12: "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth,.... And put words into it, and cause it to speak readily and powerfully; and so it appears that he was mighty in words, as well as in deeds, Acts 7:22 , and teach thee what thou shalt say; to Pharaoh, to the Israelites, and to Aaron, that was to speak for him, as is hereafter observed.
clarkeExodus 4:12: "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."
I will be with thy mouth - The Chaldee translates, My Word, meimeri, shall be with thy mouth. And Jonathan ben Uzziel paraphrases, I and my Word will be with the speech of thy mouth. See Clarke on Genesis 15:1 (note), and Leviticus 25:10 (note).
This promise isn't just about God giving Moses words to speak, but about God being with his mouth—implying a divine indwelling and empowerment that transforms the very way Moses would communicate, making him mighty in speech as well as deed. It corrects the idea that Moses was merely handed a script, suggesting instead a continuous, active presence that shaped his prophetic voice.
Moses expresses his deep inadequacy for the task of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites, citing his lack of eloquence. God responds with reassurance, promising to be with Moses' mouth and teach him what to say, and also reveals that Aaron, Moses' brother and a gifted speaker, will accompany him and act as his spokesman. This exchange highlights Moses' initial reluctance and God's provision for his weaknesses, setting the stage for their joint mission.
Moses expresses his deep inadequacy for the task of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites, citing his lack of eloquence. God responds with reassurance, promising to be with Moses' mouth and teach him what to say, and also reveals that Aaron, Moses' brother and a gifted speaker, will accompany him and act as his spokesman. This exchange highlights Moses' initial reluctance and God's provision for his weaknesses, setting the stage for their joint mission.
"Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”" — This promise isn't just about God giving Moses words to speak, but about God being with his mouth—implying a divine indwelling and empowerment that transforms the very way Moses would communicate,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026