But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses isn't just saying he's a bad speaker; he's revealing a deep insecurity about his lineage and suitability for God's plan. The phrase "uncircumcised lips" carries the weight of impurity and inadequacy, highlighting his feeling that he, as a stammering speaker, was fundamentally unfit to represent God to the powerful Pharaoh.
But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from receiving God’s renewed promise and command to confront Pharaoh, Moses expresses his deep insecurity. He had already voiced concerns about his speaking ability earlier, but now, after God emphatically reiterates His intention to deliver Israel, Moses feels even more inadequate, questioning how the mighty Pharaoh could possibly listen to his own "uncircumcised lips."
Moses feels totally unqualified to speak to Pharaoh. What does he mean by 'uncircumcised lips,' and why is this such a big deal?
Moses describes himself as having 'uncircumcised lips.' In the ancient world, circumcision was a sign of belonging to God's covenant people. So, 'uncircumcised lips' is a vivid way of saying his speech is impure, inadequate, and perhaps even cut off from God's ability to use it.
He feels like a poor speaker, someone unable to articulate God's powerful message effectively. This isn't just modesty; it's a deep-seated fear that his own limitations will sabotage God's plan. He's comparing himself to Pharaoh, who is surrounded by powerful orators and rulers. How can someone like him stand before such might and command obedience?
Moses is focused on his own inability, but God sees something entirely different. What does God's response reveal about His strategy?
God's response to Moses's complaint isn't to magically give him eloquence overnight. Instead, He declares, 'I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak' (Exodus 7:1-2, not quoted but implied by context).
This is God's consistent method: He calls the unqualified and promises to empower them. Moses's 'uncircumcised lips' become the very place where God's power will be most evident. By using a speaker who feels inadequate, God ensures that the glory goes to Him, not to human skill. It’s a profound lesson that our limitations are not obstacles to God; they are the very stages on which His power can be most gloriously displayed.
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arel sephatayim · Hebrew Adjective phrase
A metaphorical expression describing one who feels unqualified, hindered, or unable to speak effectively for God, suggesting a lack of ceremonial purity or eloquence in presenting the divine message.
Moses' doubt stemmed from his own perceived lack of eloquence and his position as a humble, exiled shepherd facing the most powerful ruler in the known world. This moment highlights the tension between human limitations and divine empowerment, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.
c. 1648 BC
Joseph and his brothers die
Joseph and his generation passed away, and a new dynasty of Pharaohs rose to power in Egypt who did not know or favor the Israelites.
c. 1648 BC - 1447 BC
Israelites enslaved in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob, the Israelites, grew into a great nation but were subsequently enslaved by the Egyptians, who feared their growing numbers.
c. 1447 BC
Moses encounters the burning bush
God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, commissioning him to return to Egypt and demand Pharaoh's release of the enslaved Israelites.
c. 1447 BC
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh
Moses and his brother Aaron deliver God's demand to Pharaoh, initiating the series of plagues and confrontations that would lead to the Exodus.
c. 1447 BC— this verse
Moses expresses his doubt to God
Moses, facing Pharaoh's resistance and his own perceived inadequacy as a speaker, voices his doubts and concerns to the Lord.
Jeremiah also felt inadequate for God's call due to his youth, expressing his inability to speak. This echoes Moses' own feelings of inadequacy with his 'uncircumcised lips' when facing a difficult task.
2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's experience of God's power being made perfect in weakness directly addresses Moses' concern about his own limitations. It highlights that God's strength is the true source of sufficiency, not human eloquence.
1 Samuel 17:33Saul doubted David's ability to fight Goliath because of his youth and lack of experience, much like Moses doubted his own ability to speak to Pharaoh. This shows a recurring theme of perceived weakness against overwhelming odds.
Isaiah 43:2This verse promises God's presence and protection during trials, which directly counters Moses' fear that Pharaoh would not listen. It assures him that God's power will be with him, enabling him to overcome the obstacle.
Philippians 4:13This verse emphasizes that with Christ's strength, believers can do all things, mirroring Moses' eventual reliance on God's power rather than his own speaking ability. It shows that divine empowerment overcomes human limitations.
pooleExodus 6:30: "And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?"
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillExodus 6:30: "And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?"
And Moses said before the Lord, behold, I am of uncircumcised lips,.... As he had done, Exodus 6:13 , and this is only a repetition of what is there said, in order to lead on to what is related in the following chapter: how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? so mean a person, and so poor a speaker, and he a mighty king, surrounded with wise counsellors and eloquent orators.
Moses isn't just saying he's a bad speaker; he's revealing a deep insecurity about his lineage and suitability for God's plan. The phrase "uncircumcised lips" carries the weight of impurity and inadequacy, highlighting his feeling that he, as a stammering speaker, was fundamentally unfit to represent God to the powerful Pharaoh.
Fresh from receiving God’s renewed promise and command to confront Pharaoh, Moses expresses his deep insecurity. He had already voiced concerns about his speaking ability earlier, but now, after God emphatically reiterates His intention to deliver Israel, Moses feels even more inadequate, questioning how the mighty Pharaoh could possibly listen to his own "uncircumcised lips."
Fresh from receiving God’s renewed promise and command to confront Pharaoh, Moses expresses his deep insecurity. He had already voiced concerns about his speaking ability earlier, but now, after God emphatically reiterates His intention to deliver Israel, Moses feels even more inadequate, questioning how the mighty Pharaoh could possibly listen to his own "uncircumcised lips."
"But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”" — Moses isn't just saying he's a bad speaker; he's revealing a deep insecurity about his lineage and suitability for God's plan. The phrase "uncircumcised lips" carries the weight of impurity and inade…
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Last reviewed October 2026