The Church Fathers on this verse

Exodus 6:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And Moses said before the Lord: Lo I am of uncircumcised lips, how will Pharao hear me?

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְאֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖י פַּרְעֹֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Augustine of Hippo

5th centuryChurch Father

Moses appears to express his inability to speak effectively with his words, "Behold, I am speechless: how shall Pharaoh hear me?" He highlights the frailty of his voice, which was inadequate not only to reach a multitude but even a single individual. It's remarkable that his silence rendered him unheard by anyone. Perhaps the pride of royalty obstructed them from engaging directly? Nonetheless, it is declared to him, "See, I have set you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet" (Exodus 7:1).

Wlastow G.K.

19th centuryCommentator

This passage in verse 30 serves to link the preceding account with what follows, echoing verse 12. From verses 26 to 30, the roles of Moses and Aaron, their connection to the Lord, and their mission are succinctly outlined. It is essential to remember, as stated earlier, that the sacred texts were recorded on papyrus scrolls, and it is highly likely that the generations mentioned in this chapter compiled a specific scroll. This scroll likely concludes the previous one, allowing the narrative to progress seamlessly after a brief recollection.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.