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Exodus 6:12 - Can Moses overcome speech doubts?

Exodus 6:12 - שמות 6:12

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לֵאמֹר הֵן בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא־שָׁמְעוּ אֵלַי וְאֵיךְ יִשְׁמָעֵנִי פַרְעֹה וַאֲנִי עֲרַל שְׂפָתָיִם׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Yisra᾽el have not hearkened to me; how then shall Par῾o hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

Transliteration

Va'y'daber Moshe lifnei Adonai leimor: "Hen b'nei Yisra'el lo shamu elai, v'eich yishma'eni Par'oh, va'ani aral s'fatayim."

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔י וְאֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה וַאֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הֵ֤ן בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֹֽא־שָׁמְע֣וּ אֵלַ֔י וְאֵיךְ֙ יִשְׁמָעֵ֣נִי פַרְעֹ֔ה וַאֲנִ֖י עֲרַ֥ל שְׂפָתָֽיִם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Hesitation Before Pharaoh

In this verse (Shemot 6:12), Moshe expresses doubt about his ability to persuade Pharaoh, citing two concerns:

  • The Israelites had not listened to him
  • His "uncircumcised lips" (aral sefatayim)

The Meaning of "Uncircumcised Lips"

Rashi explains that "aral sefatayim" refers to Moshe's speech impediment (mentioned earlier in Shemot 4:10). The term "uncircumcised" metaphorically describes something obstructed or blocked, just as foreskin blocks the circumcised organ. Similarly, Moshe felt his lips were "blocked" from speaking clearly.

Why Mention Israel's Lack of Response?

The Ramban suggests Moshe was making a logical argument: If his own people, who stood to benefit from his message, wouldn't listen, how much less likely would Pharaoh - who stood to lose from Moshe's demands - pay attention? This reflects Moshe's humility and realistic assessment of the situation.

The Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 7:3) connects this verse to Moshe's earlier encounter with Pharaoh in chapter 5, where Pharaoh increased the Israelites' workload after Moshe's initial request. This made the Israelites resent Moshe (5:21), leading to his complaint here that they "have not hearkened to me."

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar notes that Moshe's speech difficulty represents the constricted spiritual state of the Israelites in Egypt. Just as Moshe struggled to speak, the Israelites struggled to "hear" - to properly receive and internalize divine messages during their oppression. This parallel shows how redemption requires both physical liberation and spiritual readiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 97a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the concept of 'uncircumcised lips' and Moses' humility.
📖 Nedarim 20b
The verse is cited in a discussion about vows and the power of speech, relating to Moses' description of his own speech impediment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'uncircumcised lips' mean in Exodus 6:12?
A: The phrase 'uncircumcised lips' refers to Moshe's difficulty in speaking clearly. Rashi explains that this means Moshe had a speech impediment or struggled with fluent speech. Just as uncircumcision represents something incomplete, Moshe felt his speech was inadequate for the task of speaking to Pharaoh.
Q: Why did Moshe doubt that Pharaoh would listen to him?
A: Moshe doubted Pharaoh would listen because even the Jewish people, who were suffering and waiting for redemption, did not fully accept his message due to their 'shortness of spirit' (Exodus 6:9). If his own people wouldn't listen, how much more so Pharaoh, who had no reason to obey Hashem's command?
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's hesitation in this verse?
A: We learn that even great leaders like Moshe had self-doubt, but Hashem still chose him for the mission. The Midrash teaches that humility is a key trait for leadership. Moshe's concern shows his deep sense of responsibility, not weakness.
Q: How does Hashem respond to Moshe's concern about his speech?
A: Hashem reassures Moshe that He will be with him and give him the words to speak (Exodus 7:1-2). The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) teaches that Hashem often chooses messengers who are humble, showing that divine missions depend on Hashem's power, not human abilities.
Q: Why is this conversation between Moshe and Hashem important?
A: This exchange is important because it shows the relationship between a Jewish leader and Hashem - honest in expressing difficulties, yet trusting in divine help. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah) teaches that prophecy often comes to those who are humble yet devoted to truth, like Moshe.