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Exodus 4:10 - Leader's humility before divine mission

Exodus 4:10 - שמות 4:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה בִּי אֲדֹנָי לֹא אִישׁ דְּבָרִים אָנֹכִי גַּם מִתְּמוֹל גַּם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁם גַּם מֵאָז דַּבֶּרְךָ אֶל־עַבְדֶּךָ כִּי כְבַד־פֶּה וּכְבַד לָשׁוֹן אָנֹכִי׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to the Lord, O my Lord, I am not an eloquent man, neither yesterday nor the day before, nor since thou hast spoken to thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-Adonai, bi Adonai, lo ish devarim anochi, gam mitmol gam mishilshom, gam me'az daberkha el-avdekha, ki khevad-peh u'khevad lashon anochi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל־יְהֹוָה֮ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָי֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵאָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְךָ֖ אֶל־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּכְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל־יְהֹוָה֮ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנָי֒ לֹא֩ אִ֨ישׁ דְּבָרִ֜ים אָנֹ֗כִי גַּ֤ם מִתְּמוֹל֙ גַּ֣ם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁ֔ם גַּ֛ם מֵאָ֥ז דַּבֶּרְךָ֖ אֶל־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֧י כְבַד־פֶּ֛ה וּכְבַ֥ד לָשׁ֖וֹן אָנֹֽכִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Humility and Speech Impediment

The verse (Shemot 4:10) describes Moses' reluctance to accept the mission of leading the Jewish people out of Egypt due to his perceived lack of eloquence. Rashi explains that Moses' statement "I am not a man of words" refers to his difficulty in speech, which he had experienced since birth. The phrase "neither yesterday nor the day before" indicates that this was not a new condition but a longstanding challenge.

The Nature of Moses' Speech Difficulty

According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:26), Moses' "heavy mouth and heavy tongue" (כְבַד־פֶּה וּכְבַד לָשׁוֹן) refers to a physical speech impediment. Some commentators suggest this may have been a stutter or difficulty articulating words clearly. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:63) notes that this demonstrates that leadership does not require perfect oratory skills, but rather sincerity and divine appointment.

Spiritual Significance

  • The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) teaches that Moses' speech difficulty was actually a sign of his humility and suitability for leadership, as it prevented arrogance.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes that Moses' acknowledgment of his limitations shows true wisdom, as "who is wise? He who knows his place" (Pirkei Avot 4:1).
  • The Or HaChaim suggests that Moses' speech impediment would make the miracles performed through him clearly recognizable as divine acts rather than human persuasion.

Divine Response

As the narrative continues (Shemot 4:11-12), Hashem responds that He created Moses' mouth and will be with him when he speaks. This teaches the important principle that when fulfilling a divine mission, one need not rely on natural abilities alone. The Sforno explains that this exchange demonstrates that true leadership comes from divine assistance rather than human talent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 38a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' humility and his initial reluctance to accept the mission from God, highlighting his self-perceived lack of eloquence.
📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing Moses' speech and his role as a leader, emphasizing his humility and the divine assistance he received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe say he was 'slow of speech'?
A: Moshe told Hashem that he had difficulty speaking clearly (Exodus 4:10). Rashi explains that Moshe had a speech impediment, possibly from burning his tongue with hot coals as a child (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 1:26). This shows his humility in recognizing his limitations.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's hesitation to speak?
A: Moshe's reluctance teaches that even great leaders may feel inadequate. However, Hashem assured Moshe that He would help him speak (Exodus 4:12). The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) teaches that true humility is recognizing one's abilities while trusting in Hashem's support.
Q: Why is Moshe's speech important in the Torah?
A: Despite his speech difficulty, Moshe became the greatest prophet who communicated directly with Hashem (Deuteronomy 34:10). The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) notes that Hashem often chooses unlikely leaders to show that greatness comes from Divine help, not human perfection.
Q: How does Moshe's example apply to us today?
A: Like Moshe, we may feel unqualified for tasks Hashem gives us. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:14) teaches that Hashem values willingness over natural ability. When we serve with sincerity, like Moshe, Hashem provides the strength we need.