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Exodus 4:7 - Divine signs restore purity.

Exodus 4:7 - שמות 4:7

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הָשֵׁב יָדְךָ אֶל־חֵיקֶךָ וַיָּשֶׁב יָדוֹ אֶל־חֵיקוֹ וַיּוֹצִאָהּ מֵחֵיקוֹ וְהִנֵּה־שָׁבָה כִּבְשָׂרוֹ׃

English Translation

And he said, Put thy hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

Transliteration

Vayomer hashev yadkha el-cheikhekha vayashev yado el-cheiko vayotzi'ah me-cheiko vehineh-shavah kivsaro.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל־חֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּ֥שֶׁב יָד֖וֹ אֶל־חֵיק֑וֹ וַיּֽוֹצִאָהּ֙ מֵֽחֵיק֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה־שָׁ֖בָה כִּבְשָׂרֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הָשֵׁ֤ב יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל־חֵיקֶ֔ךָ וַיָּ֥שֶׁב יָד֖וֹ אֶל־חֵיק֑וֹ וַיּֽוֹצִאָהּ֙ מֵֽחֵיק֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה־שָׁ֖בָה כִּבְשָׂרֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus 4:7)

This verse appears in the narrative of Moshe's encounter with Hashem at the burning bush (Shemot 3-4). Hashem gives Moshe two signs to demonstrate His power to Bnei Yisrael: turning Moshe's staff into a snake and afflicting his hand with tzara'at (leprosy) before healing it. This verse describes the second sign's reversal—the restoration of Moshe's hand to health.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 4:7) notes that this miracle served as a sign to Bnei Yisrael that Moshe was truly sent by Hashem. The sudden affliction and healing demonstrated divine intervention, proving that Moshe was not acting on his own authority. Rashi also connects this to the concept of "middah k'neged middah" (measure for measure)—just as Moshe spoke negatively about Bnei Yisrael (questioning whether they would believe him), his hand was temporarily afflicted.

Symbolism of the Bosom (חֵיק)

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:13) interprets the bosom as symbolic of the heart or inner thoughts. The affliction emerged from Moshe's own body, teaching that lashon hara (evil speech) originates from within a person. The healing demonstrated teshuvah (repentance) and divine mercy, as Moshe's hand returned "as his other flesh"—restored completely without blemish.

Rambam's Perspective on Miracles

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:35), Rambam explains that such miracles were necessary to establish Moshe's credibility as a navi (prophet). The instantaneous nature of the affliction and healing—without natural processes—proved the authenticity of his divine mission. This aligns with the Torah's requirement (Devarim 13:2-3) that a true prophet must perform indisputable signs.

Halachic Implications from the Talmud

  • Sanhedrin 101a: Discusses how tzara'at in this context was a supernatural phenomenon, unlike ordinary tzara'at which requires examination by a kohen.
  • Nedarim 64b: Notes that the complete healing ("as his other flesh") teaches that miraculous recoveries leave no residual weakness, unlike natural healing.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 101a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed by Moses and the nature of divine signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Exodus 4:7 where Moshe's hand turns leprous and then healthy again?
A: This verse describes one of the signs Hashem gave Moshe to prove his divine mission to Bnei Yisrael. According to Rashi, the sudden leprosy and healing demonstrated Hashem's power - just as He could afflict the hand, He could heal it. This sign showed that Hashem would both punish Egypt and redeem Israel.
Q: Why did Hashem choose to make Moshe's hand leprous as a sign?
A: The Midrash explains that this particular sign addressed Moshe's earlier concern about the Jews not believing him. Leprosy was seen as a punishment for slander (as with Miriam later), hinting that Moshe shouldn't have spoken negatively about the Jewish people's willingness to believe. The quick healing showed Hashem's mercy.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Moshe's hand being restored in Exodus 4:7?
A: The Rambam teaches that this miracle teaches emunah (faith) - just as Hashem could instantly heal Moshe's hand, He has complete control over all physical nature. The sudden change from illness to health reminds us that our health is in Hashem's hands, and we should pray to Him for healing.
Q: Why did the sign involve putting the hand in the bosom specifically?
A: The Talmud (Nedarim 32b) connects this to the concept that Torah comes from the heart ('bosom' representing closeness to the heart). The sign symbolized that Moshe's mission came from deep divine inspiration. Additionally, the bosom represents hidden things - showing that Hashem reveals what is concealed.
Q: How does Exodus 4:7 relate to the other signs given to Moshe?
A: The three signs (staff-to-snake, hand-leprosy, water-to-blood) corresponded to three levels of persuasion needed. Rashi explains the hand miracle was the intermediate sign - more dramatic than the staff but less severe than the plague-like water transformation, showing Hashem's graduated approach to establishing Moshe's credibility.