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Exodus 6:30 - Moshe's speech impediment challenge

Exodus 6:30 - שמות 6:30

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה הֵן אֲנִי עֲרַל שְׂפָתַיִם וְאֵיךְ יִשְׁמַע אֵלַי פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Moshe said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Par῾o hearken to me?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe lifnei Adonai hen ani aral s'fatayim ve'eich yishma elai Par'oh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְאֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖י פַּרְעֹֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה הֵ֤ן אֲנִי֙ עֲרַ֣ל שְׂפָתַ֔יִם וְאֵ֕יךְ יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֵלַ֖י פַּרְעֹֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Self-Doubt and Speech Impediment

The verse (Shemot 6:30) records Moshe's hesitation to speak to Pharaoh due to his aral sefatayim ("uncircumcised lips"). Rashi explains this phrase as referring to Moshe's speech impediment, which made him feel inadequate for the mission. The term aral (uncircumcised) metaphorically suggests an obstruction or barrier, implying Moshe felt his lips were "closed" or hindered in speech.

Interpretations of "Uncircumcised Lips"

  • Rashi (Shemot 6:12): Explains that Moshe had difficulty pronouncing certain letters, particularly the tav, shin, resh, and tzadi, due to a childhood incident when he burned his tongue with hot coals (as mentioned in Midrash Shemot Rabbah 1:26).
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:63): Suggests that Moshe's humility led him to emphasize his perceived inadequacies, even though Hashem had already assured him of divine assistance.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vaera 6): Teaches that Moshe's hesitation stemmed from his deep respect for Pharaoh's royal status, fearing he would not be taken seriously.

Divine Reassurance and Leadership

Despite Moshe's protest, Hashem insists that he fulfill his role (Shemot 7:1-2). The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) notes that true leaders often resist their appointments out of humility, a trait exemplified by Moshe. The Or HaChaim (Shemot 4:10) adds that Moshe's speech difficulty was ultimately a test of faith—forcing him to rely entirely on Hashem's word rather than his own eloquence.

Lessons in Divine Service

This episode teaches that Hashem chooses messengers based on their devotion, not their natural abilities. As the Sforno (Shemot 4:10) explains, Moshe's perceived weakness became a strength, demonstrating that redemption would come through divine power, not human persuasion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 24b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about who is qualified to read the Torah in public, particularly focusing on individuals with speech impediments.
📖 Nedarim 20b
The verse is cited in a discussion about vows and the concept of 'uncircumcised lips,' relating to speech impediments and their implications in halakhic contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'uncircumcised lips' mean in Exodus 6:30?
A: When Moshe says he has 'uncircumcised lips,' it means he had difficulty speaking clearly or eloquently. Rashi explains that this refers to a speech impediment or lack of fluency, which made Moshe feel inadequate to speak to Pharaoh on behalf of the Jewish people.
Q: Why did Moshe doubt that Pharaoh would listen to him?
A: Moshe doubted Pharaoh would listen because he felt unworthy due to his speech difficulties. The Midrash teaches that Moshe was humble and questioned his own abilities, but Hashem reassured him that He would give him the words to speak (Shemot Rabbah 7:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's hesitation in Exodus 6:30?
A: We learn that even great leaders like Moshe had self-doubt, but Hashem empowers those He chooses. The Rambam teaches that humility is a virtue, but we must also trust in Hashem's guidance when given a mission (Hilchot De'ot 2:3).
Q: How does Exodus 6:30 relate to overcoming personal challenges?
A: This verse teaches that Hashem works through people despite their limitations. The Talmud (Nedarim 38a) explains that Moshe's speech difficulty showed that leadership comes from divine appointment, not human perfection. We should focus on serving Hashem with our unique abilities.
Q: Why is Moshe's dialogue with Hashem important in the Exodus story?
A: Moshe's conversations with Hashem demonstrate the relationship between a leader and G-d. The Sforno explains that Moshe's honesty about his fears (like in this verse) shows true devotion—bringing all concerns before Hashem while still accepting His mission.