Exodus 6:12

And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?

Exodus 6:12 (KJV)

Context

Moses speaks “before the LORD” after God commands him to tell Pharaoh to let Israel go. His own people have refused to listen, and he fears the king of Egypt will do the same. This is not his first objection; earlier he called himself “slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10). Now he repeats the same fear in stronger words.

Meaning

The phrase “uncircumcised lips” is a Hebrew idiom. It does not mean physical circumcision. It means that Moses feels unfit or unprepared to speak, as if his lips are blocked. His question is rhetorical: if suffering Israelites will not hear him, how can a powerful Pharaoh, surrounded by skilled speakers, listen to such a poor spokesman? Moses brings his doubt honestly into God’s presence.

Biblical connections

God’s answer comes later in the chapter. He promises to be with Moses and to give him words to speak. The same concern appears again in Exodus 6:30, showing that Moses struggled with this fear more than once. Yet God does not replace Moses; He equips him. Human weakness does not stop God’s plan.

Application

Believers may feel “uncircumcised lips” when facing difficult listeners—whether authority figures, skeptical friends, or our own doubts. Like Moses, we can tell God exactly how we feel. The promise is not that we will become eloquent, but that God’s presence and power will carry the message. Obedience matters more than ability.

Reflection

God uses imperfect and reluctant people to accomplish His purposes. When we stand before the “Pharaohs” of our lives, we can trust that He will supply the words and courage we need. Our limitation becomes the place where His strength is seen.