Exodus 3:12
What does Exodus 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:12 means
God's response to Moses's doubt was a powerful assurance: "Certainly I will be with thee." This promise of divine presence was the true source of Moses's authority and strength, not his own abilities. God then provided a future sign, or "token," to confirm His sending: after they had brought the people out of Egypt, they would return to this very mountain to serve God. This future event served as a guarantee that all God promised would come to pass, reinforcing His faithfulness and ultimate plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be the token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be the token unto thee, that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said, Truly I will be with you; and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you have taken the children of Israel out of Egypt, you will give worship to God on this mountain.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and He saith, `Because I am with thee, and this <FI>is<Fi> to thee the sign that I have sent thee: in thy bringing out the people from Egypt--ye do serve God on this mount.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said to him: I will be with thee; and this thou shalt have for a sign that I have sent thee: When thou shalt have brought my people out of Egypt, thou shalt offer sacrifice to God upon this mountain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said, For I will be with thee; and this shall be the sign to thee that I have sent thee: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serveGod upon this mountain.
Context
This verse directly addresses Moses's objection about his own unworthiness, providing the crucial divine reassurance of God's presence. The promise of God being with Moses is foundational, directly countering Moses's self-doubt and providing a future sign to bolster his faith as he begins this daunting mission.
v.11And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
v.12This passage
v.13And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
- Isaiah 41:10
fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Judges 7:11
and thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.
- Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?
- Isaiah 37:30
And this shall be the sign unto thee: ye shall eat this year that which groweth of itself, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.
- Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
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