Devine Scripture

Exodus 4:22

What does Exodus 4:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Exodus 4:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Exodus 4:22 means

This verse reveals God's tender yet authoritative declaration regarding Israel's special status. By calling Israel "My son, My firstborn," Yahweh establishes an intimate, familial relationship, setting Israel apart from all other nations. The term "firstborn" signifies not necessarily the first in time, but preeminence, privilege, and inheritance rights, much like the firstborn son in ancient Near Eastern culture held a position of honor and authority within the family. This divine pronouncement underscores Israel's unique covenantal position and God's protective ownership over them. It's a foundational statement of identity, emphasizing God's personal connection and commitment to His chosen people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And you are to say to Pharaoh, The Lord says, Israel is the first of my sons:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and thou hast said unto Pharaoh, Thus said Jehovah, My son, My first-born <FI>is<Fi> Israel,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And thou shalt say to him: Thus saith the Lord: Israel is my son, my firstborn.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And thou shalt say to Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah: Israel is my son, my firstborn.

Context

This declaration to Pharaoh comes directly from Yahweh, spoken through Moses, who is struggling with his call to deliver Israel. In the preceding verses of Exodus 4, Moses has been given miraculous signs to confirm his divine commission, including the turning of his staff into a snake and his hand becoming leprous. This divine message to Pharaoh serves as Moses' explicit mandate, outlining the core demand for Israel's release. Following this verse, God warns Moses about the consequences of Pharaoh's refusal, specifically the death of Pharaoh's own firstborn, directly paralleling God's claim over Israel as His "firstborn."

v.21And Jehovah said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go.

v.22This passage

v.23and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 1:18

    Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  • Isaiah 63:16

    For thou art our Father, though Abraham knoweth us not, and Israel doth not acknowledge us: thou, O Jehovah, art our Father; our Redeemer from everlasting is thy name.

  • Deuteronomy 14:1

    Ye are the children of Jehovah your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

  • Romans 9:4

    who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

  • Jeremiah 31:9

    They shall come with weeping; and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first-born.

  • Hosea 11:1

    When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

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