Exodus 4:30
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אַהֲרֹ֔ן אֵ֚ת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הָאֹתֹ֖ת לְעֵינֵ֥י הָעָֽם׃
Main Speech Act: וַיְדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן
וַיְדַבֵּר (“and he spoke”) is a Piel wayyiqtol 3ms of ד־ב־ר (“to speak”), showing intensive verbal communication. אַהֲרֹן (“Aaron”) is the clear subject. This verb form moves the narrative forward sequentially, highlighting Aaron’s role as the mouthpiece.
Object of Speech: אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה
אֵת marks the definite direct object.
- כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים (“all the words”) — a full and faithful recounting
- אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה — relative clause “which YHWH had spoken to Moses” (past action, Qal perfect 3ms of ד־ב־ר)
Aaron’s speech faithfully transmits divine instruction received by Moses.
Visible Proof: וַיַּעַשׂ הָאֹתֹת לְעֵינֵי הָעָם
וַיַּעַשׂ (“and he performed”) is a Qal wayyiqtol 3ms of ע־שׂ־ה (“to do, make”). הָאֹתֹת (“the signs”) refers to miraculous proofs (the rod becoming a serpent, the leprous hand, etc.).
- לְעֵינֵי הָעָם — “before the eyes of the people,” emphasizing public witnessing
Thus, verbal testimony is confirmed by visible miraculous acts, establishing credibility.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Exodus 4:30
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| וַיְדַבֵּר | ד־ב־ר | Piel wayyiqtol (3ms) | “And he spoke” — intensive narration |
| דִּבֶּר | ד־ב־ר | Piel perfect (3ms) | “He spoke” — past divine communication |
| וַיַּעַשׂ | ע־שׂ־ה | Qal wayyiqtol (3ms) | “And he performed” — action validating speech |
| הָאֹתֹת | א־ו־ת | Noun (mp) | “The signs” — visible confirmations |
The Grammar of Confirmation
Exodus 4:30 structures speech and signs together through sequential verbs and careful object clauses, emphasizing full and faithful transmission of divine words and their validation through miracles. Hebrew grammar here ensures that both the proclamation and the proof are publicly displayed — reinforcing trust and setting the stage for Israel’s acceptance of Moses’ leadership.
