Exodus 4:27 Meaning: God Brings Brothers Together
Yahweh said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” He went, and met him on God’s mountain, and kissed him.
And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
And Jehovah said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mountain of God, and kissed him.
And Jehovah saith unto Aaron, `Go to meet Moses into the wilderness;' and he goeth, and meeteth him in the mount of God, and kisseth him,
And Jehovah said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him on the mountain of God, and kissed him.
Meaning in one sentence
God tells Aaron to go meet Moses in the wilderness. Their encounter at the mountain of God begins their partnership to lead Israel out of bondage.
Context
This short verse comes after Moses has set out for Egypt. God had already told Moses that Aaron would come to meet him (Exodus 4:14). Now God speaks directly to Aaron, likely in a vision or in words that Aaron could hear as a clear command. Aaron leaves his home and travels into the wilderness, to the same mountain where God called Moses from the burning bush. They meet face to face, and Aaron kisses his brother. The whole scene is God’s careful arrangement. It marks the joining of two brothers in a mission that will change everything for Israel.
Key Words
Two Hebrew words for “meet” appear in this verse. The first (liqrat, H7122) describes going out intentionally to encounter someone. It has a sense of purpose: Aaron did not stumble upon Moses; he went to meet him. The second (pagash, H6298) is a face-to-face encounter, a direct meeting of persons. Both words stress that this was not coincidence but God-directed appointment.
The kiss (nashaq, H5401) means more than a polite greeting. In the ancient world, such a kiss could seal a covenant, show respect, or acknowledge a leader. Aaron, the older brother, was affirming Moses’s God-given role. It was a kiss of acceptance and partnership.
And the mountain is called har ha’Elohim, “the mountain of God.” This is Horeb, where God revealed Himself to Moses. The meeting place was holy ground, showing that their work would be done under His authority.
How Christians Read This Verse
John Calvin (Reformed) emphasizes that Aaron was made a disciple of his younger brother, a humbling position, yet he obeyed without protest. Matthew Henry (Presbyterian) sees a joyful reunion after long separation. Gill (Baptist) notes Aaron’s immediate obedience and the kiss as a token of affection and respect. Across these traditions, Christians recognize that God orchestrated the meeting exactly as He had promised. Aaron’s kiss honors Moses’s calling, and together they step into the task God has prepared.
A common misunderstanding
Some treat the kiss between Moses and Aaron as merely a warm family greeting. In fact, in ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss often sealed a covenant or recognized a superior. Aaron’s kiss was likely his way of honoring Moses as God’s chosen leader, even though he was the older brother. It was a public acceptance of God’s plan, not just personal affection.
Living This Out
This week, you might notice a nudge to reach out to someone you have not spoken with in a while. It could be a family member, a friend, or someone you used to serve alongside. Aaron had to leave his home and travel into the wilderness. Your step might be shorter: a phone call or a simple invitation. The mountain of God was the place where Moses heard his calling, and it became the meeting place for the two brothers. When we meet people in the space of God’s presence, through prayer, a shared task, or honest conversation, even difficult moments can begin with something like a kiss of peace. God still arranges meetings today.
Main takeaway: God orchestrates the people, the place, and the peace we need to carry out His mission.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told Aaron to go find his brother Moses in the desert. Aaron listened and went. When they met, Aaron gave Moses a big hug and kiss. They were so happy because God had brought them together.
For ages 9, 12
Moses had been living far away for many years. God told Aaron, “Go meet your brother in the wilderness.” Aaron listened and traveled. When they met at God’s mountain, Aaron kissed Moses. That kiss showed he was ready to be partners in the big job God had for them. Sometimes God asks us to go out of our way to connect with someone He cares about. Their meeting was God’s planning, not just a coincidence.
Questions People Ask
Why did God tell Aaron to meet Moses at the mountain of God?
God had already promised Moses that Aaron would come to meet him (Exodus 4:14). By directing Aaron to the same mountain where He called Moses, God confirmed that He was arranging their partnership. The mountain, Horeb, was the place of divine revelation, so the meeting showed that their mission was under God’s authority.
What does Aaron’s kiss mean in this verse?
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss between men could mean respect, submission to leadership, or covenant loyalty. Aaron, the older brother, was acknowledging Moses as God’s chosen deliverer. It was more than a family greeting; it was a public acceptance of God’s plan for them.
Does this verse show that God speaks to each person directly?
Yes. God had spoken to Moses at the burning bush, and here He speaks directly to Aaron. This shows that God confirms His call to each person personally, not only through a leader. Both Moses and Aaron received clear direction from God for their roles.
How does this verse connect to the rest of the Exodus story?
This meeting is the beginning of the partnership that will confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of Egypt. It fulfills God’s promise to send Aaron as Moses’s spokesman (Exodus 4:14, 16). Their reunion on the holy mountain sets the stage for the signs and wonders that follow.
Why is this verse placed right after the story of Moses almost being killed?
The incident at the lodging place (Exodus 4:24, 26) shows that Moses had neglected the covenant sign of circumcision. After that crisis, God immediately reassures Moses by sending Aaron. The meeting on the mountain restores Moses to his mission and gives him a partner.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study