And 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?
EXODUS 3:13KJVWhat does Exodus 3:13 mean?
Exodus 3:13 shows Moses asking God what he should say if the Israelites question him about God's name when he tells them that the God of their ancestors has sent him. Moses is concerned that the people will want to know exactly which God has sent him, and he wants to be prepared with an answer.
In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to God at the burning bush. He anticipates that the Israelites, who have lived in Egypt among many gods, will ask for a specific name to identify the God who is sending Moses to them. This question sets up the next verse, where God reveals His unique name to Moses, marking a turning point in how God relates to His people.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:13
- God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, used here to refer to the God of Israel. The word can also be used more generally for gods, which highlights why Moses wants a more specific name.
- Name (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a "name" often carries the idea of character, identity, or reputation. Moses is not just asking for a label, but for a way to describe who God is to the people.
Why Exodus 3:13 matters
- This verse highlights Moses’ hesitation and his awareness of the Israelites’ likely doubts, showing his practical concern for how to convince them.
- It reveals the importance of God’s identity and name in a context where many gods were worshipped, making it clear that Moses is not just bringing any message, but one from the God of their ancestors.
- The question sets up one of the most significant revelations in the Bible, as God’s answer in the next verse (“I AM WHO I AM”) becomes a foundational statement about God’s nature.