And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

EXODUS 3:14KJV
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Exodus 3:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 3:14 mean?

Exodus 3:14 describes God telling Moses His name as "I AM THAT I AM," instructing Moses to tell the Israelites that "I AM" has sent him. This statement presents God as self-existent and unchanging, emphasizing His unique and eternal nature.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Moses from the burning bush, responding to Moses’ concern about what he should say when the Israelites ask who sent him. By calling Himself "I AM," God reveals a name that highlights His ongoing presence and reliability, setting Him apart from all other beings or gods.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:14

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, used here to show the speaker’s divine authority.
  • AM (הָיָה, hayah): This verb means "to be" or "to exist." God uses it twice in the phrase "I AM THAT I AM," underlining His self-existence and continuous being. The repetition stresses that God’s existence is not dependent on anything else.
  • Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh): Naming Moses in the conversation reminds the reader that this is a personal encounter, with God revealing something new to Moses for the sake of the people of Israel.

Why Exodus 3:14 matters

  • Exodus 3:14 clarifies that God’s identity is not tied to any created thing or limited by time, which was a new idea for people surrounded by many gods with specific names and roles.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of God’s promise to be with His people, assuring Moses and the Israelites that the one sending Moses is the eternal, faithful God.
  • This moment sets the foundation for how God will be known throughout the rest of the Bible, as the One who simply is—unchanging and always present.