And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

EXODUS 3:15KJV
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Exodus 3:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 3:15 mean?

Exodus 3:15 records God telling Moses exactly what to say to the Israelites: that the LORD, the God of their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has sent Moses to them, and that this is God’s name and memorial for all generations. The verse emphasizes the continuity of God’s relationship with Israel and the enduring importance of God’s revealed name.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Moses at the burning bush, preparing Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. God instructs Moses to use a specific way of identifying Him to the people—connecting Himself to their forefathers and declaring His name as a lasting memorial. This assures the Israelites that the same God who made promises to their ancestors is now acting on their behalf.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:15

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, often pronounced “Yahweh.” It is distinct from the more general term for God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) and highlights God’s unique, covenant relationship with Israel.
  • Memorial (זֵכֶר, zekher): This word means something remembered or commemorated. Here, it signals that God’s name is meant to be recalled and honored by every generation, not just those alive at the time.
  • Ever (עוֹלָם, olam): This word can mean “forever” or “for all time.” It underlines that God’s name and identity are not temporary but are to be recognized throughout all ages.

Why Exodus 3:15 matters

  • Exodus 3:15 clarifies that God is not a new or unknown deity but the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grounding Moses’ mission in Israel’s history.
  • The verse highlights the importance of God’s personal name (יְהוָה, YHWH), which sets Him apart from other gods and emphasizes His ongoing, faithful presence.
  • By calling His name a “memorial,” God signals that knowing and remembering who He is will be central for Israel’s faith and identity in every generation.