And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

EXODUS 3:4KJV
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Exodus 3:4 (KJV)

What does Exodus 3:4 mean?

Exodus 3:4 describes how, when the LORD saw Moses turn aside to look at the burning bush, God called out to him from within the bush, saying, "Moses, Moses," and Moses responded, "Here am I." This verse marks the moment God personally addresses Moses, initiating a direct conversation.

In this scene, Moses is tending sheep in the wilderness when he notices a bush that burns without being consumed. The LORD (the personal name for God) observes Moses’ curiosity and calls to him by name from the bush. Moses’ answer, "Here am I," shows his readiness to listen, setting the stage for the important message God is about to give him.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:4

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the encounter is with the God of Israel, not a generic deity.
  • called (קָרָא, qara’): This word means to call out or summon. The use of Moses’ name twice is a sign of urgency and personal relationship in Hebrew storytelling.
  • midst (תָּוֶךְ, tavek): This means "middle" or "center," making it clear that the voice comes from the very heart of the burning bush, not just near it.

Why Exodus 3:4 matters

  • Exodus 3:4 clarifies that God initiates contact only after Moses chooses to approach, highlighting the importance of human response to God’s signs.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal nature of God’s call, using Moses’ name twice, which in Hebrew culture often signals affection or significance.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the story, as it is God’s first direct call to Moses, leading to Moses’ role as the leader who will deliver Israel from Egypt.

Where else these words appear

“bush” Hebrew H5572 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • Exodus 3:3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
  • Deuteronomy 33:16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.