Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
EXODUS 3:6KJVWhat does Exodus 3:6 mean?
Exodus 3:6 records God introducing Himself to Moses as the God of his ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—which causes Moses to hide his face out of fear to look at God. This verse shows Moses’ deep reverence and awe when he realizes he is in the presence of the God worshiped by his forefathers.
In this scene, God is speaking directly to Moses from the burning bush, revealing His identity and connecting Himself to Moses’ family history. By naming Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God is reminding Moses of the promises made to the patriarchs and showing continuity with the past. Moses’ reaction—hiding his face—shows a common response in the Bible when humans encounter the holy presence of God: a mix of fear, respect, and humility.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 3:6
- אֱלֹהִים (’elohim; God): This word is used repeatedly in the verse to emphasize God’s identity as the same God who was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, not a new or different deity.
- פָּנִים (panim; face): Moses hides his "face," which in Hebrew often represents one’s presence or direct encounter. This highlights Moses’ sense of unworthiness or fear before God.
- יָרֵא (yare’; afraid): The word for "afraid" here points to a deep, respectful fear, not just terror, but an awe that recognizes God’s holiness and power.
Why Exodus 3:6 matters
- This verse clarifies that the God speaking to Moses is not a new god but the same one known to his ancestors, grounding Moses’ mission in a long-standing relationship.
- The emphasis on Moses’ fear and hiding his face helps explain the seriousness of encountering God’s presence in the Bible, showing that such moments are overwhelming and sacred.
- By connecting to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the verse ties Moses’ upcoming role as leader to the larger story of God’s promises and faithfulness across generations.