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 3:6KJV
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Exodus 3:6 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“look” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

“hid” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
  • Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.