And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

EXODUS 6:3KJV
truelightbible.com

Exodus 6:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 6:3 mean?

Exodus 6:3 says that God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as "God Almighty," but He was not known to them by the name "JEHOVAH." This verse highlights a difference in how God revealed Himself to the patriarchs compared to what He is now revealing to Moses.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, explaining that while He made Himself known to the earlier ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) as "God Almighty," the specific name "JEHOVAH" (often understood as YHWH, the LORD) was not previously revealed in the same way. The context is God reassuring Moses that He is about to fulfill His promises to Israel in a new and more direct manner.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 6:3

  • "God" (אֵל, 'El): This word means "God" and is a general term for deity, used here to emphasize God's power and authority.
  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai): This title, often translated "Almighty," carries the sense of God's overwhelming power and sufficiency, especially as a protector and provider.
  • "JEHOVAH" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, often rendered as "the LORD" in many translations. The verse points out that this name, with its special significance, was not previously made known in the same way to the patriarchs.
  • "known" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means "to know" or "to be made known." Here, it suggests a deeper or more personal revelation of God's character and identity.

Why Exodus 6:3 matters

  • Exodus 6:3 clarifies that God is now revealing Himself to Moses and Israel in a way that is deeper and more personal than before, marking a turning point in the relationship between God and His people.
  • The verse helps clear up confusion about the different names and titles for God in the Old Testament, showing that "JEHOVAH" (YHWH) carries a special significance in God's promises and actions.
  • This statement sets the stage for the events that follow, where God will act in powerful and unmistakable ways to deliver Israel, fulfilling promises that were only partially understood by the earlier patriarchs.