Exodus 3:11
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Original Language Analysis
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
unto God
H430
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
unto God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 16
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵלֵ֖ךְ
H1980
אֵלֵ֖ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְכִ֥י
H3588
וְכִ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אוֹצִ֛יא
and that I should bring forth
H3318
אוֹצִ֛יא
and that I should bring forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
12 of 16
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Samuel 18:18And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?Exodus 6:12And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.2 Corinthians 2:16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?1 Kings 3:7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.1 Kings 3:9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?2 Samuel 7:18Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
Historical Context
Moses' question 'Who am I?' reflects radical transformation from the prince who acted presumptuously (2:12) to the shepherd who doubts his adequacy. Midian's wilderness humbled Moses necessarily—leaders must be broken of self-reliance before God can use them. Moses learns what Paul later wrote: 'When I am weak, then am I strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' humility ('Who am I?') challenge both self-reliant pride and excuse-making false humility in your response to God's call?
- When has God used a 'wilderness season' to break your self-sufficiency and prepare you for greater kingdom work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? (וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים מִי אָנֹכִי כִּי אֵלֵךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְכִי אוֹצִיא אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם)—Moses' first objection: personal inadequacy. Who am I? (מִי אָנֹכִי, mi anokhi)—Moses' humility contrasts with his earlier presumption (2:12). Forty years in the wilderness broke his self-confidence. That I should go unto Pharaoh—Moses fled as fugitive murderer (2:15); how can he return? Bring forth... Israel—Moses earlier tried self-appointed deliverance (2:12); it failed miserably. Now he doubts God-appointed mission. True humility recognizes inadequacy but trusts God's sufficiency. False humility uses inadequacy as excuse for disobedience. God's response (v. 12) shifts focus from Moses' identity to divine presence.