Exodus 3:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
לִרְא֑וֹת
saw
H7200
לִרְא֑וֹת
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יְהוָ֖ה
And when the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And when the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לִרְא֑וֹת
saw
H7200
לִרְא֑וֹת
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיִּקְרָא֩
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֩
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 15
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
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
unto him out of the midst
H8432
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
unto him out of the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
9 of 15
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:16And 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.Acts 9:4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?Genesis 22:1And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.Genesis 22:11And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.Genesis 46:2And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.1 Samuel 3:8And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.1 Samuel 3:6And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.1 Samuel 3:4That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.Psalms 62:11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.Acts 10:3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Historical Context
The double name calling emphasizes solemnity and affection in Hebrew narrative. God's speaking from the bush confirms this is no vision but direct divine revelation. Moses' response "hineni" would later be required of prophets (Isaiah 6:8) and saints (1 Samuel 3:4-10), showing readiness to hear and obey. This moment marks Moses' transition from shepherd to prophet.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's waiting until Moses 'turned aside' teach about the importance of responsive attentiveness to receive His call?
- What does Moses' simple 'Here am I' teach about the humility and readiness required to receive divine commissioning?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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 (וַיַּרְא יְהוָה כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת וַיִּקְרָא אֵלָיו אֱלֹהִים מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּנִי, vayar YHWH ki sar lir'ot vayikra elav Elohim mitokh hasneh vayomer Mosheh Mosheh vayomer hineni)—When the LORD saw that he turned aside—God waits for Moses' response before speaking. The double name Moses, Moses (מֹשֶׁה מֹשֶׁה) signals urgent, intimate divine address (cf. Abraham, Abraham, Genesis 22:11; Samuel, Samuel, 1 Samuel 3:10). Here am I (הִנֵּנִי, hineni) is the classic response of readiness to obey (Genesis 22:1, Isaiah 6:8). Moses has journeyed from impulsive self-confidence (2:12) to humble availability. The text shifts from "angel of the LORD" (v. 2) to "the LORD" and "God" (v. 4), revealing that the messenger and the message are one—this is YHWH Himself speaking.