Exodus 6:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאֵרָ֗א
And I appeared
H7200
וָֽאֵרָ֗א
And I appeared
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּאֵ֣ל
by the name of God
H410
בְּאֵ֣ל
by the name of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
8 of 14
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וּשְׁמִ֣י
but by my name
H8034
וּשְׁמִ֣י
but by my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
JEHOVAH
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Psalms 68:4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.Exodus 3:14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.Genesis 17:1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.Genesis 48:3And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,Isaiah 44:6Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Genesis 35:11And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;Revelation 1:4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.John 8:58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Historical Context
El Shaddai (God Almighty) emphasized God's power to fulfill promises. The patriarchs received promises but died before fulfillment. The Exodus generation will witness what Abraham only believed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your understanding of God deepen through witnessing His actions?
- What promises has God made that you wait to see fulfilled?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's statement 'I appeared... by the name of God Almighty' (אֵל שַׁדַּי, El Shaddai) but 'by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them' indicates the patriarchs didn't experience YHWH's full meaning—covenant faithfulness demonstrated through redemption. Names in Hebrew thought communicate nature and character, not mere labels.