The Absolute I AM
Before Abraham Was, I AM
The Divine Name
Description
In His most shocking claim, Jesus appropriated the divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush. 'I AM' (Greek: ego eimi) echoes God's self-revelation as 'I AM THAT I AM' (Hebrew: ehyeh asher ehyeh). By saying 'Before Abraham was, I am,' Jesus claimed not merely pre-existence but eternal, self-existent deity. The Jews understood perfectly—they took up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. This claim stands at the heart of Christ's identity: He is not a prophet pointing to God but God Himself incarnate.
Key Verses
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
And 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.
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.