Exodus 3:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:14
14 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, salvation, love. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:14
14 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.
Analysis
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 (וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה וַיֹּאמֶר כֹּה תֹאמַר לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶהְיֶה שְׁלָחַנִי אֲלֵיכֶם)—I AM THAT I AM (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, ehyeh asher ehyeh)—God's self-revelation as the eternally self-existent One. The verb אֶהְיֶה (ehyeh, "I am/I will be") derives from הָיָה (hayah, "to be"), the root of the divine name YHWH (יהוה). This isn't mere existence but active, dynamic being—"I AM who I AM" or "I WILL BE what I WILL BE." God's identity transcends human categories—He is the uncaused cause, the self-existent eternal One. The LXX rendered this ἐγὼ εἰμι ὁ ὤν (ego eimi ho on, "I am the Being One"), shaping Jesus' "I AM" statements (John 8:58). I AM hath sent me—God's name becomes Moses' authority.
Historical Context
This revelation of the divine name I AM/YHWH became the foundation of Israel's monotheism. Unlike pagan gods with origin stories, YHWH exists eternally, uncreated and self-sufficient. The name connects to the verb 'to be,' emphasizing God's absolute existence independent of creation. Jesus' use of 'I AM' (John 8:58, 'Before Abraham was, I AM') claims this divine name, leading to accusations of blasphemy (John 8:59).
Reflection
- How does the name 'I AM' reveal God's self-existence and independence from all created things, including your circumstances?
- What does Jesus' use of 'I AM' statements in John's Gospel teach about His divine identity as YHWH incarnate?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 6:3, Psalms 68:4, 90:2, Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 4:8
- Parallel theme: John 8:58, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:4, 1:8, 1:17