Exodus 3:13-15

13 But Moses replied, "When I go to the Israelites and say to them, "The God of your ancestors sent me to you,' they will ask me, "What is his name?' So what can I tell them?" ¹

14 God said, "I am who I am. You must tell them: "The one who is called I AM has sent me to you.' ²

15 Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me.

Exodus 3:13-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 2

In this chapter we are informed how that the Lord appeared to Moses in a bush on fire, but not consumed, Ex 3:1-6, declared unto him that he had seen and observed the afflictions of the children of Israel, and was determined to deliver them, Ex 3:7-9, that he gave him a call to be the deliverer of them, answered his objections to it, and instructed him what he should say, both to the elders of Israel and to Pharaoh, Ex 3:10-18, and assured him, that though at first Pharaoh would refuse to let them go, yet after many miracles wrought, he would be willing to dismiss them, when they should depart with great substance, Ex 3:19-22.

Cross References

• 1. 3.13Exodus 6.2, 3.
• 2. 3.14Revelation 1.4, 8.

Footnotes

• [a]. I am who I am . . . I AM; [or] I will be who I will be . . . I WILL BE. ["I am" sounds like the Hebrew name Yahweh traditionally transliterated as Jehovah. This name is represented in this translation by "the Lord" in capital letters, following a usage which is widespread in English versions.]