Exodus 3:14
Verse
Context
Moses at the Burning Bush
13Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name? ’ What should I tell them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am that I am - אהיה אשר אהיה Eheyeh asher Eheyeh. These words have been variously understood. The Vulgate translates Ego Sum Qui Sum, I am who am. The Septuagint, Εγω ειμι ὁ Ων, I am he who exists. The Syriac, the Persic, and the Chaldee preserve the original words without any gloss. The Arabic paraphrases them, The Eternal, who passes not away; which is the same interpretation given by Abul Farajius, who also preserves the original words, and gives the above as their interpretation. The Targum of Jonathan, and the Jerusalem Targum paraphrase the words thus: "He who spake, and the world was; who spake, and all things existed." As the original words literally signify, I will be what I will be, some have supposed that God simply designed to inform Moses, that what he had been to his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he would be to him and the Israelites; and that he would perform the promises he had made to his fathers, by giving their descendants the promised land. It is difficult to put a meaning on the words; they seem intended to point out the eternity and self-existence of God. Plato, in his Parmenides, where he treats sublimely of the nature of God, says, Ουδ' αρα ονομα εστιν αυτῳ, nothing can express his nature; therefore no name can be attributed to him. See the conclusion of this chapter, Exo 3:22 (note) and on the word Jehovah, Exo 34:6 (note), Exo 34:7 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God said unto Moses, I am that I am,.... This signifies the real being of God, his self-existence, and that he is the Being of beings; as also it denotes his eternity and immutability, and his constancy and faithfulness in fulfilling his promises, for it includes all time, past, present, and to come; and the sense is, not only I am what I am at present, but I am what I have been, and I am what I shall be, and shall be what I am. The Platonists and Pythagoreans seem to have borrowed their from hence, which expresses with them the eternal and invariable Being; and so the Septuagint version here is : it is said (z), that the temple of Minerva at Sais, a city of Egypt, had this inscription on it,"I am all that exists, is, and shall be.''And on the temple of Apollo at Delphos was written the contraction of "I am" (a). Our Lord seems to refer to this name, Joh 8:58, and indeed is the person that now appeared; and the words may be rendered, "I shall be what I shall be" (b) the incarnate God, God manifest in the flesh: thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you; or as the Targum of Jonathan has it,"I am he that is, and that shall be.''This is the name Ehjeh, or Jehovah, Moses is empowered to make use of, and to declare, as the name of the Great God by whom he was sent; and which might serve both to encourage him, and strengthen the faith of the Israelites, that they should be delivered by him. (z) Phutarch. de Iside & Osir. (a) Plato in Timaeo. (b) "ero qui ero", Pagninus, Montanus, Fagius, Vatablus.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 I Am Who I Am: This name speaks of a God who is self-sufficient, self-existent, all encompassing, and without limitations, the one being in the universe who is not dependent on something else for his existence.
Exodus 3:14
Moses at the Burning Bush
13Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Esther #5 Macrocodes in Esther Part 1
By Chuck Missler5.1K59:20EstherEXO 3:14In this sermon, the speaker continues their study of the book of Esther, exploring hidden elements within the text. They introduce the concept of codes and cryptography, explaining that the name of God is encrypted in the text of Esther. The speaker also mentions that there are two basic forms of cryptography. They conclude by expressing gratitude for the supernatural organization of the Bible and the simplicity and directness of God's Word, which reveals our redemption in Jesus Christ.
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Self-Existence of God
By A.W. Tozer4.9K59:14Attributes of GodEXO 3:11EXO 3:14EXO 19:4PSA 23:1MAT 6:33JHN 8:58ROM 8:31The video is a sermon on the attributes of God, specifically focusing on the story of Job in the Bible. The speaker mentions how the devil came before the sons of God, who were the angels, and they were passing in parade. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about being in Chicago and needing to get to a church meeting. The video concludes by stating that sermon number three in the same series will be on the next tape.
Attributes of God (Series 2): Introduction
By A.W. Tozer4.5K40:02Attributes of GodGEN 3:15EXO 3:14PSA 19:1PSA 96:3MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 10:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the character of God. He mentions a previous series of sermons on the attributes of God that had a profound impact on the listeners. The preacher acknowledges the difficulty of talking about God and compares himself to an insect trying to carry a bale of cotton. He highlights the decline in the spiritual state of churches and attributes it to forgetting what kind of God God is.
God of the Nations - Part 2
By Art Katz2.6K28:52NationsGEN 6:5GEN 9:1GEN 9:18EXO 3:14PSA 2:6ROM 11:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's rule over his creation throughout redemption history. He refers to biblical events such as the flood and the story of Noah's sons to illustrate this point. The speaker also mentions his own personal experiences and the reaction he received when discussing this topic in Canada. He highlights the mystery and depth of this understanding, particularly in relation to the descendants of Shem and the calling of Abraham to bless all nations. The sermon concludes with a focus on the significance of resurrection and the authority given to the crucified and resurrected Jesus.
(Names of Jehovah) 2. Jehovah Jireh
By Roy Hession2.5K41:28Jehovah JirehGEN 22:14EXO 3:14EXO 17:15PSA 23:1ISA 41:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Jehovah Jerry, which means the Lord will provide. He emphasizes the importance of foreseeing needs and taking action to provide for others. The preacher also highlights the significance of personal testimony as a sinner and the transformative power of God's provision. Additionally, he mentions the biblical story of Abraham and how God provided a lamb for the burnt offering, illustrating the true meaning of the Lord will provide.
K-058 Restoring the Tabernacle of David
By Art Katz2.3K55:20Tabernacle of DavidEXO 3:14PSA 102:8PSA 102:13ISA 60:19ISA 66:18EZK 36:24EZK 37:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of the valley of dry bones and the restoration of a nation from death. The sermon focuses on Ezekiel 37:21, which states that God will gather the children of Israel from among the nations and bring them back to their own land. The preacher emphasizes that this restoration will result in one united nation, with one king ruling over them. The sermon also highlights the transformation that will occur in the people, as they will no longer defile themselves with idols or transgressions, but instead, they will walk in God's judgments and observe His statutes. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the glory of God in the restoration of a forsaken and desolate nation and the exalted role of the instrument used for their restoration.
(Come Up Higher) the Place of Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.9K58:45EXO 3:14ROM 6:61CO 1:51CO 6:51CO 15:4EPH 2:5PHM 1:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that as believers, we have a choice to make each day. We are not capable of making someone spiritual or taking them to heaven, but we can show them the way. The speaker highlights the concept of being a new person in Christ and not feeding the desires of our old flesh. He uses the analogy of two dogs inside our hearts, one black and one white, and explains that the outcome of the battle between them depends on which dog we choose to feed. The sermon also references the tabernacle and its significance in representing salvation and the different parts of our relationship with God.
Holy Brethren (With Bulgarian Translation)
By Art Katz1.9K1:00:16HolinessEXO 2:11EXO 3:10EXO 3:14MAT 6:33HEB 3:1HEB 3:7HEB 3:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to separate themselves from the worldly standards and values. He criticizes the church for becoming more focused on entertainment and merchandise, rather than preaching the word of God. The preacher urges the audience to live a life of apostolic poverty and to be considered the least of men without reputation. He also highlights the opposition believers will face in a hostile world, particularly in the realm of religion, but assures them that God will be with them.
Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K54:01ZionGEN 2:7EXO 3:14MAT 6:33ROM 8:17EPH 1:3HEB 2:6HEB 12:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers receiving and possessing the life of Christ. He highlights that our existence is justified by the fact that many have received life through us, which vindicates God's decision to give us life. The speaker then focuses on the next word in Hebrews 12, which is "Zion." He explains that believers have come to Zion, which represents our inheritance in Christ and the need to truly possess and take hold of all that God has provided for us. The speaker encourages Christians to exercise their faith and actively lay hold of the promises and gifts of God in order to fully experience the salvation and glorification that God has already accomplished for us.
(Divine Attributes) 04 Jehovah, the Eternal Self-Existent One
By Denny Kenaston1.7K59:10Character Of GodEXO 3:14ISA 26:4ISA 42:8ISA 43:10MAT 6:33EPH 3:19COL 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal nature of God and how He has created us as eternal beings with never-dying souls. The preacher urges the audience to enter into God's eternal life by believing in Him with their whole being. He encourages them to live for the things that are not seen, as the things that are seen are only temporary. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a real relationship with God, as He is our eternity. The sermon references the conversation between Moses and God in Exodus 3, highlighting the divine revelation of God's nature through His name.
(Pure Testimony) the Church as a Burning Bush
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:01:39PurityEXO 3:14PSA 37:4MAL 3:10MAT 6:33ROM 13:8PHP 4:4JUD 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church and its role in evangelism. He defines evangelism as the act of making someone who is not a member of the body of Christ, a member of the body. The preacher challenges the use of certain theological concepts that are not found in the Bible and encourages a focus on building the church rather than material possessions. He highlights the attitude of Jesus and the apostles as the foundation of the church and emphasizes the significance of both the words of Jesus in the gospels and the epistles in understanding the truth.
Psalm 37:7
By Bill Ammon1.4K40:34Resting In The LordEXO 3:14JOB 40:4PSA 39:7PRO 3:5ISA 40:31ROM 8:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also discusses the importance of patience and endurance in the face of trials, as they produce maturity and completeness in our faith. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's constant movement and provision, reminding them that He will never forsake the righteous. The sermon concludes with a call to rest in the Lord and to embrace a childlike dependence on Him.
K-534 Israel and the Apocalypse (3 of 3)
By Art Katz1.4K48:41ApocalypseEXO 3:14ISA 51:17ISA 52:1ISA 52:7ROM 10:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. He emphasizes that the people have sold themselves for nothing and will be redeemed without money. The preacher believes that this is not just a metaphor, but a literal prophecy of the people becoming captives and being sold into slavery. He references the book of Joel and other prophets to support this idea. The sermon also mentions the eventual coming of God's kingdom and the participants' role in it.
Gideon
By Norman Grubb1.4K44:12GideonEXO 3:14EXO 14:14NUM 31:1JOS 6:20JDG 6:11JDG 7:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon and his men were facing a formidable enemy, but God instructed them to use unconventional methods to defeat their foes. With only 300 men, Gideon followed God's instructions to blow trumpets, break pitchers, and shout, causing confusion and fear among their enemies. This unexpected strategy led to their victory, showing that it was God's power at work, not their own. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and following His guidance in all circumstances.
Absolutes - Part 1
By David Adams1.2K42:38AbsolutesThe Nature of TruthEXO 3:14PSA 102:25ISA 40:28MAT 11:28JHN 8:21JHN 8:58COL 1:17HEB 1:10JAS 1:17REV 1:8David Adams addresses the concept of absolutes in his sermon, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that truth is absolute despite contemporary beliefs that deny this notion. He highlights the significance of Jesus' declaration, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' as the ultimate absolute, affirming Christ's eternal existence and divine authority. Adams argues that while society may claim there are no absolutes, the very act of labeling something as a lie acknowledges an absolute truth. He encourages the congregation to understand the implications of believing in Jesus as the I AM, the changeless Lord of eternity, who remains the same throughout all ages.
Desert Survival Series Pt 10- Moses the Servant of God
By Don Courville1.1K36:15Desert SurvivalEXO 3:14JHN 4:14JHN 6:35JHN 8:12JHN 10:9JHN 10:11JHN 14:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses a story from the Bible about a group of people who challenged Moses' leadership. They questioned why Moses was the one in charge and claimed that they could do the same job. This angered Moses, and he declared that those who opposed him would die. Miraculously, the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels, proving that Moses was chosen by God. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of salvation and urges the audience to accept Jesus into their lives.
Wake Up Christian
By Manley Beasley1.1K41:34Spiritual DeclineEXO 3:14MAT 6:33LUK 11:5ROM 8:26EPH 6:11PHP 4:19JAS 3:6In this sermon, the speaker addresses the troubling state of our homes, churches, and nation. He expresses his personal concern and desire for God to speak to his heart on how to address these issues. The speaker highlights the decline of churches in many parts of the country and the high divorce rate in marriages. He also mentions a message he preached at a Baptist conference, emphasizing the need for believers to engage in spiritual warfare and live up to the light they have received.
All for Jesus
By Arthur Blessitt1.1K1:17:28JesusEXO 3:14MAT 6:33MRK 16:15JHN 14:16ACT 1:8ROM 8:311JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how society often idolizes sports and material possessions, such as baseball and wooden sticks. He argues that Christians should not be intimidated by this and should boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. The preacher shares his unique approach to giving invitations, which involves appealing to the commitment and volunteerism of soldiers. He urges Christians to be unashamed of the Gospel and to allow the Holy Spirit to set them free from the things that bind them. The ultimate goal is for people to see Jesus, know Him, and experience the abundant life and peace that He offers.
The Greatest Gift of All
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:43EXO 3:14LUK 2:19JHN 3:16JHN 10:11ACT 3:6ROM 8:32This sermon emphasizes the greatest gift of God given to us at Christmas, which is Jesus Christ, born out of love. It highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus as the ultimate gift, rather than worldly possessions or comparisons with others. The message calls for surrendering our will to God, just like Francis Ridley Havergal did, and reflects on the significance of responding to the gift of Jesus with a commitment to live for Him. The sermon also draws parallels from the story of Moses and the need to trust in God's provision and presence, rather than worldly wealth or possessions.
Jehovah's Witnesses #2 - the Ten Misapplied Texts Pt. 1
By Mike Theule1.0K45:23EXO 3:14MIC 5:2JHN 8:58ROM 4:8HEB 7:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that worshiping riches is not the same as worshiping God. He refers to Isaiah 43-45 and Galatians 4:8 to highlight the importance of recognizing that there is only one God by nature. The preacher also discusses the authority of the Watchtower and the need to break it down in order to interpret verses correctly. He mentions the example of Christ's submission to the Father and explains that this submission is temporary until the mediatorial office of Christ comes to an end. The preacher concludes by mentioning the concept of the Trinity and the belief in one God by nature, which is why Jehovah's Witnesses identify themselves as such.
Praise Him
By Jim Cymbala99714:45PraiseEXO 3:14JOS 1:11CH 16:34PSA 100:4PSA 135:1PSA 147:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God. He warns those who serve in the ministry to not become mechanical or regimented in their worship, but to approach it with a heart of praise. The speaker encourages everyone, whether they have been serving God for years or are new believers, to join in praising the Lord. He highlights the goodness of God and the pleasantness of praising Him. The speaker also mentions the importance of praising God for what He has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and what He will do in the future. He urges the congregation to praise the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to lift up the name of the Lord in worship. The speaker notes that when others praise God, it draws people in and inspires them to join in praising Him as well. He encourages everyone to praise God with their whole being and to recognize that praise is beautiful.
(1 Timothy) God Became a Man
By Brian Brodersen96157:39EXO 3:14PSA 19:1MAT 6:33JHN 8:58ACT 20:28TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on verse 16 of chapter 3, which states that "great is the mystery of godliness." The speaker emphasizes that God was manifested in the flesh through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God. The speaker warns against reducing the gospel to a formula or a theological system, emphasizing the importance of introducing people to the living God, Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to fix their gaze upon Jesus and meditate on him in order to become godly and spiritual.
The Name of the Lord
By Brian Brodersen94133:32GEN 22:14EXO 3:14EXO 15:26EXO 17:15LEV 20:8JDG 6:24PSA 23:1JER 23:6EZK 48:35This sermon delves into the progressive revelation of God's name throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Each revelation of God's name signifies a different aspect of His character and provision for His people, from being the provider, healer, banner, sanctifier, peace-giver, shepherd, present help, to our righteousness. The sermon emphasizes the importance of resting on the foundation of who God is, knowing that He will become everything we need in the future.
The University of the Burning Bush
By Roger Ellsworth93332:00PreparationGEN 1:1EXO 3:1EXO 3:14MAT 19:26In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus chapter three. He introduces the series called "The Great Stories of the Bible" and expresses his excitement about exploring these stories. The sermon explores the lessons that can be learned from Moses' experience at the burning bush, including lessons about God, the people of God, and the Christ of God. The speaker emphasizes the relevance of these lessons for believers today and encourages the audience to apply them in their own lives.
Holl-03 Authentieke Conversie (True Conversion)
By Art Katz89944:21HollandEXO 3:14EXO 4:22HOS 11:1MAT 6:33MAT 10:20JHN 1:141CO 2:4In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he stood up to preach in a challenging environment. He prayed for guidance and spoke a message that was not anointed, yet something remarkable happened. The power of his personality seemed to shake the room, and one by one, Jews in the audience began to respond. The speaker reflects on the limitations of human cleverness and emphasizes the need for the Spirit of God to bring true transformation. He prays for a mighty rushing wind to burn out their lives with God's glory and make them abandoned fools for Christ's sake.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am that I am - אהיה אשר אהיה Eheyeh asher Eheyeh. These words have been variously understood. The Vulgate translates Ego Sum Qui Sum, I am who am. The Septuagint, Εγω ειμι ὁ Ων, I am he who exists. The Syriac, the Persic, and the Chaldee preserve the original words without any gloss. The Arabic paraphrases them, The Eternal, who passes not away; which is the same interpretation given by Abul Farajius, who also preserves the original words, and gives the above as their interpretation. The Targum of Jonathan, and the Jerusalem Targum paraphrase the words thus: "He who spake, and the world was; who spake, and all things existed." As the original words literally signify, I will be what I will be, some have supposed that God simply designed to inform Moses, that what he had been to his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he would be to him and the Israelites; and that he would perform the promises he had made to his fathers, by giving their descendants the promised land. It is difficult to put a meaning on the words; they seem intended to point out the eternity and self-existence of God. Plato, in his Parmenides, where he treats sublimely of the nature of God, says, Ουδ' αρα ονομα εστιν αυτῳ, nothing can express his nature; therefore no name can be attributed to him. See the conclusion of this chapter, Exo 3:22 (note) and on the word Jehovah, Exo 34:6 (note), Exo 34:7 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God said unto Moses, I am that I am,.... This signifies the real being of God, his self-existence, and that he is the Being of beings; as also it denotes his eternity and immutability, and his constancy and faithfulness in fulfilling his promises, for it includes all time, past, present, and to come; and the sense is, not only I am what I am at present, but I am what I have been, and I am what I shall be, and shall be what I am. The Platonists and Pythagoreans seem to have borrowed their from hence, which expresses with them the eternal and invariable Being; and so the Septuagint version here is : it is said (z), that the temple of Minerva at Sais, a city of Egypt, had this inscription on it,"I am all that exists, is, and shall be.''And on the temple of Apollo at Delphos was written the contraction of "I am" (a). Our Lord seems to refer to this name, Joh 8:58, and indeed is the person that now appeared; and the words may be rendered, "I shall be what I shall be" (b) the incarnate God, God manifest in the flesh: thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you; or as the Targum of Jonathan has it,"I am he that is, and that shall be.''This is the name Ehjeh, or Jehovah, Moses is empowered to make use of, and to declare, as the name of the Great God by whom he was sent; and which might serve both to encourage him, and strengthen the faith of the Israelites, that they should be delivered by him. (z) Phutarch. de Iside & Osir. (a) Plato in Timaeo. (b) "ero qui ero", Pagninus, Montanus, Fagius, Vatablus.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14 I Am Who I Am: This name speaks of a God who is self-sufficient, self-existent, all encompassing, and without limitations, the one being in the universe who is not dependent on something else for his existence.