Exodus 3:6
Exodus 3:6 in Multiple Translations
Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
And he said, I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses kept his face covered for fear of looking on God.
Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Moreouer he saide, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Izhak, and the God of Iaakob. Then Moses hid his face: for he was afraid to looke vpon God.
He saith also, 'I [am] the God of thy father, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob;' and Moses hideth his face, for he is afraid to look towards God.
Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face: for he was afraid to look upon God.
And he said: I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Moses hid his face: for he durst not look at God.
Then he said, “I am God, whom your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worshiped.” So Moses/I covered his/my face, because he/I was afraid that God would kill him/me if he/I looked at him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 3:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
אָנֹכִי֙
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
אָבִ֔י/ךָ
אֱלֹהֵ֧י
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
יִצְחָ֖ק
וֵ/אלֹהֵ֣י
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וַ/יַּסְתֵּ֤ר
מֹשֶׁה֙
פָּנָ֔י/ו
כִּ֣י
יָרֵ֔א
מֵ/הַבִּ֖יט
אֶל
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אָבִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אֱלֹהֵ֧י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִצְחָ֖ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
וֵ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וַ/יַּסְתֵּ֤ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָרֵ֔א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֵ/הַבִּ֖יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 3:6
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָנֹכִי֙
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָבִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אֱלֹהֵ֧י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַבְרָהָ֛ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִצְחָ֖ק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
וֵ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וַ/יַּסְתֵּ֤ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
פָּנָ֔י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָרֵ֔א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/הַבִּ֖יט
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
- Sermons on Exodus 3:6
Context — Moses at the Burning Bush
4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
5“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
6Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. 8I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 20:37 | Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ |
| 2 | Matthew 22:32 | ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” |
| 3 | Exodus 4:5 | “This is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.” |
| 4 | Mark 12:26 | But concerning the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the Book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? |
| 5 | Acts 7:32 | ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. |
| 6 | Genesis 28:13 | And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. |
| 7 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 8 | 1 Kings 18:36 | At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. |
| 9 | Isaiah 6:1–5 | In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 32:38 | They will be My people, and I will be their God. |
Exodus 3:6 Summary
In this verse, God introduces Himself to Moses as the God of his ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reminds Moses of the special promises and covenant that God made with his family. When Moses hears this, he becomes afraid and hides his face, because he knows that God is holy and powerful. This shows us that God is a personal and relational God who cares about our families and our heritage, just as He cared for Moses and the Israelites (see Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalm 103:17).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God identify Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
God identified Himself in this way to establish a connection with Moses' heritage and to remind him of the covenant promises made to his ancestors, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-8.
Why was Moses afraid to look at God?
Moses was afraid to look at God because he was in the presence of a holy and powerful God, and he recognized his own sinfulness and unworthiness, much like Isaiah's reaction in Isaiah 6:1-5.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am the God of your father'?
God's statement emphasizes His personal and ongoing relationship with Moses' family and the nation of Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness and commitment to His people, as promised in Exodus 2:24 and Deuteronomy 7:9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's storyline?
This verse sets the stage for God's redemption of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, which is a precursor to the greater redemption story of Jesus Christ, as seen in Luke 4:18 and Acts 3:13.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to be the God of my family, and how does that impact my life and relationships?
- How can I, like Moses, cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holiness and power?
- In what ways can I trust in God's faithfulness and commitment to me, just as He was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
- How does this verse encourage me to seek a deeper understanding of my spiritual heritage and the covenant promises of God?
- What are some ways I can respond to God's presence in my life, just as Moses responded with fear and humility?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy fathers,.... Of every one of his fathers next mentioned: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; with whom the covenant respecting the land
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. I am the God of thy father.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
The God of thy fathers, engaged to them by covenant or promise, which I am now come to perform. He was afraid to look upon God, as other excellent servants of God have been, through the sense of their own meanness and sinfulness, and of God’ s majesty and holiness. See 17:3 ,5, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.Ver. 6. Hid his face.] So did the seraphims, with a double scarf, as it were. Let a man but see God, and his plumes will soon fall. For he was afraid.] Yea, he "trembled, and durst not behold." This was his first meeting with God: when better acquainted, he grew more bold.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
(6) The God of thy father.—It is generally agreed that “father” is put collectively here for “forefathers.” (Comp. Genesis 31:42.) Hence St. Stephen, quoting the passage, renders it, “I am the God of thy fathers” (Acts 7:32). The God of Abraham.—Primarily, no doubt, the meaning was, the God who was worshipped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; but the form of the expression, “the God of Abraham,” &c., indicated the continued existence of the patriarchs after death, since He can only be the God of existent, and not of nonexistent things. (See Matthew 22:32.) Moses hid his face, with the same feeling which made Jacob exclaim, “How dreadful is this place” (Genesis 28:17). Though nothing was to be seen but an appearance as of material fire, the knowledge that God was there rendered the fire awful.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
Verse 6. I am the God of thy father] Though the word אבי abi, father, is here used in the singular, St Stephen, quoting this place, Acts 7:32, uses the plural, ὉΘεοςτωνπατερωνσου, The God of thy FATHERS; and that this is the meaning the following words prove: The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. These were the fathers of Moses in a direct line. This reading is confirmed by the Samaritan and by the Coptic. ABRAHAM was the father of the Ishmaelites, and with him was the covenant first made. ISAAC was the father of the Edomites as well as the Israelites, and with him was the covenant renewed. JACOB was the father of the twelve patriarchs, who were founders of the Jewish nation, and to him were the promises particularly confirmed. Hence we see that the Arabs and Turks in general, who are descendants of Ishmael; the Edomites, now absorbed among the Jews, (See Clarke on Genesis 25:23,) who are the descendants of Esau; and the Jewish people, wheresoever scattered, who are the descendants of Jacob, are all heirs of the promises included in this primitive covenant; and their gathering in with the fulness of the Gentiles may be confidently expected. And Moses hid his face] For similar acts, see 1Kg 19:13; Isaiah 6:1, Isaiah 6:5; Ne 9:9; Psalms 106:44; Acts 7:34. He was afraid to look - he was overawed by God's presence, and dazzled with the splendour of the appearance.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:6
6–10. God declares His purpose of delivering His people.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 3:6
Our Saviour adduces this passage as a proof that the doctrine of the Resurrection was taught in the Old Testament Matthew 22:32, and He calls this book “the Book of Moses” Mark 12:26, two points to
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 3:6
6. The God of thy father — Whose name thy father and mother taught thee; and the God of their fathers — of the sacred patriarchal line — who remembers his covenant with them.
Sermons on Exodus 3:6
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Part 5, Thur (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1993) by Eric J. Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three exhortations found in Hebrews 12:1-2. The first exhortation is to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles u |
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The Wisdom of the King by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors. He explains that the Ten Commandments were given by God to regulate the lives of the |
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Jesus Answers Two Trick Questions Mark 12:13-27 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees and Sadducees, highlighting how Jesus navigated tricky questions about paying taxes to the Roman government and |
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Three Significant Men by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the significance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as pivotal figures in God's plan for His people. He emphasizes that God identifies Himself with these three men |
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The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves Mutually Connected. -Nature of the Connection by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the importance of true wisdom, which consists of the knowledge of God and of ourselves, emphasizing how the two are interconnected. He explains how the k |
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Experiencing God 2 by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch challenges the common notion of 'experiencing God' as being man-centered, emphasizing that true encounters with God in the Bible left individuals broken, humbled, and w |
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Wondering Worship by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the concept of 'wonder' as the third stage of true worship, emphasizing that it transcends understanding and leads to a delightful astonishment in the presence |