The Book of Exodus stands as one of the most profound and foundational texts in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It narrates the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, the formation of their unique covenant with God, and the establishment of their identity as a chosen people.
Amidst these pivotal events, one of the most significant moments is when God reveals His name to Moses. This divine revelation is not merely about identity but carries deep theological and spiritual implications.
It shapes how God is understood and worshipped throughout the Bible and beyond. Many readers and scholars alike are captivated by the question: Where in Exodus does God say His name?
This moment is not just a passing detail but a cornerstone of biblical revelation, symbolizing God’s eternal nature and His relationship with His people. It emphasizes the sacredness of divine identity, one that transcends human understanding and time.
Exploring where and how God reveals His name in Exodus unveils layers of meaning, ancient context, and the heart of the biblical narrative itself.
The Context of God’s Name Revelation in Exodus
Before we identify the specific passage where God declares His name, it’s important to understand the context in which this revelation occurs. The setting is the burning bush encounter, a pivotal moment in the story of Moses and the liberation of the Israelites.
Moses, a shepherd in Midian, encounters a bush that burns but is not consumed. This supernatural sight captures his attention and becomes the platform for God’s revelation.
God calls Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, and it is here that Moses seeks to understand who exactly is sending him.
This encounter is rich in symbolism and significance. It marks the beginning of Moses’ divine mission and offers a glimpse into the nature of God’s presence and authority.
“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.'” (Exodus 3:4, NIV)
Why the Burning Bush?
The burning bush symbolizes God’s power and holiness. It is a visual paradox—fire typically consumes, but here it preserves, illustrating God’s sustaining presence.
This scene sets the tone for the revelation of God’s name, emphasizing that God is both transcendent and immanent.
Understanding this context helps us appreciate the gravity of the name revelation that follows. God is not just introducing Himself; He is revealing His eternal character and essence to Moses in a moment charged with divine presence.
The Exact Passage: Exodus 3:13-15
The clearest instance where God reveals His name to Moses is found in Exodus 3:13-15. This passage is often cited as the moment God declares His sacred name, which has profound theological weight.
Here, Moses asks God what name he should use when the Israelites ask who sent him. God’s response is striking and unique.
| Verse | Text (NIV) |
| Exodus 3:13 | “Moses said to 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?’ Then what shall I tell them?'” |
| Exodus 3:14 | “God 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.'” |
| Exodus 3:15 | “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.'” |
This passage reveals the name “I AM WHO I AM”, from which the divine name YHWH (often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah) is derived. It signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature.
“I AM WHO I AM… This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:14-15)
Meaning of “I AM WHO I AM”
This name expresses God’s existence as eternal and unchanging. Unlike human beings, whose names and identities evolve, God declares Himself as the constant, the self-sufficient one.
It is a statement of profound philosophical and spiritual depth, affirming that God is the ultimate reality.
This revelation also marks a departure from the pagan gods of the ancient Near East, who were often tied to specific places or phenomena. Instead, God’s name conveys a timeless, universal presence.
The Significance of the Divine Name YHWH
The divine name YHWH, represented by the four Hebrew letters יהוה, is central to the identity of God in the Old Testament. This tetragrammaton is closely linked to the declaration in Exodus 3.
YHWH is often translated as “The Lord” in many English Bible versions, but its original meaning connects deeply to the idea of being and existence. It is considered so sacred that ancient Jewish tradition refrains from pronouncing it aloud, substituting it with titles like Adonai.
- YHWH symbolizes God’s eternal presence and faithfulness.
- It emphasizes God’s self-existence, contrasting with created beings.
- The name reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
The revelation of YHWH in Exodus is foundational because it informs how God interacts with His people. It is a name that demands reverence and trust, a divine identity that is both powerful and personal.
The Name in Later Biblical Usage
Throughout the Bible, the name YHWH appears thousands of times, underscoring its importance. It is used to emphasize God’s role as creator, redeemer, and judge.
The name carries with it the promises and character of God, such as mercy, justice, and holiness.
This understanding helps us grasp why the name revelation in Exodus is more than a simple introduction—it is a declaration of who God is for all generations.
God’s Name in Relation to His Promises
In Exodus, God’s revelation of His name is closely tied to His promises to the patriarchs and the people of Israel. The name YHWH is not just about identity but also about covenant and faithfulness.
When God says He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He connects His eternal name to the promises made to these ancestors. This reassures Moses and the Israelites that the God who calls them is the same God who has been faithful through generations.
God’s name becomes a symbol of hope and assurance amid the trials of slavery and oppression.
- It affirms God’s commitment to deliverance and protection.
- It establishes continuity between past, present, and future.
- It invites the people to trust in God’s unchanging nature.
“The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:15)
Theological Implications of God’s Name Revelation
The declaration of God’s name in Exodus carries profound theological implications. It reveals essential truths about God’s nature that shape the entire biblical worldview.
First, the name communicates God’s self-existence and independence. God is not contingent on anything else; He simply is.
This idea forms the foundation for understanding God as eternal and sovereign.
Second, the name implies God’s presence with His people. The phrase “I AM” signifies that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people, not distant or detached.
Third, it lays the groundwork for the concept of covenant. God’s name is tied to His promises and His relationship with Israel, making it a symbol of divine faithfulness and love.
Summary of Theological Themes
| Theme | Description |
| Eternality | God exists beyond time, uncreated and infinite. |
| Immanence | God is present and active in the world and human affairs. |
| Covenant | God’s name guarantees His promises and relationship with His people. |
The Role of God’s Name in Israel’s Identity
God’s name is foundational to Israel’s sense of identity and mission. When God reveals His name to Moses, He is also defining who Israel is called to be in the world.
The name YHWH becomes a rallying point for the people, a source of strength and unity. It distinguishes Israel from other nations, emphasizing their unique relationship with the one true God.
This divine name shapes Israel’s worship, law, and community life. It is invoked in prayers, sacrifices, and daily living.
- It fosters a communal sense of belonging under God’s authority.
- It guides Israel’s moral and ethical conduct.
- It inspires hope for deliverance and restoration.
Understanding the significance of God’s name in Exodus helps us see how deeply it is woven into the fabric of Israel’s story and their identity as a people chosen to reflect God’s glory.
Comparing God’s Name in Exodus with Other Ancient Near Eastern Names
The revelation of God’s name in Exodus stands in stark contrast to the names of deities in surrounding ancient cultures. This comparison highlights the unique nature of the God of Israel.
| Cultural Context | Name Characteristics | Meaning/Implication |
| Egyptian Gods | Often linked to nature or specific domains (e.g., Ra – sun god) | Localized power, tied to physical phenomena |
| Mesopotamian Deities | Names related to cosmic functions or kingship | Power derived from control over elements or cities |
| YHWH (Israel) | I AM WHO I AM – self-existent, eternal | Universal sovereignty, eternal presence, unchanging nature |
Unlike gods limited to specific powers or places, YHWH’s name reveals a being whose existence is not contingent but eternal. This distinction reinforces the biblical claim of God’s uniqueness and supremacy.
God’s Name and Its Influence on Later Religious Thought
The declaration of God’s name in Exodus has influenced not only Jewish faith but also Christian and Islamic traditions. Each tradition interprets and reveres the name in ways that shape theology and worship.
In Judaism, the sacredness of the name YHWH leads to careful observance of pronunciation rules and the use of substitute titles like Adonai. It symbolizes God’s holiness and unapproachable majesty.
Christianity connects the “I AM” statement with Jesus Christ, who in the New Testament uses this phrase to affirm His divinity. This link deepens the understanding of God’s eternal nature and presence.
In Islam, while the name YHWH is not used directly, the concept of God’s eternal self-existence and oneness parallels the attributes revealed in Exodus.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'” (John 8:58, NIV)
These reflections show how the name revealed in Exodus transcends its original context, continuing to inspire faith and devotion across cultures and centuries.
For those interested in exploring more about biblical names and their meanings, resources such as fellowship names for bible study groups can provide enriching insights into how names shape spiritual identity.
A Deeper Look at the Mystery and Power of God’s Name
The name God reveals to Moses in Exodus is more than a label; it is a profound mystery imbued with power. It invites believers to contemplate the nature of divine existence and presence.
God’s name carries the weight of all His attributes—holiness, justice, mercy, and love. It beckons us to recognize that God is both transcendent and intimately involved in human history.
In the ancient biblical world, names held authority and essence. By revealing His name as I AM WHO I AM, God discloses that He is the ultimate source of life and reality, beyond human comprehension yet accessible through relationship.
- The name is a call to faith and trust in God’s eternal presence.
- It challenges us to understand God as unchanging amidst a changing world.
- It encourages reverence for the sacredness of divine identity.
Embracing this name leads us to a deeper appreciation of God’s character and the ongoing story of His interaction with humanity.
For a creative and engaging way to explore the power of names in communities, you might enjoy browsing creative family team names or fellowship names for bible study groups, which reflect how names unite and inspire groups today.
How the Revelation of God’s Name Shapes Our Understanding of Faith Today
Today, the revelation of God’s name in Exodus continues to shape how believers relate to God personally and communally. It expresses the idea that God is not a distant deity but one who is present and involved.
When we say the name YHWH, even if silently or symbolically, we acknowledge God’s eternal nature and His faithfulness to His promises. This brings comfort and hope amid life’s uncertainties.
Moreover, the name reminds us of the depth of God’s mystery. We are invited to worship with humility, recognizing that God’s essence is beyond full human grasp but always near to those who seek Him.
This revelation also encourages us to live in covenantal faithfulness, mirroring the trust and obedience God desires from His people.
“To know the name of God means to stand in a covenant relationship with Him, experiencing His presence and promises.” – Theological Reflection
Understanding this can transform how we approach prayer, worship, and community life, grounding us in the eternal truth first revealed at a burning bush long ago.
As you explore the importance of names and their meanings, consider also the power of names in other areas of life, such as empowering team names for women or family team names, which illustrate the ongoing significance of names in shaping identity and purpose.
Conclusion
The revelation of God’s name in Exodus is a pivotal moment that transcends its immediate historical and narrative context. When God declares to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” He unveils an eternal, self-existent, and sovereign nature that defines His relationship with humanity.
This name, YHWH, is more than a title; it is a declaration of God’s unchanging character, presence, and faithfulness across generations.
Understanding where in Exodus God says His name opens up a deeper appreciation for the theological richness of the text and its enduring influence on faith traditions worldwide. It invites believers into a covenantal relationship, grounded in trust and reverence for the divine mystery.
This revelation continues to challenge, inspire, and transform how we perceive God and our place within His story.
Engaging with this profound moment encourages us to reflect on the power of names in all areas of life, from spiritual identity to community belonging. Whether exploring family team names or diving into biblical study, the significance of God’s name in Exodus reminds us of the enduring impact that a name can hold.
