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What is the Meaning of “I AM WHO I AM” in Exodus? – Viral Believer
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What is the Meaning of “I AM WHO I AM” in Exodus?

Introduction

The book of Exodus, a cornerstone of the Old Testament, is a powerful narrative that recounts the journey of the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land.

One of the most profound moments in this story is God’s self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush, where He introduces Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” This enigmatic statement, found in Exodus 3:14, has been a subject of much debate and interpretation throughout the centuries.

In this blog post, we will explore the deeper meaning of “I AM WHO I AM” and its significance in the context of Exodus and the broader Christian faith.

To understand the meaning of this phrase, it’s important to look at the biblical context and the original Hebrew language it was written in. In doing so, we can begin to grasp the magnitude of God’s self-revelation and the impact it had on Moses and the Israelites.

By examining this phrase, we will uncover key insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people.

Key Takeaways:

  1. “I AM WHO I AM” is God’s self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14.
  2. The original Hebrew phrase is “Ehyeh asher ehyeh.”
  3. This statement reveals God’s eternal nature and His ongoing presence in the lives of His people.
  4. “I AM WHO I AM” emphasizes God’s self-sufficiency and His unchanging nature.
  5. The phrase also carries implications for God’s covenant relationship with the Israelites.

The Context: Moses and the Burning Bush

The story of the burning bush is a pivotal moment in Moses’ life and the history of the Israelites. Moses, a Hebrew raised as an Egyptian prince, had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was abusing a Hebrew slave.

While tending to the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, in the wilderness, Moses encounters a bush that is burning but not consumed.

As Moses approaches the bush, God calls to him and reveals Himself, commissioning Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When Moses asks for God’s name to tell the Israelites, God responds with the enigmatic phrase, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14, NKJV).

This self-revelation from God carries deep significance and lays the foundation for Moses’ mission.

The Original Hebrew: “Ehyeh asher ehyeh”

The phrase “I AM WHO I AM” is a translation of the Hebrew “Ehyeh asher ehyeh.” Understanding the original Hebrew provides insight into the meaning behind this phrase. “Ehyeh” is a form of the Hebrew verb “to be,” which conveys existence or being.

The phrase “asher ehyeh” is more difficult to translate, as “asher” can mean “who,” “which,” “that,” or “where,” depending on the context.

In this case, the phrase is often translated as “I AM WHO I AM,” “I AM THAT I AM,” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” Each translation carries nuances that emphasize different aspects of God’s nature.

Revealing God’s Eternal Nature

One of the primary implications of “I AM WHO I AM” is that it reveals God’s eternal nature. By stating that He simply “is,” God emphasizes His self-existence, independence, and unchanging character. He is not defined or limited by time, space, or any external factors.

The eternal nature of God is further underscored by the fact that the Hebrew verb “to be” can be translated in both the present and future tense, as seen in the alternative translation “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.”

This suggests that God’s eternal existence extends both into the past and the future, reinforcing the idea that He is constant and unchanging.

God’s eternal nature provides a source of comfort and assurance for the Israelites, who were living in a world filled with change and uncertainty.

As they embarked on their journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, they could trust in the unchanging nature of the God who called them.

God’s Presence in the Lives of His People

Another important aspect of the meaning of “I AM WHO I AM” is its implication of God’s ongoing presence in the lives of His people.

When God reveals Himself to Moses, He assures him that He has seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and that He will be with them throughout their journey to the Promised Land (Exodus 3:7-12, NKJV).

This promise of God’s presence is also evident in the name “I AM,” which suggests that God is not a distant, impersonal force but rather an active, involved participant in the lives of His people.

This is an essential element of the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, as they are called to trust in His guidance and provision throughout their journey.

Emphasizing God’s Self-Sufficiency

“I AM WHO I AM” also highlights God’s self-sufficiency and independence from His creation. By declaring Himself as simply “I AM,” God emphasizes that He is not reliant on anything or anyone else for His existence or identity.

This sets Him apart from the many gods of the ancient Near East, who were often associated with and dependent on natural elements or specific aspects of life.

This understanding of God’s self-sufficiency would have been particularly significant for the Israelites as they left behind the polytheistic religious practices of Egypt.

Instead, they were called to trust in the one true God, who was fully capable of providing for their needs and guiding them into the Promised Land.

Implications for the Covenant Relationship

Finally, “I AM WHO I AM” carries important implications for God’s covenant relationship with the Israelites.

In the verses following God’s self-revelation, He reminds Moses of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and reiterates His promise to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land (Exodus 3:15-17, NKJV).

By revealing Himself as “I AM,” God establishes a new dimension to this covenant relationship. He is not only the God of their ancestors but also the ever-present, eternal God who will continue to be with them in their journey.

This revelation of God’s name and nature creates a foundation of trust and dependence that undergirds the Israelites’ relationship with God throughout the Exodus narrative.

Conclusion

The phrase “I AM WHO I AM” is a profound and multi-layered statement of God’s self-revelation in the book of Exodus. It reveals God’s eternal nature, His ongoing presence in the lives of His people, His self-sufficiency, and the implications for His covenant relationship with the Israelites.

Understanding the meaning behind this enigmatic phrase provides important insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people.

As we reflect on the meaning of “I AM WHO I AM,” we can find comfort and encouragement in the knowledge that the eternal, self-sufficient, and ever-present God is also the God who seeks a relationship with us.

Just as He was with the Israelites in their journey out of Egypt, He is with us in our own journeys of faith, offering His guidance, provision, and constant presence.

May we, like Moses and the Israelites, learn to trust in the “I AM WHO I AM” and embrace the profound truth that He is with us every step of the way.

In a world that is constantly changing and often filled with uncertainty, the revelation of God as “I AM WHO I AM” provides a firm foundation for our faith.

It reminds us that no matter what challenges or difficulties we may face, the eternal, unchanging God is by our side, offering His strength, guidance, and love.

As we grow in our understanding of this powerful statement, may our relationship with God deepen, and our trust in His unchanging character strengthen.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.