King James Version

What Does Exodus 17:15 Mean?

Exodus 17:15 in the King James Version says “And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Jehovahnissi: that is, The LORD my banner” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Jehovahnissi: that is, The LORD my banner”

Exodus 17:15 · KJV

Context

13

And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: Jehovahnissi: that is, The LORD my banner

16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Because: or, Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne of the LORD, therefore, etc the LORD hath: Heb. the hand upon the throne of the LORD

Read Exodus 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi—Moses' altar commemorates victory through worship. The name יְהוָה נִסִּי (YHWH-Nissi, 'The LORD is my banner') proclaims that God Himself is Israel's standard/ensign under which they fought. Ancient armies rallied around visible banners; Israel rallies around invisible YHWH. The altar's name teaches that worship recognizes God as source of victory. This anticipates Christ lifted up on the cross becoming the banner drawing all nations (John 12:32, Isa 11:10). The altar at Rephidim—place of thirst and warfare—shows that locations of testing become sites of worship when faith triumphs. Moses' immediate response of building an altar models giving God glory before proceeding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This altar likely served for thank offerings. Its name entered Israel's theological vocabulary as declaration that YHWH goes before His people as their rallying point in battle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God being our 'banner' differ from human military standards or national flags?
  2. What does building an altar at the place of testing teach about transforming trials into worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּ֥בֶן1 of 7

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

מֹשֶׁ֖ה2 of 7

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מִזְבֵּ֑חַ3 of 7

“an altar”

H4196

an altar

וַיִּקְרָ֥א4 of 7

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ5 of 7

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֥ה׀6 of 7
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נִסִּֽי׃7 of 7
H5251

a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 17:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 22:14Judges 6:24Psalms 60:4Genesis 33:20

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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