King James Version

What Does Exodus 3:2 Mean?

Exodus 3:2 in the King James Version says “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, t...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.”

Exodus 3:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

2

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

3

And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

Read Exodus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed (וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה אֵלָיו בְּלַבַּת־אֵשׁ מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה הַסְּנֶה בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ וְהַסְּנֶה אֵינֶנּוּ אֻכָּל, vayera mal'akh YHWH elav belabbat-esh mitokh hasneh vayar vehineh hasneh bo'er ba'esh vehasneh einenu ukkal)—The angel of the LORD (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, mal'akh YHWH) is often understood as a theophany—pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself (cf. v. 4 where "the LORD" speaks from the bush). Flame of fire... not consumed—the miracle arrests Moses' attention: fire that burns but doesn't destroy. This symbolizes God's presence with Israel: afflicted but not destroyed (1:12), refined but not consumed (Isaiah 43:2). The humble bush (סְנֶה, seneh, thornbush) may represent Israel—lowly, yet containing God's glory. Fire represents God's holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Theophanies often involve fire in Scripture (Genesis 15:17, Exodus 13:21, 19:18, Ezekiel 1:4). The burning bush becomes a foundational image of God's self-revelation. Later Jewish tradition associated the thornbush with Israel's suffering, and the fire that doesn't consume with God's sustaining grace. This encounter marks the shift from Moses' preparation to his commissioning.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the bush burning but not consumed illustrate God's presence with His people through affliction without being destroyed?
  2. What unexpected, humble 'bushes' might God be using to reveal His glory in your life or circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּ֗רְא1 of 16

“and he looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מַלְאַ֨ךְ2 of 16

“And the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָֹ֥ה3 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלָ֛יו4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּלַבַּת5 of 16

“unto him in a flame”

H3827

flame

בָּאֵ֔שׁ6 of 16

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

מִתּ֣וֹךְ7 of 16

“out of the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וְהַסְּנֶ֖ה8 of 16

“and behold the bush”

H5572

a bramble

וַיַּ֗רְא9 of 16

“and he looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהִנֵּ֤ה10 of 16
H2009

lo!

וְהַסְּנֶ֖ה11 of 16

“and behold the bush”

H5572

a bramble

בֹּעֵ֣ר12 of 16

“burned”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

בָּאֵ֔שׁ13 of 16

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְהַסְּנֶ֖ה14 of 16

“and behold the bush”

H5572

a bramble

אֵינֶ֥נּוּ15 of 16
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֻכָּֽל׃16 of 16

“was not consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 7:30-35Isaiah 43:2Mark 12:26Deuteronomy 33:16Luke 20:37Psalms 66:12

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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