King James Version

What Does Exodus 3:6 Mean?

Exodus 3:6 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 3:6 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

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.

7

And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Read Exodus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (וַיֹּאמֶר אָנֹכִי אֱלֹהֵי אָבִיךָ אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב וַיַּסְתֵּר מֹשֶׁה פָּנָיו כִּי יָרֵא מֵהַבִּיט אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים, vayomer anokhi Elohei avikha Elohei Avraham Elohei Yitschak vElohei Ya'akov vayaster Mosheh panav ki yare mehabit el-ha'Elohim)—I am the God of thy father—God identifies Himself through covenant relationship. The threefold repetition God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob emphasizes covenant continuity (cf. Matthew 22:32). Jesus uses this verse to prove the resurrection—the living God is God of the living. Moses hid his face (וַיַּסְתֵּר פָּנָיו)—reverential fear replaces curiosity. Afraid to look upon God acknowledges the ancient belief that seeing God meant death (Exodus 33:20, Judges 6:22-23). Moses' fear demonstrates proper response to theophany—awe, reverence, and holy fear.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's self-identification through the patriarchs anchors Moses' call in redemptive history. The covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17), reiterated to Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15), are now being fulfilled through Moses. This continuity shows God's faithfulness across generations and prepares Moses to lead Israel in covenant relationship with YHWH.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's self-revelation as 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' assure you of His faithfulness to covenant promises?
  2. What does Moses' hiding his face teach about the balance between intimate relationship with God and reverent fear of His holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 18

“Moreover he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִי֙2 of 18
H595

i

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃3 of 18

“I am the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אָבִ֔יךָ4 of 18

“of thy father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃5 of 18

“I am the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַבְרָהָ֛ם6 of 18

“of Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃7 of 18

“I am the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִצְחָ֖ק8 of 18

“of Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃9 of 18

“I am the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב10 of 18

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וַיַּסְתֵּ֤ר11 of 18

“hid”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

מֹשֶׁה֙12 of 18

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

פָּנָ֔יו13 of 18

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֣י14 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרֵ֔א15 of 18

“for he was afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵֽהַבִּ֖יט16 of 18

“to look”

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃18 of 18

“I am the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:37Matthew 22:32Exodus 4:5Genesis 28:13Mark 12:26Acts 7:32

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