as God Almighty
The name "God Almighty" is translated from the Hebrew "El Shaddai." This title emphasizes God's supreme power and sufficiency. It is first used in Genesis 17:1 when God establishes His covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations. The use of "El Shaddai" conveys God's ability to fulfill His promises despite human limitations. It reassures the patriarchs of God's omnipotence and faithfulness, providing them with confidence in His divine plan. This title is significant in understanding God's character and His interactions with humanity.

but by My name the LORD
The name "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," often vocalized as "Yahweh." This name is considered the personal and covenantal name of God, signifying His eternal existence and unchanging nature. While the patriarchs were aware of God's power as "El Shaddai," the revelation of "YHWH" marks a deeper understanding of His identity and relationship with Israel. This name is central to the covenant at Sinai and is associated with God's deliverance and faithfulness. It is a name that signifies intimacy and commitment, reflecting God's ongoing presence with His people.

I did not make Myself known to them
This statement indicates a progressive revelation of God's character and purposes. While the patriarchs experienced God's power and promises, the full significance of His name "YHWH" was not yet revealed to them. This revelation becomes more explicit with Moses and the Exodus, where God demonstrates His power and faithfulness in delivering Israel from Egypt. The unfolding of God's name and character throughout the biblical narrative illustrates His desire to be known by His people and to establish a covenant relationship with them. This progressive revelation is a key theme in understanding the development of God's redemptive plan.

The verse opens with God reminding Moses that He personally revealed Himself in history. This was not a vague influence but a real, tangible meeting with the patriarchs.

• Genesis 12:7; 17:1; 26:2; 46:2–4 all record moments when God showed up and spoke.

• Acts 7:2 echoes this reality, underscoring that the Lord of glory “appeared to our father Abraham.”

• These appearances establish a pattern of divine initiative: God takes the first step, ensuring His people know Him and can trust His promises.

Each patriarch experienced God’s presence in ways suited to his moment of need, yet all three were bound by the same covenant thread.

• Abraham—Genesis 15:1–6; 17:1–8: visions, covenant promises, and a name change.

• Isaac—Genesis 26:24: reassurance in a season of conflict and famine.

• Jacob—Genesis 28:10–15; 35:9–12: comfort in exile and confirmation of the covenant line.

These encounters reveal God’s faithfulness across generations (Psalm 105:8–10), forming the backdrop for the Exodus.

The title highlights God’s unstoppable power.

• Genesis 17:1: “I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.”

• Genesis 35:11: “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply.”

• Genesis 48:3–4: Jacob reminds Joseph that “God Almighty appeared to me … and said, ‘I will give you this land.’”

By introducing Himself this way, God underscored His ability to protect, provide, and fulfill promises—even when circumstances looked impossible (Romans 4:18–21).

The small-caps LORD marks the covenant name revealed in Exodus 3:14–15.

• The patriarchs certainly used the name (Genesis 15:2; 24:12), yet here God signals a deeper unveiling of what the name means.

• The coming plagues, Passover, and Red Sea deliverance would display the LORD as Israel’s Redeemer, not only their Creator (Exodus 7:5; 9:16).

• Psalm 106:8 later reflects, “He saved them for the sake of His name, to make His power known.”

This statement contrasts degrees of revelation, not absence of information.

• The patriarchs trusted promises; Israel would now witness performance.

• They knew God could do anything; Israel would see Him overthrow an empire (Exodus 6:6–7).

• Revelation progresses: what began as personal assurances blossoms into national redemption and a formal covenant at Sinai (Deuteronomy 4:32–35).

Exodus 6:3 links past, present, and future. The God who truly appeared to the patriarchs as the all-powerful Protector now discloses the fuller weight of His covenant name through mighty acts of rescue. He is the same unchanging LORD, moving from promise to fulfillment so His people—and the watching world—may know Him in ever-richer ways.