What is the meaning of Exodus 3:14?

God said to Moses

• At the burning bush the Lord speaks first, revealing that every move in redemption begins with Him (Exodus 3:4–6; Acts 7:30–32).

• His direct word gives Moses confidence, just as later prophets stand firm because “the word of the LORD came to me” (Jeremiah 1:4; Isaiah 6:8).

• The scene highlights the absolute reliability of God’s voice—“The law of the LORD is perfect” (Psalm 19:7).

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I AM WHO I AM

• God announces His self-existence: He is life’s source, needing nothing, sustaining everything (Psalm 90:2; Colossians 1:17).

• He is unchanging; the God of Abraham remains the same for Moses and for us (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

• The name assures covenant faithfulness—He forever is what His people need (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 15:26).

• Jesus later claims this very title, “before Abraham was born, I am!” identifying Himself with the eternal God (John 8:58; Revelation 1:17–18).

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This is what you are to say to the Israelites

• God supplies the exact message, so Moses speaks with divine authority, not human eloquence (Exodus 4:12; Matthew 10:19–20).

• The audience is God’s covenant people; the message fulfills promises remembered while they groan in bondage (Exodus 2:24; Genesis 15:13–14).

• Revelation is meant to be proclaimed—faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

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I AM has sent me to you

• The divine name becomes Moses’ credential; his mission stands on who God is, not who he is (Exodus 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:5–6).

• Israel’s deliverance will come from the same God who pledged Himself to the patriarchs (Exodus 6:2–8).

• The pattern of sending points forward to every servant of God, climaxing in Jesus, “sent by the Father” (John 5:36).

• To reject the One called “I AM” is fatal: “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

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summary

Exodus 3:14 reveals God’s personal name and nature. He is the self-existent, unchanging, ever-present Lord who keeps covenant and moves in history to redeem. By giving Moses this name, God supplies absolute authority for Israel’s liberation and for every later revelation, culminating in Christ, who bears the same divine identity and secures the salvation first foreshadowed at the burning bush.