What Is the Burning Bush?
What Is the Burning Bush? The burning bush was the miraculous sight through which God called Moses from the midst of a flame that did not consume the bush.
Key verse: Exodus 3:2 (KJV)
The burning bush was the miraculous sight through which God called Moses from the midst of a flame that did not consume the bush.
The burning bush was the miraculous sight through which God called Moses from the midst of a flame that did not consume the bush.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
While tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law at the backside of the desert near Horeb, Moses saw a bush burning with fire but not consumed. When he turned aside to look, God called to him from the bush: 'Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.' God instructed Moses to remove his shoes, for the ground was holy. Then the LORD revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and commissioned Moses to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. When Moses asked God's name, the answer came: 'I AM THAT I AM.' The burning bush was a theophany — a visible manifestation of God's presence — and the moment Israel's deliverance began. The unburned bush symbolized Israel suffering in Egypt's furnace but preserved by God's covenant faithfulness. For Moses, it was the turning point that launched the Exodus.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Manna?
Manna was the miraculous bread from heaven that God provided to sustain Israel during their forty years in the wilderness.
What Is the Parting of the Red Sea?
The parting of the Red Sea was God's miraculous rescue of Israel from Pharaoh's army, dividing the waters so His people could cross on dry ground.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Miracles & Supernatural
The Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1–4:17 • calling
Moses' Call at the Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1-4:17 • Exodus & Wilderness
The Angel of the LORD
The Angel of the LORD speaks as God, receives worship, and is widely understood
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Exodus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Exodus on day 24 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Burning Bush?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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