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    God's Self-Revelation

    Exodus 3:13 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?"
    — Exodus 3:13 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Moses asks the question that sets up the greatest self-disclosure in the Old Testament. Knowing God's name was no trivial matter — in the ancient world, a name carried authority and character. Moses needs to know who is sending him before he can speak for Him.

    Historical Context

    In Egyptian religion, every god had a personal name tied to specific powers. To send Moses without a divine name would have made his message indistinguishable from any other claim. Moses is not doubting; he is asking the practical question of any messenger sent on a mission.

    Original Language Insights

    'What is his name?' (mah shemo) — literally, 'what is his name?' but in Hebrew thought 'name' (shem) carries the weight of character and authority, not just a label.

    'Sent me' (shelachani) — same root used of prophets and apostles. Moses must speak with delegated authority.

    Theological Significance

    This question is the doorway to verse 14's 'I AM THAT I AM.' Without Moses' honest question, the most profound revelation of God's self-existent nature would not have been recorded. Honest questions to God are often the path to deeper revelation.

    Practical Application

    When God calls you, it is right to ask Him for clarity. Moses does not refuse the mission; he asks how to represent the Sender faithfully. Imitate his pattern: obey the call, but seek to know the One sending you more deeply.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Exodus 3:14

    "I AM THAT I AM."

    God's answer to Moses' question — the foundational name of the covenant God.

    John 8:58

    "Before Abraham was, I am."

    Jesus claims the same divine name for Himself.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, teach me Your name — Your character — that I may represent You faithfully. Like Moses, I ask not from doubt but from a desire to honor You rightly. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Was Moses doubting God?

    No. He was preparing to face a skeptical audience and needed credentials. Asking 'who sent you?' was a normal challenge to any messenger in the ancient world.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Exodus 3 verse by verse:

    Before · Exodus 3:5Exact verse

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

    Theme: Holiness of God

    Before · Exodus 3:6Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: God's Self-Revelation

    Before · Exodus 3:12Exact verse

    And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

    Theme: God's Presence & Calling

    After · Exodus 3:14Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: God's Nature

    Nearest commentary in Exodus

    Later · 1 ch forward · Exodus 4:11Nearest chapter

    And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

    Theme: God's Sovereignty in Design

    Later · 1 ch forward · Exodus 4:12Nearest chapter

    Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

    Theme: God Equips the Called

    Read Exodus 2No commentary yet
    Read Exodus 3 (full)Nearest commentary: Exodus 3:12
    Read Exodus 4Commentary: Exodus 4:12
    Previous commentary: Exodus 3:12Next commentary: Exodus 3:14

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    Exodus 3:14 Commentary

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    Exodus 3:5 Commentary

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Was the Burning Bush?

    The burning bush was the miraculous sign through which God appeared to Moses on Mount Horeb, calling him to deliver Israel from Egypt and revealing His name as I AM.

    Read answer

    What Does Jehovah Mean?

    Jehovah is an English rendering of the Hebrew personal name of God (YHWH) — the self-existent 'I AM' revealed to Moses.

    Read answer

    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.

    Read answer

    Who Was Moses?

    Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.

    Read answer

    What Was the Exodus?

    The Exodus was God's miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, marked by the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.

    Read answer

    What is the Exodus?

    The Exodus is the foundational event in which God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, including the ten plagues, Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Exodus 3:14 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Exodus 14:14 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

    Exodus 15:2 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Burning Bush

    God appears to Moses in a bush that burns yet is not consumed, calling him to deliver Israel.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Parting of the Red Sea

    Moses stretches out his hand and the Lord divides the sea so Israel walks across on dry ground.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Moses' Rod Becomes a Serpent

    The Lord turns Moses' shepherd's staff into a serpent and back again as a sign of His power.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    Old Testament

    The Bitter Waters of Marah Sweetened

    Moses casts a tree into the bitter waters of Marah and they are made sweet for Israel to drink.

    Read the miracle

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