Exodus 3:4
What does Exodus 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:4 means
God observed Moses's curiosity and his decision to approach the burning bush. Seeing Moses's readiness to engage, God called out to him directly from the midst of the flames, addressing him by name, "Moses, Moses." This personal address underscored the sacredness and directness of the encounter. Moses's humble response, "Here am I," signified his availability and attentiveness, marking him as ready to receive God's message. It was a clear indication that God initiates and seeks out those He calls.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Jehovah 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Jehovah 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the Lord saw him turning to one side to see, God said his name out of the tree, crying, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Jehovah seeth that he hath turned aside to see, and God calleth unto him out of the midst of the bush, and saith, `Moses, Moses;' and he saith, `Here <FI>am<Fi> I.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the Lord saw that he went forward to see, he called to him out of the midst of the bush. and said: Moses, Moses. And he answered: Here I am.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, andGod called to him out of the midst of the thorn-bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I.
Context
Building on Moses's decision to investigate the bush, this verse marks the moment of direct divine communication. God's call and Moses's response are essential to the unfolding narrative, establishing the personal relationship that will be central to the Exodus story. This direct address immediately follows Moses's choice to approach.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 62:11
God hath spoken once, Twice have I heard this, That power belongeth unto God.
- 1 Samuel 3:8
And Jehovah called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And Eli perceived that Jehovah had called the child.
- Deuteronomy 33:16
And for the precious things of the earth and the fulness thereof, And the good will of him that dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, And upon the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
- Acts 10:3
He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
- 1 Samuel 3:4
that Jehovah called Samuel: and he said, Here am I.
- Acts 9:4
and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
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