Exodus 3:6
What does Exodus 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 3:6 means
God further revealed His identity to Moses, declaring Himself as "the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." This profound declaration connected present revelation with the historical covenant God made with the patriarchs, assuring Moses of God's faithfulness to His promises. Moses, overwhelmed by the divine presence and the weight of this revelation, hid his face in fear, recognizing the awesome glory of God. This moment solidified God's identity as the covenant-keeping God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Moreover 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Moreover 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he said, I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses kept his face covered for fear of looking on God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He saith also, `I <FI>am<Fi> the God of thy father, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob;' and Moses hideth his face, for he is afraid to look towards God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said: I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Moses hid his face: for he durst not look at God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he said, I am theGod of thy father, theGod of Abraham, theGod of Isaac, and theGod of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look atGod.
Context
Following the instruction to remove his sandals, this verse provides a crucial revelation of God's identity. By connecting Himself to the patriarchs, God establishes continuity with Israel's history, giving Moses assurance and context for the task ahead. Moses's fearful reaction highlights the solemnity of encountering the living God.
v.5And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
v.6This passage
v.7And Jehovah said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people that are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 42:5
I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; But now mine eye seeth thee:
- Psalms 106:44
Nevertheless he regarded their distress, When he heard their cry:
- Esther 3:4
Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
- Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
- Nehemiah 9:9
And thou sawest the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red Sea,
- Jeremiah 32:38
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Name of God
Discover the significance and power of God’s name, revealing His character, presence, and authority in scripture.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
What the Bible says about…