I am That i am
Summary
The divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush, declaring God's eternal, self-existent nature.
☩The Revelation at the Bush
When Moses asked God's name to report to the Israelites, God responded with 'I AM THAT I AM' (Hebrew: Ehyeh asher ehyeh). He then said, 'Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.' This mysterious name declares God's absolute, self-derived existence—He simply IS.
☩Connection to Yahweh
The name 'I AM' is related to the covenant name Yahweh (often rendered LORD in English translations). Both derive from the Hebrew verb 'to be.' While 'I AM' emphasizes God's self-existence, Yahweh became the personal name by which Israel knew their covenant God throughout their history.
☩Jesus' Use of 'I AM'
Jesus applied the 'I AM' formula to Himself in remarkable statements: 'Before Abraham was, I AM.' The Jews understood this as a claim to deity and sought to stone Him. His seven 'I AM' statements in John (bread of life, light of the world, etc.) echo this divine self-revelation.
Related Verses1 mention
Exodus· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "I AM THAT I AM," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).