Exodus 3:3

KJV

And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, I will now turn aside {H5493}, and see {H7200} this great {H1419} sight {H4758}, why {H4069} the bush {H5572} is not burnt {H1197}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "I'm going to go over and see this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn't being burned up."

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?”

American Standard Version

And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:3 captures Moses's pivotal moment of decision and intentionality as he observes the miraculous phenomenon of a bush burning without being consumed. This verse marks Moses's immediate, inquisitive response to a divine manifestation, setting the stage for his direct encounter with God and initiating the prophetic call that would profoundly shape biblical history and the destiny of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of the narrative of Moses's divine calling, following forty years of obscurity as a shepherd in Midian. [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Moses at Horeb, the Mountain of God") establishes the setting: Moses leading his flock to Horeb, "the mountain of God." Immediately preceding [Exodus 3:3](/exodus/3-3 "Moses turns aside to see the burning bush"), [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Angel of the LORD in the Burning Bush") describes the appearance of "the angel of the LORD" in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses's statement in verse 3 is his direct, human reaction to this extraordinary sight, demonstrating his attentiveness and curiosity before God speaks to him directly from the bush in the subsequent verses, beginning with [Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "God Calls to Moses from the Bush"). This moment is the critical turning point from Moses's pastoral life to his prophetic destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After fleeing Egypt (recounted in [Exodus 2:11-15](/exodus/2-11-15 "Moses Kills an Egyptian and Flees")), Moses had spent four decades in Midian, a region east of the Gulf of Aqaba, marrying Zipporah and tending the flocks of his father-in-law, Jethro. This long period of exile and humble shepherding likely served as a divine preparation, stripping away his Egyptian identity and fostering a dependence on God. The location, Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai), was already considered a sacred place, later becoming the site of the giving of the Law. In the ancient Near East, divine encounters often occurred in significant natural settings, and fire was a common symbol of divine presence, power, and purity. However, a bush burning without being consumed would have been an unprecedented and deeply perplexing phenomenon, immediately signaling a supernatural event beyond human comprehension.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses's Call") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Pentateuch and beyond. The primary theme is **Divine Initiative and Revelation**, as God sovereignly chooses the time, place, and manner of His self-disclosure to Moses. The **Theophany** of the burning bush itself is a powerful manifestation of God's presence, underscoring His holiness and active involvement in human history. Moses's response highlights the theme of **Human Attentiveness and Obedience**, as his willingness to "turn aside" is a crucial prerequisite for receiving God's call. Furthermore, the paradox of the unconsumed bush foreshadows the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence** among His people, a presence that purifies and sustains rather than destroys, even in His overwhelming holiness (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Nadab and Abihu Consumed by Fire") for a contrasting example of unholy fire).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 3:3 records Moses's immediate and crucial response to the divine manifestation. Upon observing the remarkable sight of a bush ablaze yet miraculously unconsumed, Moses declares his intention: "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt." This statement reveals a profound curiosity and an intuitive recognition that what he witnesses transcends the natural order.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn aside (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** From H5493, a primitive root meaning "to turn off (literal or figurative)." This word signifies a deliberate deviation from one's path or routine. In Moses's context, it implies a conscious choice to halt his shepherding duties and investigate the anomaly, demonstrating an open and receptive spirit to the unusual. It is an act of intentional focus.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, meaning "great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent." Here, it emphasizes the extraordinary, awe-inspiring, and significant nature of the sight. It is not merely large, but truly profound and beyond the ordinary, compelling Moses's attention and investigation.
* **sight (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_)::** From H4758, meaning "a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape... or (mental) a vision." This term refers to the visual phenomenon itself, emphasizing that Moses is observing something tangible and real, yet simultaneously miraculous. It is a visible manifestation that demands attention and interpretation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, I will now turn aside,"**: This clause highlights Moses's active agency and decision-making. Upon observing the burning bush, he verbalizes his intention to deviate from his current path or task. The phrase "turn aside" (Hebrew: _çûwr_) signifies a deliberate and conscious choice to investigate rather than ignore the unusual phenomenon. This act of turning is crucial, as it marks his willingness to engage with the divine.
* **"and see this great sight,"**: Moses's motivation for turning aside is to "see" (Hebrew: _râʼâh_, H7200, to perceive, discern) the phenomenon more closely. He recognizes it as a "great sight" (Hebrew: _marʼeh gâdôwl_), indicating his immediate understanding that this is no ordinary occurrence. The use of "great" emphasizes the extraordinary, awe-inspiring, and significant nature of what he is witnessing, compelling him to approach.
* **"why the bush is not burnt."**: This final clause reveals the specific source of Moses's profound curiosity and wonder. The central paradox of the bush—being on fire yet not consumed—is what truly arrests his attention. He seeks to understand the reason ("why," Hebrew: _maddûwaʻ_) behind this defiance of natural law, indicating an intuitive recognition of a supernatural force at play. This question drives him closer to the very presence of God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 3:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Paradox**, evident in the "bush is not burnt." This contradiction of a burning object remaining unconsumed immediately signals a supernatural event, defying natural laws and demanding attention. It symbolizes God's unique nature as a consuming fire ([Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "God is a Consuming Fire")) who can nevertheless dwell among His people without destroying them, a theme central to the tabernacle and temple. There is also **Symbolism**, as the humble "bush" (Hebrew: _çᵉneh_) might subtly allude to the humble state of Israel in bondage, or perhaps even the inconspicuous nature of God's chosen vessel, Moses. The bush also prefigures Mount Sinai (Hebrew: _Sînay_), the mountain of the Law, given the phonetic similarity between _çᵉneh_ and _Sînay_, suggesting the profound significance of the location for God's covenantal revelation. Finally, Moses's statement demonstrates **Foreshadowing**, as his act of "turning aside" is a prelude to his entire life's mission, where he will repeatedly turn from his own plans to follow God's direction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:3 serves as a foundational text for understanding divine revelation and human response. It underscores that God takes the initiative in revealing Himself, often in unexpected and miraculous ways, compelling human attention. Moses's decision to "turn aside" is not merely an act of curiosity but a profound spiritual posture of attentiveness and humility, demonstrating that encountering God often requires a willingness to interrupt our routines and deeply engage with the inexplicable. The paradox of the unconsumed bush highlights God's holiness and power, signifying His ability to be intimately present without annihilating, thus preparing Moses for a relationship with a God who is both transcendent and immanent. This encounter sets the stage for God's self-identification as "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God's Name: I AM")), revealing His eternal, self-existent nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Acts 7:30-34](/acts/7-30-34 "Stephen's Account of the Burning Bush")
* [Isaiah 6:1-8](/isaiah/6-1-8 "Isaiah's Vision and Call")
* [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19-1-4 "The Heavens Declare God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses's reaction in [Exodus 3:3](/exodus/3-3 "Moses turns aside to see the burning bush") offers a profound lesson for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions, noise, and constant demands on our attention, the call to "turn aside" from our routines and busyness to notice God's presence and activity remains vital. God often communicates not through overwhelming displays that force our attention, but through subtle signs, quiet promptings, or unusual circumstances that demand our intentional discernment and spiritual curiosity. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness, a readiness to pause and investigate what seems out of the ordinary, recognizing that such moments might be God drawing us closer, preparing us for a divine assignment, or simply revealing more of His character. Just as Moses's curiosity and willingness to deviate from his path led directly to his divine calling and the beginning of Israel's deliverance, our openness to God's unexpected manifestations can lead to profound spiritual encounters, a deeper understanding of His will, and a readiness to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "burning bushes" or unusual signs of God's presence might I be overlooking in my daily life due to busyness or distraction?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "turn aside" from my routine or preconceived notions to truly see and hear what God is doing or saying?**
* **How does Moses's humble curiosity challenge my own spiritual posture when encountering something I don't immediately understand about God or His ways?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual attentiveness and readiness for divine encounters?**

### FAQ
**Why did the bush burn without being consumed?**

Answer: The unconsumed burning bush is a profound miracle, serving as a unique **theophany**—a visible manifestation of God's presence. It symbolizes God's holiness and His infinite power, demonstrating His ability to dwell among His people without destroying them, unlike a typical consuming fire. While God is indeed a "consuming fire" ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "God is a Consuming Fire")) in His judgment against sin, here the fire signifies a sustaining, purifying, and non-destructive presence, indicating an invitation to covenant and relationship. This paradox highlights God's unique nature, His control over creation, and His specific intention to communicate with Moses without obliterating him, preparing him for the weighty task of leading Israel.

**What is the significance of Moses "turning aside"?**

Answer: Moses's act of "turning aside" (Hebrew: _çûwr_) is deeply significant. It signifies his attentiveness, curiosity, and willingness to deviate from his routine shepherding duties to investigate the extraordinary. This is not merely a physical act but a spiritual posture of receptivity, crucial for encountering the divine. It demonstrates that Moses was not so engrossed in his mundane tasks that he missed God's unusual intervention. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone and prioritize the inexplicable over his routine tasks shows a humble and open spirit, which God honors. This act teaches that spiritual encounters often require intentional focus, a readiness to pause, and a willingness to engage with God's unexpected manifestations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine encounter at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:3](/exodus/3-3 "Moses turns aside to see the burning bush") powerfully prefigures the ultimate revelation of God's presence and redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ. Just as God manifested Himself in fire without consuming the bush, Christ embodies the fullness of deity dwelling in human flesh ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "The Fullness of Deity in Christ")), a divine presence that sustains and redeems rather than destroys. Moses was called from the bush to deliver Israel from bondage and mediate the Old Covenant Law given at Sinai; Christ is the greater Prophet and Deliverer ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "A Prophet Like Moses")), who perfectly fulfills the Law and establishes the New Covenant through His own unblemished sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). The burning bush signifies God's initiative to dwell among His people and call a mediator, a promise fully realized in Christ, who is God with us—Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel")), the ultimate mediator, and the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). In Christ, the paradox of God's holiness and His intimate presence is perfectly resolved, as He reconciles humanity to a holy God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:31

When Moses saw [it], he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold [it], the voice of the Lord came unto him,

Job 37:14

¶ Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Psalms 107:8

Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Psalms 111:4

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.