Exodus 3:4

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the LORD {H3068} saw {H7200} that he turned aside {H5493} to see {H7200}, God {H430} called {H7121} unto him out of the midst {H8432} of the bush {H5572}, and said {H559}, Moses {H4872}, Moses {H4872}. And he said {H559}, Here am I.

Complete Jewish Bible

When ADONAI saw that he had gone over to see, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moshe! Moshe!" He answered, "Here I am."

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.

American Standard Version

And 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:4 describes the pivotal moment of divine initiative where the LORD, observing Moses' inquisitive turning toward the unconsumed burning bush, personally calls out to him. This direct, intimate summons, marked by the repetition of Moses' name, elicits an immediate and profound response of availability from Moses, "Here am I," signifying his readiness for the profound encounter and subsequent divine commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of an introductory narrative (Exodus 3:1-6) that sets the stage for Moses' divine commissioning. Preceding it, [Exodus 3:1-3](/exodus/3-1-3 "Moses at the Burning Bush") establishes Moses' humble role as a shepherd in Midian, far from the Egyptian court. The sudden appearance of the burning bush, which defies natural laws by not being consumed, serves as an undeniable sign of divine presence. Moses' decision to "turn aside to see" (Exodus 3:3) is crucial, indicating his curiosity and attentiveness, which God then responds to. Following this verse, [Exodus 3:5-6](/exodus/3-5-6 "God's Holiness and Identity") immediately reveals God's holiness and self-identification, preparing Moses for the weighty task of leading Israel out of bondage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses, having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15), has spent forty years in the wilderness of Midian, a period of obscurity and preparation. The setting, "the backside of the desert" near "the mountain of God, even Horeb" (Exodus 3:1), emphasizes Moses' isolation and the sacredness of the location. Mountains were often perceived as places of divine encounter in the ancient Near East. The act of a deity calling an individual by name was a powerful and personal act, signifying a unique relationship and a specific purpose, often for a significant mission.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush") introduces several foundational themes. The primary theme is **Divine Revelation and Initiative**, as God actively seeks out and speaks to Moses, rather than waiting to be sought. This encounter also highlights **God's Holiness and Transcendence**, demonstrated by the miraculous fire and the sacred ground (Exodus 3:5). Furthermore, it establishes the theme of **Personal Calling and Commissioning**, where God chooses an individual for a specific, monumental task, as seen in God's subsequent instructions to Moses in [Exodus 3:7-10](/exodus/3-7-10 "God's Plan to Deliver Israel"). Moses' response, "Here am I," also introduces the theme of **Human Availability and Obedience** to the divine call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies God as the self-Existent or Eternal One, emphasizing His unchanging, sovereign nature and His personal relationship with His people. The use of this name here indicates that the God who calls Moses is the same God who established a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this word means "to see, literally or figuratively." In this context, it conveys God's active observation and perception. It's not a passive seeing, but an attentive, intentional observation of Moses' actions and heart, leading to divine intervention. God "saw" Moses' curiosity and responded to it.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to," or "address by name." This word emphasizes the direct, vocal, and personal nature of God's communication. It signifies a divine summons, a deliberate act of choosing and engaging with Moses, setting him apart for a specific purpose.
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From H4872, meaning "drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued." The repetition of Moses' name ("Moses, Moses") is a significant Hebrew literary device. It serves to gain full attention, convey urgency, and underscore the deeply personal and intimate nature of the divine address. It's a direct, unmistakable summons to the individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see":** This clause highlights God's divine initiative and omniscience. God is not merely present but actively observing Moses' response to the miraculous sight. Moses' act of "turning aside" (Hebrew: _çûwr_, H5493) signifies a deliberate choice to investigate, a moment of curiosity that God honors by initiating communication. It underscores that God often meets us in our moments of seeking and attentiveness.
* **"God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses.":** This is the core of the divine encounter. The "God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_, H430), the supreme God, speaks directly from the very source of the miraculous phenomenon. The repetition of Moses' name is a powerful, intimate, and urgent summons, demanding his full attention and signaling the profound significance of the impending message. It transforms a moment of curiosity into a personal, divine appointment.
* **"And he said, Here [am] I.":** Moses' immediate and concise response, "Here am I" (Hebrew: _hinnēnî_), is a profound declaration of availability, readiness, and attentiveness. It is not merely an acknowledgment of his physical location but a posture of willingness to listen, to obey, and to be present for whatever God is about to reveal or command. This response is a hallmark of biblical figures called by God (e.g., Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Theophany** is central, as God manifests His presence through the burning bush, a visual and auditory phenomenon that defies natural explanation and signifies divine holiness. The **repetition** of "Moses, Moses" is a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing urgency, intimacy, and the personal nature of the divine call, ensuring Moses' undivided attention. Moses' response, "Here am I," is an example of **idiom**, a common Hebrew expression (_hinnēnî_) that conveys not just physical presence but a profound spiritual readiness and availability. The entire scene is imbued with **symbolism**, where the unconsumed bush represents God's enduring presence and power, and the fire, His holiness and purifying nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:4 is foundational for understanding the nature of God's interaction with humanity. It unequivocally demonstrates God's sovereignty and His active role in initiating a relationship and calling individuals to service, rather than waiting for human petition. This divine initiative underscores that salvation history is God-driven, not human-driven. The personal nature of the call, marked by the repetition of Moses' name, establishes a pattern of God's intimate knowledge of and specific purpose for individuals. It highlights that God sees, knows, and responds to human curiosity and readiness, transforming ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

* [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "God Calls Abraham to Sacrifice Isaac")
* [1 Samuel 3:10](/1_samuel/3-10 "God Calls Samuel")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter at the burning bush in Exodus 3:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is actively attentive to our lives, even in our mundane routines or periods of wilderness. Like Moses, we are called to cultivate a spirit of attentiveness, to "turn aside to see" the extraordinary in the ordinary, to notice God's presence and activity around us. God often speaks not in grand pronouncements but in moments that pique our spiritual curiosity. Our response to God's call should mirror Moses' "Here am I"—a posture of immediate availability, humble readiness, and a willingness to engage with God's purposes, whatever they may be. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active engagement with the divine, trusting that God's call, though personal, is always for a greater redemptive purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "burning bushes" or unusual circumstances might God be trying to get my attention today?**
* **How readily do I respond with "Here am I" when I sense God's prompting or call in my life?**
* **What does Moses' immediate and unhesitating response teach me about availability to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did God repeat Moses' name ("Moses, Moses")?**

Answer: The repetition of a name in Hebrew scripture, such as "Moses, Moses" or "Abraham, Abraham" (as seen in [Genesis 22:11](/genesis/22-11 "The Angel of the LORD Calls to Abraham")), is a powerful literary and rhetorical device. It is used to convey extreme urgency, deep intimacy, and the profound significance of the impending message or command. It serves to capture the individual's full attention, signaling that what is about to be said is of paramount importance and requires an immediate, focused response. It transforms a general address into a deeply personal summons.

**What is the significance of Moses' response, "Here am I"?**

Answer: Moses' response, "Here am I" (Hebrew: _hinnēnî_), is far more than a simple statement of physical location. It is a profound theological and spiritual declaration. It signifies a posture of immediate readiness, complete availability, and attentive willingness to listen, obey, and be present for whatever divine purpose is about to be revealed. It indicates a heart that is open to God's will and prepared to engage in the divine task, regardless of its difficulty or implications. This response is a model for all who are called by God, demonstrating submission and receptivity.

**Does God still call individuals today in a similar way?**

Answer: While direct, audible calls from a miraculous phenomenon like a burning bush are exceptionally rare today, the principle of God calling individuals remains profoundly active. God continues to call people into relationship with Him, into discipleship, and into specific ministries and vocations. This call often comes through various means: through the clear teachings of [His written Word](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "The Inspiration and Purpose of Scripture"), through the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit, through the wise counsel of the community of believers, and through the circumstances of life. The essence of the call—God's initiative and our required "Here am I" response—remains unchanged, inviting believers into a life of purpose and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 3:4, with its depiction of God's direct revelation and personal call to Moses, finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The burning bush was a temporary, localized manifestation of God's presence and holiness, a pre-incarnate glimpse of the divine. In Christ, however, God's presence is fully and eternally incarnate; Jesus is the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Son is the Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the ultimate "Word of God" through whom God speaks most clearly and definitively to humanity ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Became Flesh"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Speaks Through His Son")). Moreover, Jesus perfectly embodied the "Here am I" response to the Father's will, declaring, "I have come to do your will, O God" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). Through Christ, God's personal call is extended to all who believe, inviting them into an intimate relationship and commissioning them for His kingdom work, echoing the divine initiative and personal summons first seen at the burning bush, but now made accessible through the indwelling Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Deuteronomy 33:16

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren.

1 Samuel 3:4

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

Acts 9:4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

1 Samuel 3:8

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

Genesis 46:2

And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here [am] I.

Genesis 22:11

¶ And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here [am] I.