Exodus 3:14 - Divine eternal name revealed

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה וַיֹּאמֶר כֹּה תֹאמַר לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶהְיֶה שְׁלָחַנִי אֲלֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And God said to Moshe, Eheye Asher Eheye (I will ever be what I now am): and he said, Thus shalt thou say to the children of Yisra᾽el, Eheye (I Am) has sent me to you.

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim el Moshe ehyeh asher ehyeh vayomer koh tomar livnei Yisrael ehyeh shelachani aleichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה וַיֹּ֗אמֶר כֹּ֤ה תֹאמַר֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה שְׁלָחַ֥נִי אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Name: אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה

This verse (Shemot 3:14) contains God’s response to Moshe’s request for a name to convey to Bnei Yisrael. The phrase אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה ("Eheye Asher Eheye") is a profound declaration of God’s eternal and unchanging nature. Rashi explains that this phrase signifies God’s faithfulness: "I will be with them in this suffering as I will be with them in future subjugations." The name assures Bnei Yisrael that God is present in their current distress and will remain their redeemer in all future exiles.

Rambam’s Philosophical Interpretation

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:63), Rambam interprets the name as an affirmation of God’s absolute existence—He is the necessary Being whose existence is independent and eternal. The repetition of אֶהְיֶה ("I will be") emphasizes that God’s existence is not contingent on time or circumstance. This aligns with the Tetragrammaton (Y-H-V-H), which denotes God’s timeless essence.

Midrashic Perspectives

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 3:6) offers multiple interpretations:

Promise of Redemption: "I will be with you in this exile, and I will be with you in future exiles"—a reassurance of divine accompaniment throughout history.
Divine Ineffability: The name hints at God’s incomprehensibility; just as the phrase is enigmatic, so too is God’s essence beyond human grasp.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Shemot 3:13) notes that this name is foundational to emunah (faith). By declaring אֶהְיֶה, God establishes that His presence is not limited to miraculous interventions but permeates all existence. This informs the halachic principle of hashgacha pratit (divine providence), affirming that God is actively involved in every moment of creation.

Practical Lesson for Bnei Yisrael

As the Sforno explains, the shortened form אֶהְיֶה ("I Am") in the latter half of the verse teaches that God’s existence is self-evident to those who seek Him. The name is both a comfort and a call to trust—Bnei Yisrael need not fear Pharaoh, for the Eternal One orchestrates their redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 9b

The verse is discussed in the context of God's names and the revelation to Moses at the burning bush.

📖 Shabbat 105a

The phrase 'Eheye Asher Eheye' is analyzed in relation to God's eternal nature and His response to Moses.

📖 Sotah 35a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names of God and their significance in biblical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Eheye Asher Eheye' mean in Exodus 3:14?
A: The phrase 'Eheye Asher Eheye' (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה) is often translated as 'I will be what I will be.' According to Rashi, this means that God is assuring Moshe that He will always be with the Jewish people in their times of need, just as He is now during their suffering in Egypt. It emphasizes God's eternal and unchanging nature.

Q: Why did God use this name when speaking to Moshe?
A: God used this name to convey His eternal presence and faithfulness. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in the 'Guide for the Perplexed' that this name signifies God's necessary existence—He is the one who always was, is, and will be. This was meant to give Moshe and Bnei Yisrael confidence that God would fulfill His promise to redeem them.

Q: How is this verse relevant to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that God is always present in our lives, just as He was for our ancestors in Egypt. The Midrash teaches that God's name 'Eheye' represents His ongoing relationship with the Jewish people—He is with us in every generation, in times of hardship and redemption alike.

Q: What is the significance of God telling Moshe to say 'Eheye sent me' to Bnei Yisrael?
A: By instructing Moshe to say 'Eheye sent me,' God was providing a sign of authenticity to Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Berachot 9b) explains that this name was a reassurance that the same God who remembered the covenant with their forefathers (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov) was now acting to redeem them. It reinforced that Moshe was truly sent by the Divine.

Q: Why doesn't the Torah just use the name Hashem (Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey) here?
A: The name 'Eheye' in this context emphasizes God's active presence in the unfolding redemption. Rashi notes that while the Tetragrammaton (Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey) represents God's attribute of mercy in fulfilling promises, 'Eheye' here highlights His immediate involvement in the current situation—He is the One who will be with them now and in the future.