Exodus 6:3

EXODUS 6:3

Exodus 6:3 contrasts God’s appearance to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—with the revelation of God’s name to them as “God Almighty” (El Shaddai) and the claim that by that name they were not known previously. This emphasizes a development in God’s self-disclosure across the biblical narrative. God’s relationship with the patriarchs was formative, but the people in Exodus will come to experience not just God’s might but a more intimate, covenantal relationship through Yahweh. The difference in naming signals a shift in how God relates to his people and how future generations will understand God’s activity in history.

Theologically, the verse highlights the unfolding nature of divine revelation. It signals that God’s character and plan become progressively clear as salvation history advances. While El Shaddai communicates power and sufficiency, Yahweh communicates covenantal relationality. This layering invites believers to recognize that spiritual understanding often grows over time, with later generations receiving fuller disclosure than earlier ones.

For modern readers, this encourages patience in spiritual growth and appreciation for how God reveals himself in different seasons. Practical steps: study different names of God in Scripture, reflect on their implications for your life, and recognize that your current understanding may deepen as you continue to walk with God. It also invites gratitude for the trust that comes from knowing God is not only powerful but personal and faithful.

Cross-References: Genesis 17:1; Exodus 3:14-15; Psalm 9:10