“I AM WHO I AM” Understanding the Nature of God

When Moses asked God to reveal His name in Exodus 3:13, he likely expected something specific perhaps a name like those used for the many gods known in his time, such as Baal or Ashtoreth. Names in ancient cultures carried meaning, identity, and a reflection of the deity’s role or power.

But God’s response was unlike any other:

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’”
(Exodus 3:14, ESV)

In the footnotes of most modern translations, this phrase is further clarified to mean:

“I will be what I will be.”

This points to God’s eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. The Hebrew phrase “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” implies that God is not defined by human categories. He is being itself—constant, dependable, and completely sovereign.

God’s Progressive Revelation

At that moment, God gave Moses a glimpse of His divine identity—but it was only the beginning of a fuller revelation.

Later, in Exodus 6:2–3, God says:

“I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty [El Shaddai], but by my name the LORD [YHWH] I did not make myself fully known to them.”
(Exodus 6:2–3, NIV)

Here, God introduces YHWH (often transliterated as Yahweh or Jehovah), a personal name rooted in the same verb as “I AM.” It reveals a God who is relational, covenantal, and faithful. Though the patriarchs had encountered His power (as El Shaddai), now Israel would experience His deliverance and covenant fulfillment through YHWH.

Names of God in Context

Throughout Scripture, God continues to reveal His nature through names that match the needs of His people in specific moments. These are often called compound names of Jehovah:

Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah Nissi – “The Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah Shalom – “The Lord is peace” (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Rohi – “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah Rapha – “The Lord who heals” (Exodus 15:26)

These names show us that God’s character is active and present. He meets His people in their need whether in battle, in lack, in fear, or in sorrow. Each name reflects a different aspect of His care, holiness, and nearness.

The Ultimate Revelation: Jesus

The greatest name by which God revealed Himself is through Jesus Christ.

“You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:21, ESV)

The name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) literally means “Yahweh saves.” In Christ, God fully reveals Himself as the Savior of the world.
Jesus Himself confirmed His divinity by using the phrase “I AM” repeatedly:

“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35)
“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12)
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)

These declarations echoed God’s words to Moses and revealed that Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh God among us (Immanuel, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).

What Does This Mean for Us?

God is not limited to a single role or title. He is “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” This means:

In your lack, He is your Provider.
In your pain, He is your Healer.
In your battles, He is your Banner.
In your sin, He is your Savior.

Wherever you are on the mountain, in the valley, in the desert, or lost in sin He is able to reveal Himself to you. You don’t have to limit God to one area of your life. He is present everywhere and in everything.

Have You Met the “I AM”?

Have you personally come to know the God who revealed Himself as the Savior?
Before He meets your external needs, God wants to meet your deepest need: salvation from sin.