Understanding "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh"

 The phrase "I AM WHO I AM" from Exodus 3:14 in the Hebrew text is written as אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh). This phrase is deeply significant in biblical theology and reveals profound truths about God's nature and existence.

Understanding "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh"

1. Literal Translation:

   • Ehyeh: This is the first-person singular form of the Hebrew verb "to be" (hayah), which means "I am," "I will be," or "I exist."

   • Asher: This is a relative pronoun in Hebrew, which can mean "who," "that," or "which."

   • Together, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh can be translated as:

     • "I Am Who I Am"

     • "I Will Be Who I Will Be"

     • "I Exist Because I Exist"

2. Theological Implication:

   • This phrase underscores God's eternality and self-existence. He is not caused or dependent on anything; He simply is.

   • It conveys that God's nature is unchanging and infinite. He is always present and active in His creation, transcending time and space.

3. Name of God:

   • In this passage, God identifies Himself to Moses with a name tied to His being. The name YHWH (Yahweh), often translated as "The LORD" in English Bibles, is derived from the same root verb (hayah, "to be"). Thus, "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh" is a declaration of God's name and essence.

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The Link to Jesus as "I AM"

When Jesus declares in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” He uses the Greek equivalent (Ego Eimi), directly connecting Himself to the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14. This statement caused outrage among the Jews, as they understood it as a claim to deity. Jesus was asserting that He is eternal and self-existent, just as Yahweh revealed Himself to Moses.

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Key Lessons from "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh"

1. God's Self-Sufficiency:

   • God is not reliant on anything in creation. He is complete in Himself.

2. God's Eternal Presence:

   • Whether in the past, present, or future, God is always I AM. He is timeless and unchanging.

3. Our Dependency on God:

   • While God exists independently, all creation relies on Him for its existence and sustenance.

In essence, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh reveals the profound mystery and majesty of God's eternal nature, while Jesus' use of the title "I AM" confirms His divinity as the eternal, self-existent God.