The Controversy and Revelation of God’s Name in Exodus 6:3

One of the most significant and often misunderstood passages in the Bible is found in Exodus 6:3. This verse has been a source of debate and discussion among scholars, theologians, and Christians for centuries. The issue arises from the apparent contradiction between this verse and several other passages, particularly those in the book of Genesis. This article aims to explore the context, implications, and possible resolutions for these contradictions.

Context and the Use of "LORD"

The common translation of Exodus 6:3 states, "And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by my name as God Almighty, but by my name, LORD (YHWH), I did not make myself known to them." This verse, in many Bible versions, presents a significant challenge to the narrative continuity of God's interaction with his people, as it seems to contradict other passages in the Bible. For instance, Genesis 12:8, 14:22, 22:14, and Genesis 26:23 refer to God as Elohim, while Genesis 26:29 and Genesis 32:29 use the title Lord (YHWH).

The title "LORD" in capital letters is often used where the original Hebrew text contained the divine name YHWH, which is known in English as the tetragrammaton. This practice is widespread, though not universal, in modern translations. The removal of the original name YHWH and its replacement with the title "LORD" has led to various interpretations and discussions among scholars.

The Reconciliation of Passages

One possible resolution to these apparent contradictions is to consider the use of titles versus names in the context of communication. Titles can signify the nature or role of a person (such as "the Lord" or "God Almighty"), while names reveal a person's true identity or essence. In this light, the narrative in Exodus 6:3 can be interpreted as follows:

"And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob under the title and role of the almighty God, but I did not explain to them the full significance of the name $YHWH."

This interpretation suggests that God, while communicating through the role or title "God Almighty," did not fully reveal the nature or meaning of the name YHWH to the patriarchs. This revelation was to come to Moses at the burning bush, where God explained the significance of the double-verb phrase "I AM" or "I EXIST" (Exodus 3:13–16).

The Special Significance of Moses' Revelation

The special significance of this revelation to Moses is emphasized in later verses and in the broader context of the Bible. The explanation of the double-verb "I AM" or "I EXIST" is crucial, as it aligns with later prophetic traditions and the revelation to Malachi (Malachi 3:16–17).

The name YHWH, in Hebrew, has a profound meaning that goes beyond mere identification. It signifies the eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature of God. This understanding can be further contextualized by comparing the Lucan prayer in John 17:1-3, 6 and other passages that emphasize the relationship between God and his people.

Understanding the Historical Context

It is essential to understand that the Bible was written by the Hebrews and translated by various scholars and translators over time. This translation process involved a wide range of people, including Gentiles. As a result, some details, such as the full use of the divine name YHWH, were sometimes omitted in the translations for various reasons, such as theological significance or reverence.

When Moses finally stood before God at the burning bush, it was a pivotal moment in his relationship with God. Moses, as one of God's chosen people, was the first to fully understand and receive the full revelation of God's name and its deep significance. This revelation was not just a matter of identity but a transformative experience that fundamentally shaped the relationship between God and his people.

Conclusion

The apparent contradictions in Exodus 6:3 can be reconciled by considering the distinction between titles and names in biblical communication. God's use of titles like "God Almighty" to interact with the patriarchs does not negate the importance of his true name YHWH. The full revelation of YHWH's identity to Moses, with the explanation of "I AM" or "I EXIST," was a pivotal moment that encapsulates the essence of God's relationship with his people.

Understanding these subtleties and the historical context can provide a deeper appreciation for the complexities and richness of biblical text. It is crucial always to examine the original Hebrew and the cultural and linguistic contexts in which these texts were composed and later translated.