Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

"Identity" seems to work well in the context.

GEORGE ATHAS

Dean of Research,

Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)

Sydney, Australia

From: K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>
Date: Saturday, 12 January 2013 2:34 AM
To: cornelis den hertog <cok17 AT hotmail.com>
Cc: B-Hebrew <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Ex. 3:14 Ehyeh has sent me to you

One thing I think needs to be addressed, what is the meaning of the word “name” here?

My understanding of the Hebrew term is that it has a far broader meaning than the English equivalent, In Hebrew it also includes the idea of “fame” or even “qualities” or “nature”. Therefore, this passage may not be talking about a name in the English sense at all. The question could very well be more accurately translated “What is his nature?” and the “I am” emphasizing his existence and continued action into history.

Karl W. Randolph.