By what name did God appear to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Exodus 6:3?
God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by the name God Almighty, as stated in Exodus 6:3. The verse adds that by His name Jehovah He was not known to them, but now He is making that name Jehovah plain.
Les explains from Exodus chapter 6 that the word LORD can be interchanged with Jehovah, so when God says “I AM the LORD,” He is saying “I AM Jehovah.” In verse 3 God says He appeared unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by the name God Almighty, but by His name Jehovah He was not known to them. Les emphasizes that now He is known by Jehovah, and the name Jehovah has been put out in plain language. He then ties this to the New Testament, noting that theologians who deny Jesus’ deity must throw Scripture away, and in John 8 the Pharisees tested Jesus because they wanted Him to claim to be the God of Abraham so they could accuse Him of blasphemy.
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
What does the word LORD mean in Exodus 6:3?
In Exodus 6:3 and its surrounding passage, the capitalized word LORD means Jehovah. The text states that LORD can be interchanged with Jehovah, so God's declaration 'I am the LORD' means 'I am Jehovah.' Verse 3 notes the patriarchs did not know Him by that name.
Did God reveal His name Jehovah to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
Scripture states that God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but He was not known to them by His name Jehovah. To Moses, however, He declares, "I AM Jehovah," making the name Jehovah plain. So the answer is no for the patriarchs, yes in this revelation to Moses.
More Questions
What Hebrew name is translated 'God Almighty' in Exodus 6:3?
The Hebrew name translated as 'God Almighty' in the passage where God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is El Shaddai.