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.
Les explains that in Exodus 6:2 God says, 'I am the LORD,' and that the word LORD can be interchanged with Jehovah, so He is saying, 'I am Jehovah.' Then verse 3 declares that God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but by His name Jehovah He was not known to them. Les notes that now the name Jehovah has been put out in plain language. He also connects this to the New Testament, where theologians claim Jesus never claimed to be God, but they must throw Scripture away. He cites John 8, where the Pharisees tested Jesus and wanted Him to claim deity 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.