Exodus 17:15
Exodus 17:15 in Multiple Translations
And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi:
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi;
Then Moses put up an altar and gave it the name of Yahweh-nissi:
Moses built an altar and called it “The Lord is my Banner of Victory.”
(And Moses builte an altar and called the name of it, Iehouah-nissi)
and Moses buildeth an altar, and calleth its name Jehovah-Nissi,
Moses built an altar, and called its name “The LORD our Banner”.
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it JEHOVAH-nissi:
And Moses built an altar: and called the name thereof, The Lord my exaltation, saying:
Then Moses/I built a stone altar there and named it ‘Yahweh is like my flag’.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 17:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 17:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
מִזְבֵּ֑חַ
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
יְהוָ֥ה
נִסִּֽ/י
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
מִזְבֵּ֑חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
H3071
YHWH/Jehovah-nissi
N-proper
נִסִּֽ/י
Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
H3071
YHWH/Jehovah-nissi
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 17:15
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
מִזְבֵּ֑חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
H3071
"YHWH/Jehovah-nissi"
N-proper
Jehovah-Nissi means God is my banner, named by Moses after defeating the Amalekites in Exodus 17:15. God is our victory.
Definition: Jehovah-nissi = "Jehovah is my banner" the name given by Moses to the altar which he built in commemoration of the discomfiture of the Amalekites
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah-nissi. See also: Exodus 17:15.
נִסִּֽ/י
Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
H3071
"YHWH/Jehovah-nissi"
N-ms | Suff
Jehovah-Nissi means God is my banner, named by Moses after defeating the Amalekites in Exodus 17:15. God is our victory.
Definition: Jehovah-nissi = "Jehovah is my banner" the name given by Moses to the altar which he built in commemoration of the discomfiture of the Amalekites
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah-nissi. See also: Exodus 17:15.
Study Notes — Exodus 17:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 17:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:15
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
- Sermons on Exodus 17:15
Context — The Defeat of the Amalekites
13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his army with the sword.
14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
15And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner.
16“Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 22:14 | And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” |
| 2 | Judges 6:24 | So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. |
| 3 | Psalms 60:4 | You have raised a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee the bow. Selah |
| 4 | Genesis 33:20 | There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. |
Exodus 17:15 Summary
[In Exodus 17:15, Moses built an altar to thank God for helping the Israelites defeat their enemies, and he named it 'The LORD Is My Banner' to show that God is their source of strength and protection, much like a banner identifies an army. This reminds us that, like the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and presence in our lives, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10. By acknowledging and honoring God in our victories and struggles, we can declare that He is our banner, our source of hope and strength. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is always with us, fighting for us, and guiding us, just as He was with Moses and the Israelites.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Moses building an altar in Exodus 17:15?
Moses built the altar to commemorate the victory over Amalek and to acknowledge God's presence and power in the battle, as seen in Exodus 17:13-14, where God gave Moses and Joshua the victory over Amalek, and in other instances like Genesis 12:7-8 and Genesis 33:20, where altars were built to worship and honor God.
Why did Moses name the altar 'The LORD Is My Banner'?
Moses named the altar 'The LORD Is My Banner' to signify that God is the source of their strength and protection, much like a banner identifies an army, as seen in Exodus 17:15, and to declare their trust in God's power, as expressed in Psalm 20:5 and Song of Solomon 2:4.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' journey?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, where they faced various challenges and enemies, and it highlights God's faithfulness and provision for His people, as seen in Exodus 17:1-16 and other accounts like Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 8:1-5.
What can we learn from Moses' actions in this verse?
We can learn from Moses' example the importance of acknowledging and honoring God in our victories and successes, as well as in our struggles and challenges, and of trusting in God's power and presence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and protection, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I, like Moses, acknowledge and honor God in my daily life, especially in times of victory or success?
- What does it mean for me to declare that 'The LORD Is My Banner', and how can I live out this declaration in my relationships and circumstances?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons from Moses' experience to my own journey of faith, and how can I trust in God's faithfulness and provision for me?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 17:15
And Moses built an altar,.... On Horeb, as Aben Ezra; on the top of the hill, as Ben Gersom, where sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered up for the victory obtained, or however a monument erected
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 17:15
And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
Moses built an altar, both for the offering of sacrifices of praise unto God, and to be a monument of this victory, and of the author of it. The name of it, viz. of the altar, which he so calls metonymically, because it was the sign and monument of Jehovah-nissi; even as circumcision is called God’ s covenant, , and the lamb, the passover, , and the cup, the new testament, , because they were the signs of them. Or the word altar is to be repeated out of the former member, which is frequent, and the place to be is read thus, he called the name of it the altar of Jehovah-nissi. Or the name given to it signifies only the inscription engraven upon it, which was not the single name of God, but an entire sentence, the lord my banner. By which words he takes all the praise of the victory from the Israelites, and gives it to God.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:Ver. 15. And Moses built an altar.] As a lasting monument of God’ s great mercy in that first victory. The Romans had a custom, that the conqueror in his triumphant chariot rode to the capitol, and offered a white ox to Jupiter. Liv., lib. vi. decad. 3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
(15) Moses built an altar.—Primarily, no doubt, to sacrifice thank-offerings upon it, as an acknowledgment of the Divine mercy in giving Israel the victory. But secondarily as a memorial—a monument to commemorate Israel’s triumph. And called the name of it Jehovah-nissi.—Jacob had named an altar “El-Elohe-Israel” (Genesis 33:20); but otherwise we do not find altars given special names. When an altar was built as a memorial, the purpose would be helped by a name, which would tend to keep the event commemorated in remembrance. Jehovah-nissi—“the Lord is my banner”—would tell to all who heard the word that here there had been a struggle, and that a people which worshipped Jehovah had been victorious. It is not clear that there is any reference to “the rod of God” (Exodus 17:9) as in any sense the “banner” under which Israel had fought. The banner is Jehovah Himself, under whose protection Israel had fought and conquered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
Verse 15. Jehovah-nissi] Jehovah is my ensign or banner. The hands and rod of Moses were held up as soldiers are wont to hold up their standards in the time of battle; and as these standards bear the arms of the country, the soldiers are said to fight under that banner, i.e., under the direction and in the defence of that government. Thus the Israelites fought under the direction of God, and in the defence of his truth; and therefore the name of JEHOVAH became the armorial bearing of the whole congregation. By his direction they fought, and in his name and strength they conquered; each one feeling himself, not his own, but the Lord's soldier.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 17:15
15. Moses erects an altar, to offer upon it a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Jehovah, and to preserve the memory of the victory for the future. For other examples of commemorative altars, with names, see Genesis 33:20 (unless, as the verb used here suggests, ‘standing-stone’ (ch. Exodus 24:4) should be read for ‘altar’), Exodus 35:7, Joshua 22:34, Judges 6:24. Yahweh-nissi] i.e. Yahweh is my banner, as though to say, He is our Leader; we fight under His banner (Psalms 20:5 [the Heb. for ‘banner’ different], 7); His name is the motto on our standards (Kn.).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 17:15
Jehovah-nissi - See the margin, “Jehovah my banner.” As a proper name the Hebrew word is rightly preserved.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 17:15
15. Built an altar — The first of which we have any record since the time of Jacob. How consistent is this action with the unique and peculiar national character that was now beginning to be developed!
Sermons on Exodus 17:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc |
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(Names of Jehovah) 3. Jehovah Nissi by Roy Hession | Roy Hession explores the name Jehovah Nissi, emphasizing that God is our banner and source of victory in spiritual battles. He recounts the story of Israel's battle against Amalek, |
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(Names of Jehovah) 2. Jehovah Jireh by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Jehovah Jerry, which means the Lord will provide. He emphasizes the importance of foreseeing needs and taking action to provid |
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The Name of Jehovah by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the significance of the name Jehovah as a strong tower where the righteous can find safety and refuge. It delves into various compound names of Jehovah found |
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The Name of the Lord by Brian Brodersen | This sermon delves into the progressive revelation of God's name throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Each revelation of God's name signifies a |
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Ecclesiastes 7:1 by Conrad Murrell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon and Jacob from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and recognizing His holiness before experienci |
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The Feasts and the Names by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the significance of the seven yearly feasts commanded by the Lord to His people Israel, which not only held historical and worship importance |