Exodus 3:3
Exodus 3:3 in Multiple Translations
So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?”
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
And Moses said, I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
And Moses said, I will go and see this strange thing, why the tree is not burned up,
“Let me go over and take a look,” Moses said to himself. “It's very odd to see a bush that's not burning up.”
Therefore Moses saide, I will turne aside nowe, and see this great sight, why the bush burneth not.
And Moses saith, 'Let me turn aside, I pray thee, and I see this great appearance; wherefore is the bush not burned?'
Moses said, “I will go now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Moses/I thought, “I will go closer and try to see this strange sight! Why is the bush not burning up?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 3:3
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 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
אָסֻֽרָה
נָּ֣א
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
אֶת
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֥ה
הַ/גָּדֹ֖ל
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
מַדּ֖וּעַ
לֹא
יִבְעַ֥ר
הַ/סְּנֶֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אָסֻֽרָה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-1cs
נָּ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Art | N-ms
הַ/גָּדֹ֖ל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
מַדּ֖וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִבְעַ֥ר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/סְּנֶֽה
çᵉneh
H5572
bush
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 3:3
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
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.
אָסֻֽרָה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-1cs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
נָּ֣א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וְ/אֶרְאֶ֔ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּרְאֶ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
הַ/גָּדֹ֖ל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
מַדּ֖וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִבְעַ֥ר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
הַ/סְּנֶֽה
çᵉneh
H5572
"bush"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a thorny bush, like a blackberry bush. It is famously used to describe the burning bush that Moses encountered. The word is translated as bush in the KJV and appears in the story of Moses in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a bush, thorny bush 1a) the burning bush of Moses 1b) perhaps a blackberry bush
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bush. See also: Exodus 3:2; Exodus 3:4; Deuteronomy 33:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Moses at the Burning Bush
1Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.
3So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?”
4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. 5“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:31 | When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: |
| 2 | Psalms 107:8 | Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men. |
| 3 | Job 37:14 | Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God. |
| 4 | Psalms 111:2–4 | Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever. He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. |
Exodus 3:3 Summary
In Exodus 3:3, Moses sees a bush that is on fire but not being destroyed, and he is drawn to it because it is a remarkable sight. This event serves as a reminder that God is present and active in our lives, even when we don't expect it, much like the promise in Jeremiah 29:13. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to open our eyes to the 'burning bushes' in our own lives, and to give us the courage to respond to His leading, just as Moses did (see Hebrews 11:27). By trusting in God's power and presence, we can move forward in faith, even in uncertain circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the burning bush in Exodus 3:3?
The burning bush represents God's presence and power, as seen in Exodus 3:2, and serves as a symbol of God's ability to preserve and protect, much like the Israelites' future deliverance from slavery, as promised in Exodus 6:6.
Why was Moses drawn to the burning bush?
Moses was curious about the burning bush because it was a miraculous sight, with the bush being consumed by fire yet not being destroyed, much like the wonder of God's creation in Psalm 8:3-4.
What can we learn from Moses' decision to investigate the burning bush?
Moses' actions demonstrate a sense of curiosity and openness to God's leading, as seen in his response to God's call in Exodus 3:4, and serve as an example for believers to be attentive to God's presence and guidance in their lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Exodus?
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the story of Exodus, as it sets the stage for God's call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery, as seen in Exodus 3:10, and ultimately points to the redemption and salvation that God would accomplish through Moses and the Israelites, as foreshadowed in Genesis 15:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'burning bushes' in my life that I need to investigate and respond to?
- How can I cultivate a sense of curiosity and openness to God's leading in my daily life?
- What are some areas where I feel like I'm being called to step out in faith, like Moses did when he approached the burning bush?
- How can I trust in God's power and presence, even when faced with uncertain or challenging circumstances, like Moses did in Exodus 3:3?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 3:3
And Moses said, I will now turn aside,.... From the place where he was, and the flock he was feeding, and get nearer to the bush, which seems to have been on one side of him and not directly before
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 3:3
And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. The Angel of the Lord appeared.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 3:3
Exodus 3:3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.Ver. 3. I will now turn aside, and see.] Moses came out of curiosity, but was called by God: so do many to the ordinances for novelty, as the Jews did to John Baptist; or for some other minister respect; to catch, it may be, and are caught, as those in John 7:46. Or as Austin, who coming to Ambrose to have his ears tickled, had his heart touched. It is good to hear, howsoever. Come, said Latimer, to the public meetings, though thou comest to sleep; it may be, God may take thee napping. Absence is without hope. What a deal lost Thomas by being but once absent! This great vision.] Great indeed. There was a flame of fire, else how was the bush burning? There was light, else how did Moses see it?
There was no heat, else how was not the bush consumed? Yet in every of God’ s afflicted, saith one, you may see this great vision. The voice of the Lord in his affliction, as in this fire, divideth the heat from the light, so that he is not consumed by the heat - nay, rather his infirmities and carnal concupiscences are consumed thereby - but only illuminated by the light.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 3:3
(3) I will now turn aside.—A minute touch, in dicating that Moses is the writer. He remembers that the bush did not grow on the track which he was pursuing, but lay off it, and that he had to “turn aside,” in order to make his inspection. This great sight.—The phenomenon was strange and unusual—worthy of note, whatever might be the cause.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 3:3
3. Moses would fain approach nearer, and learn the reason of the marvel, why the bush was not consumed. Moses, Moses] The duplication, as Genesis 22:11; Genesis 46:2 (both E).
Sermons on Exodus 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Persuasive Preaching - Part 1 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about attending a Methodist church in Ireland where the service was only 17 minutes long. He then discusses the importance of |
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Preludes to Revival by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the wonder of the death of Christ and the love that God has for humanity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and meditating on G |
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Water Baptism by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Matthew 28, specifically the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The disciples are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching th |
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Vision - Acts 10:9-20 by Jon Courson | Jon Courson preaches on how God motivates individuals through visions when He wants to do something new or special. He uses examples like Moses being called through a burning bush |
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The Burning Bush by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the profound significance of the burning bush in Exodus 3:3, emphasizing how it symbolizes the unsearchable riches of Jesus and the need to see Christ by fait |
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The Risen Lord by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the powerful imagery of John's vision in Revelation, where Jesus is seen in the midst of the churches, emphasizing the importance of the local church as God' |
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Garments of Praise - Ben Crandall by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and laying aside the spirit of heaviness. He quotes various verses from the book of Psalms that call for prais |