Exodus 34:6 - Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
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What does "Exodus 34:6" mean?
This verse, Exodus 34:6, is a foundational declaration of God's character in the Hebrew Bible. Let's break down what it means:
"Yahweh passed by before him..." This refers to Moses. Moses had asked to see God's glory (Exodus 33:18). God, knowing no human can fully see His face and live, promises to pass by Moses and proclaim His name. This phrase indicates a powerful, divine self-revelation. It's not a literal passing as if God is a physical being, but a theophany, a visible (though limited) manifestation of God's presence.
"...and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh..." The repetition of "Yahweh" is significant. It's an emphatic declaration of God's name, emphasizing His unique and self-existent being. Yahweh is the personal name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles (to avoid pronouncing the sacred name). By proclaiming His name, God is revealing Himself and His essential nature.
"...a merciful and gracious God..."
Merciful: The Hebrew word often translated as "merciful" conveys the idea of compassion, pity, and tender-heartedness. It highlights God's willingness to forgive and show kindness, especially to those who are suffering or in need.
Gracious: "Gracious" suggests unmerited favor and kindness. It's God's free and undeserved gift of love and blessing. It indicates that God is predisposed to act kindly towards His creation, not because they deserve it, but because of His inherent goodness.
"...slow to anger..." This is a crucial attribute. It underscores that God is not quick to anger or judgment. He is patient and gives people opportunities to repent and turn to Him. It doesn't mean God doesn't get angry, but that He exercises remarkable restraint and forbearance.
"...and abundant in loving kindness and truth..."
Loving Kindness (Hebrew: chesed): This is one of the most important words in the Old Testament, but also one of the most difficult to translate fully. Chesed encompasses love, mercy, grace, loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast love. It's more than just emotion; it's a committed, unwavering devotion to His people. Chesed is God's active and persistent demonstration of love and faithfulness, even when people are unfaithful to Him.
Truth: This refers to God's reliability, faithfulness to His promises, and integrity. He is true to His word and can be trusted. It also indicates that He is the ultimate source of reality and the standard of all that is right and just.
In Summary:
Exodus 34:6 is a core statement about the character of God in Judaism and Christianity. It reveals a God who is:
Personal and relational: He reveals His name and engages with humanity.
Compassionate and forgiving: He is merciful and gracious.
Patient and forbearing: He is slow to anger.
Faithful and loving: He is abundant in chesed (loving kindness) and truth.
This verse provides a foundation for understanding God's actions throughout the Old Testament. It is a statement of hope and assurance for those who seek Him. It’s not just a description of God, but a promise of how He relates to humanity. This verse is also often cited in times of prayer and repentance, as a reminder of God's willingness to forgive and restore.
Exodus 34:6 - Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,
What does "Exodus 34:6" mean?
This verse, Exodus 34:6, is a foundational declaration of God's character in the Hebrew Bible. Let's break down what it means:
"Yahweh passed by before him..." This refers to Moses. Moses had asked to see God's glory (Exodus 33:18). God, knowing no human can fully see His face and live, promises to pass by Moses and proclaim His name. This phrase indicates a powerful, divine self-revelation. It's not a literal passing as if God is a physical being, but a theophany, a visible (though limited) manifestation of God's presence.
"...and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh..." The repetition of "Yahweh" is significant. It's an emphatic declaration of God's name, emphasizing His unique and self-existent being. Yahweh is the personal name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles (to avoid pronouncing the sacred name). By proclaiming His name, God is revealing Himself and His essential nature.
"...a merciful and gracious God..."
Merciful: The Hebrew word often translated as "merciful" conveys the idea of compassion, pity, and tender-heartedness. It highlights God's willingness to forgive and show kindness, especially to those who are suffering or in need.
Gracious: "Gracious" suggests unmerited favor and kindness. It's God's free and undeserved gift of love and blessing. It indicates that God is predisposed to act kindly towards His creation, not because they deserve it, but because of His inherent goodness.
"...slow to anger..." This is a crucial attribute. It underscores that God is not quick to anger or judgment. He is patient and gives people opportunities to repent and turn to Him. It doesn't mean God doesn't get angry, but that He exercises remarkable restraint and forbearance.
"...and abundant in loving kindness and truth..."
Loving Kindness (Hebrew: chesed): This is one of the most important words in the Old Testament, but also one of the most difficult to translate fully. Chesed encompasses love, mercy, grace, loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast love. It's more than just emotion; it's a committed, unwavering devotion to His people. Chesed is God's active and persistent demonstration of love and faithfulness, even when people are unfaithful to Him.
Truth: This refers to God's reliability, faithfulness to His promises, and integrity. He is true to His word and can be trusted. It also indicates that He is the ultimate source of reality and the standard of all that is right and just.
In Summary:
Exodus 34:6 is a core statement about the character of God in Judaism and Christianity. It reveals a God who is:
Personal and relational: He reveals His name and engages with humanity.
Compassionate and forgiving: He is merciful and gracious.
Patient and forbearing: He is slow to anger.
Faithful and loving: He is abundant in chesed (loving kindness) and truth.
This verse provides a foundation for understanding God's actions throughout the Old Testament. It is a statement of hope and assurance for those who seek Him. It’s not just a description of God, but a promise of how He relates to humanity. This verse is also often cited in times of prayer and repentance, as a reminder of God's willingness to forgive and restore.