Isaac Samuel Lubwama
Faithful Servant
The phrase "I am" in the Bible refers to God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where He says, "I am who I am". Jesus also uses this phrase in the Gospel of John to make several "I am" statements about Himself, such as "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), and "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).
Old Testament • Exodus 3:14: "I am who I am." God reveals His eternal name to Moses and instructs him to tell the Israelites that "I am has sent me to you".
New Testament • Jesus's "I Am" statements: These appear in the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses the phrase to describe His identity and role.
• John 6:35: "I am the bread of life".
• John 8:12: "I am the light of the world".
• John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd".
• John 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life".
• John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life".
• John 15:1: "I am the true vine".
• Jesus and Abraham: In John 8:58, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am," referencing God's name from Exodus and declaring His own eternal existence.
The phrase "I am who I am" has both a religious and secular meaning, referring to self-acceptance or the self-existent nature of God. In a personal context, it signifies self-acceptance and being true to oneself without apology. In a religious context, it is a translation of the Hebrew name God gives to Moses, signifying God's eternal and unchanging nature.
Religious meaning
• Biblical origin: The phrase comes from the Bible, specifically Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses.
• God's name: It is a translation of the Hebrew phrase "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh" and is God's personal name, often translated as "I AM" or "I AM WHO I AM".
• Significance: The name expresses God's self-existence, eternal presence, and unchanging nature, meaning "I am the Existing One". It also signifies God as the source of all being, capable of providing whatever is needed, such as a provider, healer, or deliverer.
Secular meaning
• Self-acceptance: In a modern context, the phrase is used to express a strong sense of self-acceptance and authenticity.
• Unapologetic identity: It suggests that a person should embrace their own unique qualities and not feel the need to pretend to be someone they are not.
• Personal sovereignty: The phrase can also represent an individual's sense of independence and agency in making their own decisions.
Old Testament • Exodus 3:14: "I am who I am." God reveals His eternal name to Moses and instructs him to tell the Israelites that "I am has sent me to you".
New Testament • Jesus's "I Am" statements: These appear in the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses the phrase to describe His identity and role.
• John 6:35: "I am the bread of life".
• John 8:12: "I am the light of the world".
• John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd".
• John 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life".
• John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life".
• John 15:1: "I am the true vine".
• Jesus and Abraham: In John 8:58, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am," referencing God's name from Exodus and declaring His own eternal existence.
The phrase "I am who I am" has both a religious and secular meaning, referring to self-acceptance or the self-existent nature of God. In a personal context, it signifies self-acceptance and being true to oneself without apology. In a religious context, it is a translation of the Hebrew name God gives to Moses, signifying God's eternal and unchanging nature.
Religious meaning
• Biblical origin: The phrase comes from the Bible, specifically Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses.
• God's name: It is a translation of the Hebrew phrase "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh" and is God's personal name, often translated as "I AM" or "I AM WHO I AM".
• Significance: The name expresses God's self-existence, eternal presence, and unchanging nature, meaning "I am the Existing One". It also signifies God as the source of all being, capable of providing whatever is needed, such as a provider, healer, or deliverer.
Secular meaning
• Self-acceptance: In a modern context, the phrase is used to express a strong sense of self-acceptance and authenticity.
• Unapologetic identity: It suggests that a person should embrace their own unique qualities and not feel the need to pretend to be someone they are not.
• Personal sovereignty: The phrase can also represent an individual's sense of independence and agency in making their own decisions.