Exodus 3:14 - Exposition

I AM THAT I AM . No better translation can be given of the Hebrew words. " I will be that I will be (Geddes) is more literal, but less idiomatic, since the Hebrew was the simplest possible form of the verb substantive. " I am because I am" (Boothroyd) is wrong, since the word asher is certainly the relative. The Septuagint, ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ὤν , explains rather than translates, but is otherwise unobjectionable. The Vulgate, sum qui sum , has absolute exactness. The idea expressed by the name is, as already explained, that of real, perfect, unconditioned, independent existence. I AM hath sent me to you. " I am" is an abbreviated form of " I am that I am," and is intended to express the same idea.