Old Testament Source of Jesus I AM Claim
The Old Testament Source of Jesus' "I AM" Claim
Jesus' statement "I AM" is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals his name to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" [6, 7]. This divine name is echoed in Jesus' declarations throughout the Gospel of John, such as "before Abraham came into existence, I AM" (John 8:58) [2, 6].
The connection between Jesus' "I AM" statements and the Old Testament is not limited to John 8:58. Other instances in John's Gospel, like "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), also allude to God's name [3]. The phrase "I am" becomes a recurring motif, signifying Jesus' identity and ministry. In John 18:5, Jesus identifies himself with "I am he" (literally "I am"), further linking himself to the divine name revealed in Exodus 3:14 [7].
The early Church Fathers recognized the significance of Jesus' "I AM" statements. For instance, Justin Martyr and Irenaeus understood the "I AM" declaration as a reference to the God of the Old Testament [8]. The use of "I AM" by Jesus is seen as a claim to divinity, equating him with the God who spoke to Moses.
The book of Revelation also reinforces this connection. Jesus is described as "the Alpha and the Omega" (Revelation 1:8), a title that signifies God's all-encompassing control. Jesus himself says, "I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16), further establishing his divine identity [1, 4].
The Protestant academic tradition, as represented by the Tyndale House commentary, consistently interprets Jesus' "I AM" statements as references to the Old Testament divine name. This understanding underscores Jesus' divinity and his connection to the God of the Hebrew Scriptures [3, 5, 6].
The "I AM" statements of Jesus, therefore, are not isolated claims but are deeply rooted in the Old Testament tradition, particularly in the revelation of God's name in Exodus 3:14. This connection is a cornerstone of Christological understanding, affirming Jesus' divinity and his continuity with the God of Israel.
Sources
- Revelation “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star.” -- Revelation 22:16”
- John “Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.” -- John 8:58”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 6:35: 6:35 Jesus’ I am statements in John depict Jesus’ identity and ministry (see also 4:26; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7-9, 11-14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1-5). Jesus purposefully used a phrase that would make his listeners think of the Old Testament name for God (Exod 3:14). • I am the bread of life: Jesus is the true manna that descended from God (John 6:38). He satisfies the spiritual hunger of those who believe in him (cp. 4:10-13).”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 1:8: 1:8 I am is the name of God in the Old Testament (Exod 3:13-14; 6:2; Deut 6:4). Jesus applied this name to himself (cp. John 4:26). Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; they signify that God’s actions are all-encompassing. God is fully in control.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 13:19: 13:19 Judas’s betrayal did not take Jesus unaware, and it should not shock his disciples when it happens. • that I Am the Messiah: Literally that I am. By using the phrase “I am,” Jesus clearly equated himself with the God of the Old Testament. See Exod 3:14.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 8:58: 8:58 before Abraham was even born, I Am! Jesus’ life spans the past from before creation (1:1-2) and sweeps beyond the present into eternity. • I Am: This title is reminiscent of God’s name given on Mount Sinai (Exod 3:14; cp. John 4:26; Isa 43:11-13; 48:12).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 18:5: 18:5 I Am he (literally I am): Jesus identified himself by the divine name God had revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (see Exod 3:14; see also John 4:26; 8:24, 58).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. VI -- THE HOLY GHOST, THROUGHOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES, MADE MENTION OF NO OTHER GOD OR LORD, SAVE HIM WHO IS THE TRUE GOD. (part 2): of the Most High."(6) To those, no doubt, who have received the grace of the "adoption, by which we cry, Abba Father."(7) 2. Wherefore, as I have already stated, no other is named as God, or is called Lord, except Him who is God and Lord of all, who also said to Moses, "I AM THAT I AM. And thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel: He who is, hath sent me unto yo”