In the Hebrew Bible, the phrase "I Am" is often used as a revelation of God's name and nature, particularly in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 3:14, God declares to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." This phrase highlights God's eternal and self-existent nature and emphasizes that He is not limited by human understanding or definition.
In the Greek New Testament, Jesus frequently uses the phrase "I Am" to convey His divine identity and authority. For instance, in the Gospel of John, Jesus makes several "I Am" statements, such as "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," and "I am the resurrection and the life." These statements reveal Jesus' unique relationship with God and emphasize His role as the Messiah and Savior.
In English translations of both the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament, the words "I Am" are generally retained and understood in the same sense as in the original languages. The consistency in translation helps preserve the theological significance of these phrases and allows readers to grasp their profound meaning in both the Old and New Testaments.