The interpretation timeline

Exod 3:3

How this passage has been read — the sources, oldest to newest.

From the early Church Fathers to now.

Exod 3:3 · Douay-Rheims

“And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.”

Patristic before A.D. 750

254

A.D.

Origen Patristic

c. A.D. 184–253

“When Moses had seen the bush burning and not being consumed he was astonished at the sight and said, "I will cross over and see this sight." He certainly also did not mean that he was about to cross over some earthly space, or to ascend mountains or to descend the steep sides of valleys. The vision was near him, in his countenance and in his eyes. But he says, "I will cross over," that he might show that he, reminded forcefully by the heavenly vision, ought to ascend to a higher life and cross over to better things than those in which he was.”

Source

397

A.D.

Ambrose of Milan Patristic

A.D. 339–397

“Moses, too, passing by things of this world, saw a great sight and said, "I will turn aside and see this great sight," for had he been held by the fleeting pleasures of this world he would not have seen so great a mystery.”

Source

420

A.D.

Jerome Patristic

c. A.D. 347–420

“Moses says, "I must go over to look at this remarkable sight." If he does not go over, that is, if he does not escape all vice, he cannot behold the great marvel.”

Source

184 years pass — nothing from this stretch is hosted yet

604

A.D.

Gregory the Great Patristic

c. A.D. 540–604

“Hence Moses, when he was seeking the glory of heavenly contemplation, said, "I will now pass on, and see this great sight." For except he had withdrawn the footstep of the heart from the love of the world, he would never have been able to understand things above.”

Source

Modern · 1953 →

The in-app commentary runs from the Fathers to the early-modern record, then stops — that's where the public-domain sources end, not where the reading does. For the modern reading, follow the sources directly.