The Meaning of Exodus 15:3 Explained

Exodus 15:3

KJV: The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

YLT: Jehovah is a man of battle; Jehovah is His name.

Darby: Jehovah is a man of war; Jehovah, his name.

ASV: Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

The LORD  [is] a man  of war:  the LORD  [is] his name. 

What does Exodus 15:3 Mean?

Context Summary

Exodus 15:1-18 - Moses' Song Of Praise To Jehovah
This sublime ode falls into three divisions. We learn, first, what God is: strength in the day of battle; song in victory; salvation always. He is the God of our fathers, and our own; the mighty champion of His people. Notice that the Spirit of Inspiration gives but a line or two to Israel's murmurings, but records this happy song with elaborate care. Praise is comely!
We discover, second, what God is to His foes. They are covered by the engulfing waves of destruction. As well might thorns fight fire as a man succeed against God.
We are taught, third, what God does for His friends. He leads forth the people whom He has redeemed. He guides them in His strength to their home. He who brought them out brings them in, and plants them in the place He has prepared. Claim that He should do this for you. He who brought you out from Egypt can bring you into Canaan. [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 15

1  The song of Moses, Miriam, and Israel on their deliverance
22  The people want water in the desert
23  The waters at Marah are bitter,
24  they murmur,
25  Moses prays, and sweetens the waters by God's direction
27  They encamp at Elim, where are twelve wells, and seventy palm trees

What do the individual words in Exodus 15:3 mean?

Yahweh [is] a man of war [is] His name
יְהוָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ מִלְחָמָ֑ה שְׁמֽוֹ

יְהוָ֖ה  Yahweh 
Parse: Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: יהוה 
Sense: the proper name of the one true God.
אִ֣ישׁ  [is]  a  man 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct
Root: אִישׁ 
Sense: man.
מִלְחָמָ֑ה  of  war 
Parse: Noun, feminine singular
Root: מִלְחָמָה  
Sense: battle, war.
שְׁמֽוֹ  [is]  His  name 
Parse: Noun, masculine singular construct, third person masculine singular
Root: שֵׁם  
Sense: name.