For a printable PDF version of this important message click HERE.
March 27, 2025
The Gravity of Uttering the Word “Hineni”
by Ron Pearce
At an increasing rate, young people in the national churches of the world are rediscovering the profound meaning and weight of the word “Hineni.” Amidst widespread outpourings of the Holy Spirit and powerful revivals in churches globally, young men and women are passionately seeking God, calling upon Him to fill them with His Spirit, and boldly stepping forward to become ministers of the Gospel to the lost. “Sacrifice” is in their hearts, and “Hineni” is on their lips.
I vividly remember being a teenager and hearing a sermon on Isaiah 6. In that moment, I was deeply moved and immediately dedicated my life to both ministry and missions. This is why the word “Hineni” holds such immense significance for me and for millions of believers throughout history… stretching even into today! The following is a brief exploration of this rarely used yet eternally significant word — one that has inspired countless individuals to surrender to God’s call and has led to millions accepting Christ.
The Hebrew word “Hineni” (הִנֵּנִי ) is a powerful and deeply significant term that appears multiple times throughout the Bible. It is most often translated as “Here I am” and is used as a response to a divine call, signifying complete presence, readiness, and willingness to serve. However, the meaning of “Hineni” extends beyond a simple declaration of physical presence — it carries profound spiritual and emotional weight, implying deep commitment, responsibility, and surrender.
The Biblical Context of Hineni
The word “Hineni” is found in some of the most pivotal moments of Biblical history. It is spoken by major biblical figures in response to God’s call, often at moments of great significance or testing.
1. Abraham’s Hineni (Genesis 22:1)
One of the most famous occurrences of “Hineni” is in the story of the binding and the anticipated sacrifice of Isaac. In Genesis 22:1, God calls out to Abraham:
“And it came to pass after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Hineni.’”
Abraham’s response, “Hineni”, is not just a way of saying “I’m here” — it signifies his total availability and readiness to do God’s will, even when that will is incomprehensibly difficult. Later in the same chapter (Genesis 22:11), when the angel of the Lord calls out to stop him from sacrificing Isaac, Abraham again responds, “Hineni”, reinforcing his attentiveness and obedience.
2. Moses’ Hineni (Exodus 3:4)
Another significant moment occurs in Exodus 3:4, when Moses encounters the burning bush.
“And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Hineni.’”
Here, “Hineni” marks the beginning of Moses’ prophetic journey. It represents not only his physical presence but also his willingness to accept the daunting mission of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. His response is one of humility and submission to a divine calling that will ultimately change history.
3. Isaiah’s Hineni (Isaiah 6:8)
The prophet Isaiah also uses “Hineni” in a moment of divine commissioning. In Isaiah 6:8, God asks:
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Hineni, send me.”
Isaiah’s “Hineni” is a declaration of readiness to be God’s messenger, fully accepting his prophetic role despite the challenges it will entail.
The Spiritual and Philosophical Meaning of Hineni
Beyond its biblical usage, Hineni carries deep spiritual meaning. It signifies:
• Presence and Awareness – Saying Hineni means being fully present, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. It is an acknowledgement of the gravity of the moment and being open to what it demands.
• Readiness to Serve – Hineni is an affirmation of responsibility. It reflects a willingness to act or to respond to a higher calling from God.
• Self-Surrender and Trust – In saying Hineni, Abraham, Moses and Isaiah surrendered to God’s will without fully understanding the consequences. This embodies deep faith and trust. The New Testament equivalent to this thought would be that of identifying as a “bondservant” of Jesus.
• Accountability – The word also implies being willing to stand before God with openness and integrity. It is a commitment to being fully transparent and answerable for one’s actions.
An Amplified Definition: “Hineni” = A spontaneous, unequivocal commitment promising – “I am here”, where and as you found me, fully attentive, focused, all in.
- 2 -
In Summary
The Hebrew word “Hineni” is much more than a simple “Here I am.” It is a statement of readiness, presence, faith, and responsibility. Whether spoken by Abraham, Moses, or Isaiah in response to a divine call, or used in a modern context to express deep commitment, “Hineni” represents an openness to duty, transformation, and service.
Isaiah 6 – The Call of the Prophet Isaiah
In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord seated on a high, elevated throne. The hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs stood over him; each one had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and they used the remaining two to fly. They called out to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! His majestic splendor fills the entire earth!” The sound of their voices shook the door frames, and the temple was filled with smoke.
I said, “Woe to me! I am destroyed, for my lips are contaminated by sin, and I live among people whose lips are contaminated by sin. My eyes have seen the king, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” But then one of the seraphs flew toward me. In his hand was a hot coal he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, “Look, this coal has touched your lips. Your evil is removed; your sin is forgiven.” I heard the voice of the Lord say, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” I answered, “Here I am, send me!” (New English Translation)