Exodus 33:11

Exodus 33:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the Tent.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord had talk with Moses face to face, as a man may have talk with his friend. And when Moses came back to the tents, his servant, the young man Joshua, the son of Nun, did not come away from the Tent.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses would speak to the Lord face to face as you would talk to a friend, and then return to the camp. However, his young assistant Joshua, son of Nun, stayed in the Tent.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord spake vnto Moses, face to face, as a man speaketh vnto his friende. After he turned againe into the hoste, but his seruant Ioshua the sonne of Nun a yong man, departed not out of the Tabernacle.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah hath spoken unto Moses face unto face, as a man speaketh unto his friend; and he hath turned back unto the camp, and his minister Joshua, son of Nun, a youth, departeth not out of the tent.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn’t depart from the Tent.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh to his friend. And he turned again into the camp; but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man is wont to speak to his friend. And when he returned into the camp, his servant Josue the son of Nun, a young man, departed not from the tabernacle.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh would speak to Moses/me directly, like someone speaks to his friend. Then Moses/I would return to the camp. But his/my young helper, Joshua, the son of Nun, stayed in the Sacred Tent.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 33:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/דִבֶּ֨ר יְהוָ֤ה אֶל מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנִ֣ים אֶל פָּנִ֔ים כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר אִ֖ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֑/הוּ וְ/שָׁב֙ אֶל הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה וּ/מְשָׁ֨רְת֜/וֹ יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן נוּן֙ נַ֔עַר לֹ֥א יָמִ֖ישׁ מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ הָ/אֹֽהֶל

וְ/דִבֶּ֨ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-3ms

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

פָּנִ֣ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

פָּנִ֔ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

יְדַבֵּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

רֵעֵ֑/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff

וְ/שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs

וּ/מְשָׁ֨רְת֜/וֹ shârath H8334 to minister Conj | V-Piel | Suff

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

בִּן bên H1121 son N-ms

נוּן֙ Nûwn H5126 Nun N-proper

נַ֔עַר naʻar H5288 youth N-ms

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יָמִ֖ישׁ mûwsh H4185 to remove V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

הָ/אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:11

וְ/דִבֶּ֨ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָ֤ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

פָּנִ֣ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

פָּנִ֔ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יְדַבֵּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

רֵעֵ֑/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

וְ/שָׁב֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

וּ/מְשָׁ֨רְת֜/וֹ shârath H8334 "to minister" Conj | V-Piel | Suff

This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.

Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

בִּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

נוּן֙ Nûwn H5126 "Nun" N-proper

Nun was the father of Joshua, a leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses. His name means fish or posterity in Hebrew. The KJV translates his name as Non or Nun.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.33.11; son of: Elishama (H0476); father of: Joshua (H3091) § Nun = "fish" or "posterity" father of Joshua the successor of Moses

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Non, Nun. See also: Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:9; Nehemiah 8:17.

נַ֔עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms

In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.

Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָמִ֖ישׁ mûwsh H4185 "to remove" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To remove means to take something away or depart from a place. This word can be used literally or figuratively, and is often translated as cease or depart. It implies a sense of separation.

Definition: 1) to depart, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to depart 1a2) to remove 1a3) to be removed (of inanimate objects) 1b) (Hiphil) to remove, depart

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cease, depart, go back, remove, take away. See also: Exodus 13:22; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 55:12.

מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

הָ/אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

Study Notes — Exodus 33:11

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Context
Cross References
Exodus 33:11 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:11
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:11
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:11
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:11
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Sermons on Exodus 33:11

Context — The Tent of Meeting

9As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. 10When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent.

11Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.

12Then Moses said to the LORD, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’ 13Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 12:8	I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
2	Deuteronomy 34:10	Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—
3	Exodus 24:13	So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God.
4	Exodus 33:9	As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses.
5	Genesis 32:30	So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
6	Deuteronomy 5:4	The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain.
7	John 15:14–15	You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
8	James 2:23	And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
9	John 11:11	After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.”
10	John 3:29	The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

Exodus 33:11 Summary

This verse shows us that God spoke to Moses in a very personal way, like a friend talking to another friend. Moses would go back to the camp, but his helper Joshua would stay in the tent, wanting to be close to God. This reminds us that we can have a personal relationship with God too, through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 14:23. We can talk to God and listen to Him, just like Moses did, and seek to know His ways and find favor in His sight, as described in Exodus 33:13 and Psalm 25:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend?

This phrase indicates a deep and intimate relationship between God and Moses, where God communicates with Moses directly and clearly, much like Exodus 33:9 describes the pillar of cloud coming down to speak with Moses, and similar to how Adam walked with God in the garden in Genesis 3:8.

Why did Joshua not leave the tent?

Joshua's decision to remain in the tent suggests his desire to be close to God and to learn from Moses, demonstrating his devotion and commitment to his faith, as seen in his later leadership roles in the book of Joshua.

Is this kind of face-to-face relationship with God available to us today?

While we may not experience God's presence in the same way as Moses, we can still have a personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, as described in John 14:23 and Hebrews 4:16.

What can we learn from Moses' relationship with God in this verse?

Moses' relationship with God demonstrates the importance of seeking a deep and personal connection with God, listening to His voice, and obeying His commands, as seen in Exodus 33:13 and Deuteronomy 6:3.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to have a face-to-face relationship with God, and how can I cultivate this kind of intimacy in my own life?
How does Joshua's example encourage me to prioritize my own spiritual growth and devotion to God?
In what ways can I, like Moses, seek to know God's ways and find favor in His sight, as described in Exodus 33:13?
How can I apply the principle of seeking a deep and personal connection with God in my daily life, and what role does obedience play in this relationship?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:11

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face,.... Not by an angel, but he himself in person; not by a dream or vision, but apparently, in real visible appearance; not in dark speeches, but clearly in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:11

And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. The cloudy pillar descended.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:11

Face to face, or, mouth to mouth, as . Not that God hath face or mouth, or that Moses could behold it, which is denied, . But the sense is, he spake with him freely and familiarly, and immediately, not by an angel in a dream or vision, as he did to other prophets. See . Joshua abode in the tabernacle, either to keep it from injury or inconvenience; for as it was set up by man’ s help, so it needed man’ s care to preserve it; or to assist and direct those who resorted thither to seek God in Moses’ s absence. And Joshua seems to be appointed for this work rather than Aaron, or any other of the elders, because they had one way or other been guilty of the late idolatry, and God would hereby punish them with a temporary suspension from his service, and their office.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:11

Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.Ver. 11. Face to face.] Friendly and familiarly, as Numbers 12:8. And perhaps in human shape, as he spake with Abraham his friend. Genesis 18:16-33

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:11

(11) Face to face.—Comp. Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:10. This is clearly spoken of as a privilege peculiar to Moses; but in what exactly the peculiarity consisted is not apparent. Some special closeness of approach is no doubt meant—some nearness such as had been enjoyed by no mortal previously. In later times, Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28) were perhaps equally favoured. His servant Joshua.—Comp. Exodus 24:13, where Joshua is called Moses’ “minister,” the word employed in the Hebrew being the same.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:11

Verse 11. The Lord spake unto Moses face to face] That there was no personal appearance here we may readily conceive; and that the communications made by God to Moses were not by visions, ecstacies, dreams, inward inspirations, or the mediation of angels, is sufficiently evident: we may therefore consider the passage as implying that familiarity and confidence with which the Divine Being treated his servant, and that he spake with him by articulate sounds in his own language, though no shape or similitude was then to be seen. Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man] There is a difficulty here. Joshua certainly was not a young man in the literal sense of the word; "but he was called so," says Mr. Ainsworth, "In respect of his service, not of his years; for he was now above fifty years old, as may be gathered from Joshua 24:29. But because ministry and service are usually by the younger sort, all servants are called young men, Genesis 14:24." See also Genesis 22:3, and Genesis 41:12. Perhaps the word נער naar, here translated young man, means a single person, one unmarried.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:11

11. would speak unto Moses face to face] not from the distant heaven, or with the comparative indistinctness of a vision or a dream (Numbers 12:8), but ‘face to face’ (so Deuteronomy 34:10; cf. Deuteronomy 5:4), or ‘mouth to mouth’ (Nu. l.c.), like one friend speaking to another. Moses would then return into the camp; but his minister (Exodus 24:13), Joshua, remained permanently in charge of the Tent (cf. Samuel, 1 Samuel 3:3; 1 Samuel 3:15).

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 33:11

Face to face - See Exodus 33:20 note.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:11

8-11. These verses show that this tent served a special purpose in the Sinaitic revelation of Jehovah.

Sermons on Exodus 33:11

	Sermon	Description
	"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper	This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el
	Where Do I Stand With God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scene from the Bible where Israel is at its lowest point after committing a blasphemous sin against God. Moses, who had seen the wrath of Go
	When an Angel Leads the Church by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in the presence of God rather than just hearing messages about Him. He highlights how many churches today focus on de
	By This They Got a Good Report by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and living a life of faith. He acknowledges that many Christians struggle with exercising faith and u
	His Manifest Presence - Part 1 by Walter Beuttler	In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield
	The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:6 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith	The video is promoting Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a helpful resource for families during the holiday season. It highlights the breakdown of the family