Exodus 33:15
Exodus 33:15 in Multiple Translations
“If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here.
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
And Moses said, If you yourself are not going with us, do not send us on from here.
“If you don't go with us yourself, then please don't take us away from here,” Moses responded.
Then he sayd vnto him, If thy presence go not with vs, cary vs not hence.
And he saith unto Him, 'If Thy presence is not going — take us not up from this [place];
Moses said to him, “If your presence doesn’t go with me, don’t carry us up from here.
And he said to him, If thy presence shall not attend me, conduct us not hence.
And Moses said: If thou thyself dost not go before, bring us not out of this place.
Moses/I replied, “If you do not go with me, do not force us to leave this place.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:15
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 33:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֵלָ֑י/ו
אִם
אֵ֤ין
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
הֹלְכִ֔ים
אַֽל
תַּעֲלֵ֖/נוּ
מִ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
הֹלְכִ֔ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעֲלֵ֖/נוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
מִ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:15
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלָ֑י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵ֤ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
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.
הֹלְכִ֔ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעֲלֵ֖/נוּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:15
- Sermons on Exodus 33:15
Context — The Promise of God’s Presence
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.”
14And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15“If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here.
16For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight, unless You go with us? How else will we be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 34:9 | “O Lord,” he said, “if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance.” |
| 2 | Psalms 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 3 | Exodus 33:3 | Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.” |
Exodus 33:15 Summary
In Exodus 33:15, Moses is saying that if God doesn't go with them, they shouldn't even bother moving forward. This shows how much Moses values God's presence and guidance in their lives. Just like Moses, we need God's presence to guide and protect us, as we see in Psalm 23:4, and we can trust that He will be with us always, as Jesus promises in Matthew 28:20. By seeking God's presence, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that He is always with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Moses mean by 'If Your Presence does not go with us' in Exodus 33:15?
Moses is expressing his deep desire for God's presence to accompany the Israelites as they journey to the Promised Land, as seen in the Lord's previous promise in Exodus 33:14, and this is reminiscent of God's promise to Moses in Exodus 3:12.
Why is Moses so insistent that God's presence go with them?
Moses recognizes that the presence of God is what sets the Israelites apart from other nations, as he mentions in Exodus 33:16, and this is consistent with the Lord's declaration in Leviticus 20:26 to be a holy people.
What would happen if God's presence did not go with the Israelites?
If God's presence did not go with the Israelites, they would not be able to distinguish themselves from other nations, as Moses notes in Exodus 33:16, and they would lack the guidance and protection that God's presence provides, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's presence in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of God's presence in the lives of His people, a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible, including in verses like Psalm 16:11 and Matthew 28:20, where God promises to be with His people always.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek God's presence in my own life, just as Moses did in Exodus 33:15?
- How does the promise of God's presence impact my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, express my dependence on God's presence and guidance?
- How can I, like the Israelites, distinguish myself from the world around me by seeking God's presence and living according to His will?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:15
And he said unto him,.... Moses said unto the Lord: if thy presence go not [with me]; or with us, as it may be as well supplied, and which agrees with what follows: carry us not up hence; from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:15
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
Let us rather live and die in the wilderness with thy presence and favour, than go into Canaan without it; for even that promise of rest I value not without thy presence. So he echoes back God’ s words to himself, and turns God’ s promise into a prayer.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
Exodus 33:15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not [with me], carry us not up hence.Ver. 15. If thy presence go not with me.] What is it to have the air without light? What was all Mordecai’ s honour to him when the king frowned upon him?
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
MOSES OBTAINS A RENEWAL OF GOD’S PROMISE TO GO UP WITH THE PEOPLE.(12-17) The self-humiliation of the people (Exodus 33:4-6) had appeased God’s anger. He was now ready to be entreated. Moses therefore renews his supplications on their behalf, and especially prays for a revocation of the threatened withdrawal of the Divine Presence, and substitution for it of a mere angel. Taking advantage of his privilege to speak to God as friend with friend (Exodus 33:11), he ventures to expostulate, uses familiar terms, and persists until he at last obtains a distinct declaration that his request is granted (Exodus 33:17).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:15
Verse 15. If thy presence go not] אם אין פניך הלכים im ein pancycha holechim, if thy faces do not go - if we have not manifestations of thy peculiar providence and grace, carry us not up hence. Without supernatural assistance, and a most particular providence, he knew that it would be impossible either to govern such a people, or support them in the desert; and therefore he wishes to be well assured on this head, that he may lead them up with confidence, and be able to give them the most explicit assurances of support and protection. But by what means should these manifestations take place? This question seems to be answered by the Prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 63:9: In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence (פניו panaiv, of his faces) saved them. So we find that the goodness and mercy of God were to be manifested by the Angel of the Covenant, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah; and this is the interpretation which the Jews themselves give of this place. Can any person lead men to the typical Canaan, who is not himself influenced and directed by the Lord? And of what use are all the means of grace, if not crowned with the presence and blessing of the God of Israel? It is on this ground that Jesus Christ hath said, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them, Matthew 18:20; without which, what would preachings, prayers, and even SACRAMENTS avail?
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:15
15. Moses replies that if Jehovah will not go with them, they prefer to remain where they are, in the neighbourhood of their God (Exodus 19:4), at Sinai.
Sermons on Exodus 33:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need |
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Desiring God by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving and desiring a personal relationship with God above all else. It highlights the need to go beyond knowing about God to truly knowing |
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The Presence of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of Nathan confronting King David about his sin of adultery and murder. David is initially unaware of his own guilt, but Nathan revea |
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Nature of Revival - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on a past revival in Wales in 1945 and compares it to the current state of decline in the world. He emphasizes the need for a radic |
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Favouritism - Part 1 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of showing favoritism based on outward appearances. He warns believers against treating people differently based on their externa |
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(Church Leadership) 3. Our Primary Calling by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes two important aspects that the church should demonstrate: that God is a loving Father and that Jesus is alive. The Holy Spirit is believed to |
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Where Is the Secret by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson and the power he possessed as a Nazirite. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's strength did not come from his physical a |