Exodus 33:23
Exodus 33:23 in Multiple Translations
Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
and I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back; but my face shall not be seen.
Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back: but my face is not to be seen.
Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back; but you won't see my face.”
After I will take away mine hande, and thou shalt see my backe parts: but my face shall not be seene.
and I have turned aside My hands, and thou hast seen My back parts, and My face is not seen.'
then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”
And I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
And I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face thou canst not see.
Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but you will not see my face.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:23
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 33:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/הֲסִרֹתִי֙
אֶת
כַּפִּ֔/י
וְ/רָאִ֖יתָ
אֶת
אֲחֹרָ֑/י
וּ/פָנַ֖/י
לֹ֥א
יֵרָאֽוּ
וַ/הֲסִרֹתִי֙
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כַּפִּ֔/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs | Suff
וְ/רָאִ֖יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲחֹרָ֑/י
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-mp | Suff
וּ/פָנַ֖/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵרָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:23
וַ/הֲסִרֹתִי֙
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כַּפִּ֔/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
וְ/רָאִ֖יתָ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲחֹרָ֑/י
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
וּ/פָנַ֖/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | 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.
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.
יֵרָאֽוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
- Sermons on Exodus 33:23
Context — The Promise of God’s Presence
21The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock,
22and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.
23Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 33:20 | But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” |
| 2 | John 1:18 | No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 6:16 | He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 13:12 | Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. |
| 5 | Job 11:7 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? |
| 6 | Job 26:14 | Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” |
Exodus 33:23 Summary
[This verse, Exodus 33:23, tells us that when God's glory passes by, Moses will see God's back, but not His face, because God's face is too glorious for any human to see and live (as also mentioned in Exodus 33:20). It's like when you see a big storm pass by - you might see the clouds and feel the wind, but you can't look directly at the storm's center because it's too powerful. This reminds us that God is very powerful and holy, and we need to respect and reverence Him, as seen in verses like Psalm 111:9 and Isaiah 6:1-5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to see God's back?
In Exodus 33:23, seeing God's back is a metaphor for seeing the aftermath of God's presence, as God's face represents His full glory, which no human can see and live (as stated in Exodus 33:20 and supported by Isaiah 6:1-5).
Why can't we see God's face?
According to Exodus 33:20, no one can see God's face and live, emphasizing the transcendent holiness and power of God, a concept also found in Judges 13:22 and supported by the encounter between Isaiah and God in Isaiah 6:1-5.
Is this verse related to other parts of the Bible where God's presence is described?
Yes, the description of God's presence in Exodus 33:23 is similar to other accounts in the Bible, such as when God passed by Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11, and when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John in Matthew 17:1-13.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's nature?
This verse highlights the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of God, emphasizing that while we can experience His presence and know His character, there is also an aspect of God that remains beyond human comprehension, as stated in Romans 11:33-36 and Psalm 139:6.
Reflection Questions
- What would it be like to experience the presence of God in such a powerful way that you are hidden in a cleft of a rock for your own protection?
- How does the idea of seeing God's 'back' influence your understanding of His presence in your life?
- In what ways can you, like Moses, seek to know God more intimately, even if it means being in awe of His holiness and power?
- What are some ways you can apply the reverent fear of God, as seen in this verse, to your daily life and relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:23
And I will take away mine hand,.... As being covered with the hand may signify the obscurity of the former dispensation, the taking of it away may denote a more clear revelation of the grace and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:23
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. Thou shalt see my back parts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
My back parts, i.e. imperfectly and in part, as when we see only a man’ s back parts, and not his face. Thou shalt see a shadow or obscure delineation of my glory, as much as thou canst bear, though not as much as thou dost desire.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
MOSES’ REQUEST TO SEE GOD’S GLORY, AND GOD’S REPLY TO IT.(18-23) Not till he had received full assurance of the people’s restoration to favour did Moses prefer any request for himself. Then, however, he made use of the privilege granted him to speak with God, “as a man speaketh unto his friend,” in order to obtain a blessing for which his spiritual nature craved, and than which he could conceive nothing more desirable. “Shew me,” he said, “I beseech thee, thy glory.” All that he had yet seen of God was insufficient—only raised his desire, only sharpened his appetite to see more. He craved for that “beatific vision” which is the final reward of them that are perfected in another world. God could not grant his request in full, for it is impossible so long as we are in the flesh that we should look on God and live. “No man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18). But He granted all that could be granted. He made “all his goodness pass before” Moses; He gave him a fresh revelation of His name (Exodus 34:6-7); and He even let him see some actual portion of His “glory”—as much as mortal man could possibly behold—more than any son of man had ever beheld before—more, probably, than any other son of man will ever behold until the consummation of all things (Exodus 33:22-23).
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:23
12–23. Moses resumes the intercession broken off at v. 3; and starting from the command given him in Exodus 32:34 a, Exodus 33:1 a obtains from Jehovah (vv. 14–16, as the text stands; see, however, on v. 14) the promise that He will not carry out the threat of v. 3, but will Himself accompany the people on their way to Canaan, and also (vv. 17–23) that He will vouchsafe Moses himself a glimpse of His glory.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:23
19-23. Even this great request is in part granted, for these verses contain the promise that, so far as mortal man may be permitted to see the divine glory, Moses shall witness a most sublime theophany.
Sermons on Exodus 33:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also |
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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The Holiness of God - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forg |
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Mind the Light by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's own life and the impact they have on others. He urges listeners to consider whether they are living accord |
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Knowing Christ the Friend by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of serving the Lord and how it can be done on earth as it is in heaven. The sermon begins by discussing the service of God's bond s |
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Circumstantial Happiness by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God in order to endure the hardships and challenges of life. He gives examples of biblical figures such as Paul, S |
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Moving Forward in Faith by Ron Corcoran | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being consistent in our Christian walk, whether in public or private. He encourages the congregation to use their God-given |