Exodus 33:9
Exodus 33:9 in Multiple Translations
As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses.
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.
And it came to pass, when Moses entered into the Tent, the pillar of cloud descended, and stood at the door of the Tent: and Jehovah spake with Moses.
And whenever Moses went into the Tent, the pillar of cloud came down, and took its place by the door of the Tent, as long as the Lord was talking with Moses.
As soon as Moses went into the Tent, the cloud column would descend and stand in the doorway as the Lord spoke with Moses.
And assoone as Moses was entred into the Tabernacle, the cloudie pillar descended and stood at the doore of the Tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.
And it hath come to pass, at the going in of Moses to the tent, the pillar of the cloud cometh down, and hath stood at the opening of the tent, and He hath spoken with Moses;
When Moses entered into the Tent, the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and the LORD spoke with Moses.
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.
And when he was gone into the tabernacle of the covenant, the pillar of the cloud came down, and stood at the door, and he spoke with Moses.
When Moses/I entered the Sacred Tent, the tall cloud that looked like a fire would come down and stay at the entrance of the Sacred Tent, and then Yahweh would talk with Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:9
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 33:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
כְּ/בֹ֤א
מֹשֶׁה֙
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
יֵרֵד֙
עַמּ֣וּד
הֶֽ/עָנָ֔ן
וְ/עָמַ֖ד
פֶּ֣תַח
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
וְ/דִבֶּ֖ר
עִם
מֹשֶֽׁה
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כְּ/בֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms | Suff
יֵרֵד֙
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
N-ms
הֶֽ/עָנָ֔ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Art | N-ms
וְ/עָמַ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms
וְ/דִבֶּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-3ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:9
וְ/הָיָ֗ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/בֹ֤א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
הָ/אֹ֔הֱלָ/ה
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms | Suff
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.
יֵרֵד֙
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
הֶֽ/עָנָ֔ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
וְ/עָמַ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
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.
וְ/דִבֶּ֖ר
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.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מֹשֶֽׁה
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
- Sermons on Exodus 33:9
Context — The Tent of Meeting
7Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.
8Then, whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand at the entrances to their own tents and watch Moses until he entered the tent.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 99:7 | He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. |
| 2 | Exodus 31:18 | When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. |
| 3 | Exodus 13:21–22 | And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. |
| 4 | Numbers 11:17 | And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 3:22 | And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” |
| 6 | Genesis 17:22 | When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. |
| 7 | Exodus 34:3 | No one may go up with you; in fact, no one may be seen anywhere on the mountain—not even the flocks or herds may graze in front of the mountain.” |
| 8 | Exodus 25:22 | And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. |
| 9 | 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.” |
| 10 | Genesis 18:33 | When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home. |
Exodus 33:9 Summary
[Exodus 33:9 shows us that God wants to have a personal relationship with us, just like He did with Moses. When Moses went to the Tent of Meeting, God would speak with him, guiding him and giving him wisdom. This reminds us that we can talk to God and hear from Him too, just like it says in Psalm 119:105. By spending time with God, we can experience His presence and guidance in our lives, just like Moses did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the pillar of cloud in Exodus 33:9?
The pillar of cloud represents God's presence and guidance, as seen in Exodus 13:21-22, where it led the Israelites through the wilderness. In Exodus 33:9, it signifies that God is speaking with Moses, providing him with direction and wisdom.
Why did the Lord speak with Moses in the Tent of Meeting?
The Lord spoke with Moses in the Tent of Meeting because it was a designated place for Moses to meet with God, as mentioned in Exodus 33:7. This intimate setting allowed for face-to-face conversation, as described in Exodus 33:11 and Deuteronomy 34:10.
What can we learn from Moses' example of seeking God's presence?
Moses' example teaches us the importance of seeking a personal relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 33:9 and Psalm 63:1-2. By prioritizing time with God, we can experience His guidance, wisdom, and presence in our lives.
How does this verse relate to our own prayer lives?
Exodus 33:9 encourages us to seek a deep, personal connection with God through prayer, just like Moses did. As we read in Jeremiah 29:12-13, when we call out to God, He will listen and respond, guiding us in our lives.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'inquire of the Lord' in my own life, and how can I prioritize seeking God's presence?
- How can I create a 'Tent of Meeting' in my own life, a designated space to meet with God and seek His guidance?
- What are some ways I can 'stand up and worship' like the Israelites did when they saw the pillar of cloud, acknowledging God's presence and majesty in my life?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, cultivate a face-to-face relationship with God, and what would that look like in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:9
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended,.... From the top of the mount in which Jehovah was: and stood at the door of the tabernacle; where Moses was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:9
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 33:9
Whereby God testified his approbation of Moses, and of that which Moses had done, which might seem to some severe and cruel.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
Exodus 33:9 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.Ver. 9. And the Lord talked with Moses.] Out of the cloudy pillar: which was a sign of favour. The Turks honour Moses, and call him the talker with God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
MOSES A .(7-11) Moses, having experienced the blessedness of solitary communion with God during the forty days spent on Sinai, felt now, as he had never felt before, the want of a “house of God,” whither he might retire for prayer and meditation, secure of being undisturbed. Months would necessarily elapse before the Tabernacle could be constructed according to the pattern which he had seen in the mount. During this interval he determined to make use of one of the existing tents as a “house of prayer,” severing it from the others, and giving it the name “Tent of Meeting,” which was afterwards appropriated to the Tabernacle. It would seem that he selected his own tent for the purpose—probably because it was the best that the camp afforded—and contented himself with another. God deigned to approve his design, and descended in the cloudy pillar on the tent each time that Moses entered it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
Verse 9. The cloudy pillar descended] This very circumstance precluded the possibility of deception. The cloud descending at these times, and at none others, was a full proof that it was miraculous, and a pledge of the Divine presence. It was beyond the power of human art to counterfeit such an appearance; and let it be observed that all the people saw this, Exodus 33:10. How many indubitable and irrefragable proofs of its own authenticity and Divine origin does the Pentateuch contain!
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:9
7–11. The Tent of Meeting, and the use made of it by Moses. The sudden introduction of this notice of the Tent of Meeting is extremely surprising; and it is difficult to explain it, except by the conjecture mentioned on v. 6. The notice is a highly interesting and remarkable one, preserving, as it does, the oldest representation that we possess—that of E—of the Tent of Meeting, and differing in many particulars from the representation given by P (chs. 25–31, &c.). The ‘tent’ is obviously much simpler in structure than that of P; it is guarded by one attendant, the Ephraimite Joshua, instead of by the host of Levites pictured by P (Numbers 3-4); and it is outside the camp (so Numbers 11:26 f., Exodus 12:4), at some distance from it, not in its centre, as in P (Numbers 2:17). The tenses, throughout the section, are frequentative, and describe what was Moses’ habitual practice—no doubt, in E’s view, during the whole time of Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness. Used in v. 7 is intended to rule the whole section: but would go out, would rise up, &c., with whenever for when in vv. 8, 9, would be clearer.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:9
8-11. These verses show that this tent served a special purpose in the Sinaitic revelation of Jehovah.
Sermons on Exodus 33:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 40:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and how it opens in gloom in the brickyards of Egypt but closes in glory. The presence of the Lord is seen in the tabernac |
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The Holy God by Charles Ryrie | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and his disobedience to God. Despite Moses' plea to enter the promised land, God tells him that he will not be able to cros |
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The Voice of the Lord in the Cloud by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that the voice of the Lord continues to speak to believers through the clouds of their experiences, much like He did in the past with the cloudy pillar. |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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A Missional Awakening by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the language and emotions used in preaching the word of God. He shares a personal experience of a passionate lady who would grab his shirt a |
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Pray and Be Alone With God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a Bible conference in the Andes Mountains where he brought a physician. Despite the lack of medicine and tools, the desperate peopl |
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Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme |