Exodus 34:33
Exodus 34:33 in Multiple Translations
When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.
And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.
And at the end of his talk with them, Moses put a veil over his face.
After Moses finished talking with them, he put a veil over his face.
So Moses made an end of comuning with them, and had put a couering vpon his face.
And Moses finisheth speaking with them, and putteth on his face a vail;
When Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.
And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
And having done speaking, he put a veil upon his face.
When Moses/I finished talking to the people, he/I put a veil over his/my face.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:33
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 34:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְכַ֣ל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
מִ/דַּבֵּ֖ר
אִתָּ֑/ם
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
עַל
פָּנָ֖י/ו
מַסְוֶֽה
וַ/יְכַ֣ל
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
מִ/דַּבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אִתָּ֑/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מַסְוֶֽה
maçveh
H4533
veil
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:33
וַ/יְכַ֣ל
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
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.
מִ/דַּבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
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.
אִתָּ֑/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
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.
מַסְוֶֽה
maçveh
H4533
"veil"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a veil or curtain, often used to separate areas in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 26:31, describing the veil that separates the holy place from the most holy place. This separation symbolizes God's presence.
Definition: veil
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: vail. See also: Exodus 34:33; Exodus 34:34; Exodus 34:35.
Study Notes — Exodus 34:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 34:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:33
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 34:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
- Sermons on Exodus 34:33
Context — The LORD Renews the Covenant
31But Moses called out to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke to them.
32And after this all the Israelites came near, and Moses commanded them to do everything that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai.
33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.
34But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant. So Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 4:4–6 | The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 3:13–18 | We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. |
| 3 | Romans 10:4 | For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. |
Exodus 34:33 Summary
In Exodus 34:33, Moses put a veil over his face after speaking with the Israelites because his face was shining with God's glory. This shows us that being in God's presence can change us and make us reflect His glory, just like Moses' face shone after being on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 34:29-30). As believers, we can also reflect God's glory in our lives by living according to His Word and being filled with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18, Matthew 5:14-16). By doing so, we can be a light to those around us and point them to God's love and glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses put a veil over his face in Exodus 34:33?
Moses put a veil over his face after speaking with the Israelites because his face was radiant after being in the presence of God, as described in Exodus 34:35, and he wanted to hide this glory from the people until he spoke with them again, similar to how God's presence was veiled in the tabernacle in Exodus 40:3-4.
Was Moses trying to hide something from the people by wearing a veil?
No, Moses was not trying to hide anything from the people, but rather he was trying to veil the glory of God that was reflected on his face after being in God's presence, as seen in Exodus 34:29-30 where Moses' face shone after receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
Is there any spiritual significance to the veil that Moses wore?
Yes, the veil that Moses wore can be seen as a symbol of the separation between God's glory and the people, similar to the veil in the temple that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, as described in Exodus 26:31-33 and Hebrews 10:19-20.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse relates to the rest of the Bible in that it shows how God's presence and glory can be reflected in His people, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16 where Jesus teaches that His followers are the light of the world, and in 2 Corinthians 3:18 where Paul writes that believers are being transformed into the image of God with ever-increasing glory.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to reflect the glory of God in my own life, and how can I do that?
- How can I, like Moses, be mindful of the presence of God in my life and let that presence transform me?
- What are some ways that I can 'veil' or hide my own glory and instead reflect the glory of God to those around me?
- How does the idea of God's glory being veiled relate to the concept of humility and surrender in the Christian life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:33
And [till] Moses had done speaking with them,.... Not when he had done, as the Septuagint version, for then there would have been no occasion for it; but when he first began to speak to Aaron and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:33
And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
In condescension to their weakness
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
Exodus 34:33 And [till] Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.Ver. 33. He put a vail on his face.] And had more glory by his vail than by his face. How far are those spirits from this Christian modesty, which care only to be seen and wish only to dazzle others’ eyes with admiration, not caring for unknown riches! This vail signifieth the law’ s obscurity and our infidelity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
(33) Till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.—This translation exactly inverts the meaning, which is that “when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.” The vail became part of his ordinary costume, and was worn excepting upon occasions of two kinds: (1) When Moses was alone with God, either in the temporary “tent of meeting” or in the permanent Tabernacle, he ceased to wear the vail, and spoke with God face to face; (2) when he had a message to the people from God, and spoke to them as God’s representative, he authenticated his message by uncovering himself, and allowing the glory of his face to be seen. Otherwise, in his ordinary dealings with the people he went about veiled.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
Verse 33. And till Moses had done speaking] The meaning of the verse appears to be this: As often as Moses spoke in public to the people, he put the veil on his face, because they could not bear to look on the brightness of his countenance; but when he entered into the tabernacle to converse with the Lord, he removed this veil, Exodus 34:34. St. Paul, 2 Corinthians 3:7, c., makes a very important use of the transactions recorded in this place. He represents the brightness of the face of Moses as emblematical of the glory or excellence of that dispensation but he shows that however glorious or excellent that was, it had no glory when compared with the superior excellence of the Gospel. As Moses was glorious in the eyes of the Israelites, but that glory was absorbed and lost in the splendour of God when he entered into the tabernacle, or went to meet the Lord upon the mount; so the brightness and excellence of the Mosaic dispensation are eclipsed and absorbed in the transcendent brightness or excellence of the Gospel of Christ. One was the shadow, the other is the substance. One showed SIN in its exceeding sinfulness, together with the justice and immaculate purity of God; but, in and of itself, made no provision for pardon or sanctification. The other exhibits Jesus, the Lamb of God, typified by all the sacrifices under the law, putting away sin by the sacrifice of himself, reconciling God to man and man to God, diffusing his Spirit through the souls of believers, and cleansing the very thoughts of their hearts by his inspiration, and causing them to perfect holiness in the fear of God. The one seems to shut heaven against mankind, because by the law was the knowledge, not the cure, of SIN; the other opens the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
The former was a ministration of death, the latter a dispensation of life. The former ministered terror, so that even the high priest was afraid to approach, the people withdrew and stood afar off, and even Moses, the mediator of it, exceedingly feared and trembled; by the latter we have boldness to enter into the holiest through the blood of Jesus, who is the end of the law for righteousness - justification, to every one that believeth. The former gives a partial view of the Divine nature; the latter shows God as he is, "Full orbed, in his whole round of rays complete." The apostle farther considers the veil on the face of Moses, as being emblematical of the metaphorical nature of the different rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic dispensation, each covering some spiritual meaning or a spiritual subject; and that the Jews did not lift the veil to penetrate the spiritual sense, and did not look to the end of the commandment, which was to be abolished, but rested in the letter or literal meaning, which conferred neither light nor life.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:33
29–35. The shining of Moses’ face when he came down after God’s converse with him on the mountain. The sequel in P to Exodus 24:15-18 a, Exodus 25:1 to Exodus 31:18 a (Di.).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 34:33
Paul refers to this passage as showing forth the glory of the law, though it was but a “ministration of condemnation,” and was to be done away, in order to enhance the glory of the gospel, “the
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:33
33. Till Moses had done — Rather, when he had done speaking, etc. Literally, And Moses ceased from speaking with them, and put upon his face a vail.
Sermons on Exodus 34:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jesus, Transfigured & Disfigured by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of transfiguration and its significance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a vision of transfig |
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Why Did Moses Veil His Face? by Daniel Steele | Daniel Steele preaches about the significance of veiling in the Bible, particularly focusing on Moses veiling his face after speaking with the Israelites to symbolize the transitor |
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(Biographies) Athanasius by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel in a way that challenges and transforms people's understanding. He cautions against simply presentin |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 3 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with the heart of God. He explains that through the indwelling presence of God in our hearts and lives, we becom |
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A Mirror Covered With Water by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God and being transformed by His word. He challenges the audience to examine their spir |
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There Were Two Trees in the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the compactness and significance of the scripture, particularly in relation to the failure of Adam and its implications for humanity. The fai |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within ev |