Exodus 33:20
Exodus 33:20 in Multiple Translations
But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.”
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face; for man shall not see me and live.
But it is not possible for you to see my face, for no man may see me and still go on living.
But you won't be able to see my face, because no one can see my face and live.”
Furthermore he sayde, Thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see me, and liue.
He saith also, 'Thou art unable to see My face, for man doth not see Me, and live;'
He said, “You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live.”
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And again he said: Thou canst not see my face: for man shall not see me and live.
But you are not allowed to see my face, because anyone who sees my face will ◄die/not continue to stay alive►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:20
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 33:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
לֹ֥א
תוּכַ֖ל
לִ/רְאֹ֣ת
אֶת
פָּנָ֑/י
כִּ֛י
לֹֽא
יִרְאַ֥/נִי
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
וָ/חָֽי
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לִ/רְאֹ֣ת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנָ֑/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִרְאַ֥/נִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
וָ/חָֽי
châyay
H2425
to live
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:20
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
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.
תוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/רְאֹ֣ת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
פָּנָ֑/י
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.
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹֽא
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.
יִרְאַ֥/נִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
הָ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וָ/חָֽי
châyay
H2425
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to have life, to be alive, and to stay alive. It is used in the Bible to talk about living a long and healthy life, and is translated as 'to live' or 'to save life'.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: live, save life. See also: Genesis 3:22; Deuteronomy 19:4; Ezekiel 47:9.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
- Sermons on Exodus 33:20
Context — The Promise of God’s Presence
18Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.”
19“I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
20But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 32:30 | So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” |
| 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 | Isaiah 6:5 | Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 5 | Judges 13:22 | “We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!” |
| 6 | Judges 6:22 | When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 5:24 | and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. |
| 8 | Exodus 24:10 | and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. |
| 9 | Revelation 1:16–17 | He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 10 | Hebrews 1:13 | Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” ? |
Exodus 33:20 Summary
[This verse means that God is so holy and powerful that it's not possible for humans to see Him directly and survive, as stated in Exodus 33:20. This is because God's glory is too great for us to behold, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 1:4-28. However, we can still experience God's presence and glory in our lives, such as through prayer, worship, and reading the Bible, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 4:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell Moses he could not see His face?
God told Moses he could not see His face because no one can see God and live, as stated in Exodus 33:20, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God, similar to what is seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 where the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God's throne room and is overwhelmed by His glory.
What does it mean to see God's face?
Seeing God's face refers to having a direct and intimate encounter with God's presence, as seen in Exodus 33:11 where it says Moses spoke to God face to face, but this is a rare exception and not the norm for humans, as God's glory is too great for us to behold, as mentioned in Exodus 33:20.
Is it possible for humans to see God at all?
While humans cannot see God's face and live, we can see God's glory and presence in various ways, such as through creation, as mentioned in Psalm 19:1-6, and through the person of Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:14, who is the exact representation of God's being.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse fits into the larger biblical theme of God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, as seen in Isaiah 59:2 and Romans 3:23, emphasizing the need for a mediator, such as Jesus Christ, to bridge the gap between God and humanity, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have experienced God's presence in your life, and how have these experiences impacted your relationship with Him?
- How does the idea of God's holiness and majesty affect your daily life and decisions?
- What are some things you can do to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in your life?
- How can you balance the desire to know God intimately with the recognition of His transcendent holiness and power?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:20
And he said, thou canst not see my face,.... Meaning not his form, his essence, his very nature, and the glory of it, that Moses must know he could never see; but the brightest displays of his grace
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:20
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. Thou canst not see my face - i:e., the real unveiled effulgence of the divine glory.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
My face; either, 1. My essence. But that no man can see, neither in this life, nor in the next. Or rather, 2. My glorious presence. This may note either, 1. God’ s purpose that that blissful vision of God in glory shall be given to no man here, but is reserved for the future life. Or rather, 2. The impossibility of the thing from man’ s weakness, which is such, that if God should display all the beams of his glory to him, it would certainly astonish, overwhelm, and destroy him.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.Ver. 20. Thou canst not see my face.] Otherwise than in his words and works. As we cannot see the sun in rota, in the circle, but in the beams. Some have seen Mercabah velo harocheb, as the Hebrews speak, the chariot in which God rode, but not the rider in it: they saw some created image, or glory, whereby he testified his more immediate presence, but not himself. No man shall see me, and live.] But be oppressed and swallowed up with majesty: as the sight of the eye is dazzled with the sun; or a crystal glass broken with the fire. Rab. Maimon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
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).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
Verse 20. No man see me, and live.] The splendour would be insufferable to man; he only, whose mortality is swallowed up of life, can see God as he is. See 1 John 3:2. From some disguised relation of the circumstances mentioned here, the fable of Jupiter and Semele was formed; she is reported to have entreated Jupiter to show her his glory, who was at first very reluctant, knowing that it would be fatal to her; but at last, yielding to her importunity, he discovered his divine majesty, and she was consumed by his presence. This story is told by Ovid in his Metamorphoses, book iii., table iii., 5.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:20
20. The thought that no one could ‘see God,’ at least in His full glory, ‘and live,’ is often expressed in the OT.: cf. Genesis 32:30, Deuteronomy 4:33; Deuteronomy 5:24; Deuteronomy 5:26, Judges 6:22 f., Exodus 13:22, Isaiah 6:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:20
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 33:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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(Colossians) the Pre-Eminence of Christ by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering that God created the earth and each individual. He suggests that observing a full moon on a clear night can ser |