Exodus 33:22
Exodus 33:22 in Multiple Translations
and 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.
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
and it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand until I have passed by:
And when my glory goes by, I will put you in a hole in the rock, covering you with my hand till I have gone past:
“and as my glory goes by I'll put you in a crevice of the rock, and I'll cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
And while my glory passeth by, I will put thee in a cleft of the rocke, and will couer thee with mine hand whiles I passe by.
and it hath come to pass, in the passing by of Mine honour, that I have set thee in a cleft of the rock, and spread out My hands over thee, until My passing by,
It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock: and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
And when my glory shall pass, I will set thee in a hole of the rock, and protect thee with my right hand, till I pass:
When my glorious presence comes past you, I will put you in a large crevice/opening in the rock, and I will cover your face with my hand until I have passed by.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:22
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 33:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
בַּ/עֲבֹ֣ר
כְּבֹדִ֔/י
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךָ
בְּ/נִקְרַ֣ת
הַ/צּ֑וּר
וְ/שַׂכֹּתִ֥י
כַפִּ֛/י
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
עַד
עָבְרִֽ/י
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כְּבֹדִ֔/י
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs | Suff
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךָ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
בְּ/נִקְרַ֣ת
nᵉqârâh
H5366
crevice
Prep | N-fs
הַ/צּ֑וּר
tsûwr
H6697
rock
Art | N-ms
וְ/שַׂכֹּתִ֥י
çâkak
H5526
to fence
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
כַפִּ֛/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs | Suff
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עָבְרִֽ/י
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:22
וְ/הָיָה֙
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.
בַּ/עֲבֹ֣ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
כְּבֹדִ֔/י
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךָ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בְּ/נִקְרַ֣ת
nᵉqârâh
H5366
"crevice"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a hole or crevice, often referring to a small opening in a rock. It is used in the Bible to describe places like the cleft of a rock. The word is related to the idea of something being bored or penetrated.
Definition: hole, crevice
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cleft, clift. See also: Exodus 33:22; Isaiah 2:21.
הַ/צּ֑וּר
tsûwr
H6697
"rock"
Art | N-ms
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
וְ/שַׂכֹּתִ֥י
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
כַפִּ֛/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.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עָבְרִֽ/י
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:22
- Sermons on Exodus 33:22
Context — The Promise of God’s Presence
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.
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 | Psalms 91:1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 2 | Isaiah 2:21 | They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. |
| 3 | Psalms 91:4 | He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:4 | and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. |
| 5 | Isaiah 32:2 | Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. |
| 6 | Psalms 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 5:19 | that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. |
| 8 | Song of Solomon 2:3 | Like an apricot tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 33:12 | Concerning Benjamin he said: “May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and upon His shoulders he rests.” |
Exodus 33:22 Summary
In Exodus 33:22, God promises to protect Moses from the full intensity of His glory by putting him in a cleft of the rock and covering him with His hand. This verse reminds us that God is a powerful and holy God, and we need to approach Him with reverence and humility, as seen in Exodus 33:20. Just like Moses, we need to trust in God's mercy and protection, and recognize that we are not capable of withstanding the fullness of His glory, as emphasized in Psalm 103:8-10. By trusting in God's protection, we can experience His presence and glory in our lives, even if it's just a glimpse of His 'back' as mentioned in Exodus 33:23, and as seen in other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah 6:1-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God's glory to pass by?
This phrase refers to a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, as seen in Exodus 33:22, and is reminiscent of other biblical accounts, such as when God's glory filled the tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35 and when Ezekiel saw the glory of God in Ezekiel 1:28.
Why did God need to cover Moses with His hand?
God covered Moses with His hand to protect him from the full intensity of His glory, as stated in Exodus 33:20, which says that no one can see God's face and live, emphasizing the importance of God's mercy and grace in our lives, as seen in Psalm 103:8-10.
What is the significance of the cleft in the rock?
The cleft in the rock represents a place of safety and protection, where Moses could be shielded from the overwhelming power of God's glory, much like the way God protects His people, as described in Psalm 91:1-4, and provides a refuge for them in times of trouble, as seen in Psalm 46:1-3.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse highlights the importance of humility and reverence in our relationship with God, recognizing that we are not capable of withstanding the fullness of His glory, and instead, we must rely on His mercy and protection, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 10:12 and Hebrews 12:28-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's glory is still manifest in our lives today, and how can we be more mindful of His presence?
- How can we, like Moses, position ourselves to experience God's presence and protection in our lives?
- In what ways do we need to be 'covered' by God's hand, and how can we trust in His mercy and protection?
- What does it mean to 'see God's back' as mentioned in Exodus 33:23, and how does this relate to our understanding of God's nature and character?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:22
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by,.... The displays of his grace and goodness are made: that I will put thee in a clift of the rock; in one of the clefts, made by smiting it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:22
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: I will put thee in a clift of the rock - namely,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:22
That thou mayst not be undone by thy own desires, nor swallowed up with the sight of my glory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:22
(22) And will cover thee with my hand.—Kalisch observes with justice that the mysteriousness of this obscure section “attains its highest climax in the three last verses” (Exodus 33:21-23). Human language is, by its very nature, unfit for the expression of sublime spiritual truths, and necessarily clothes them in a materialistic garment which is alien to their ethereal nature. All that we can legitimately gather from this verse and the next is that Moses was directed to a certain retired position, where God miraculously both protected him and shrouded him, while a manifestation of His glory passed by of a transcendent character, and that Moses was allowed to see, not the full manifestation, but the sort of after-glow which it left behind, which was as much as human nature could endure.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:22
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 33:22
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 33:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Hidden Life of Faith by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of faith and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes that if a person obeys God's work, they will fulfill His will. The speaker also |
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From Believing to Seeing the Glory of God by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need to see His goodness. He highlights that those who are lost have been |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the excessive focus on entertainment and pleasure in today's society. He emphasizes the negative impact of television, which he believes is d |
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A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains |
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Protection in the Coming Storm by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience growing up during the Great Depression and the lessons he learned about relying on God during times of trouble. He references |
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Abiding — I John 2:28 by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unfortunate reality of many people who start off strong in their faith but eventually fall away. He shares a personal story of a preacher |
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Sparrows in the Church by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the limitations of our physical bodies and senses. He emphasizes that our eyes can only see the external appearance of others, while our ea |