Exodus 33:4
Exodus 33:4 in Multiple Translations
When the people heard these bad tidings, they went into mourning, and no one put on any of his jewelry.
¶ And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
Hearing this bad news the people were full of grief, and no one put on his ornaments.
When the people heard these words of criticism, they mourned and didn't put on their jewelry.
And when the people heard this euill tydings, they sorowed, and no man put on his best rayment.
And the people hear this sad thing, and mourn; and none put his ornaments on him.
When the people heard this evil news, they mourned; and no one put on his jewelry.
And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man put on him his ornaments.
And the people hearing these very bad tidings, mourned: and no man put on his ornaments according to custom.
Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Tell the Israeli people, ‘You are very stubborn [IDM]. If I would go with you for even a moment, I would completely ◄get rid of you/wipe you out►. Now take off your jewelry to show that you are sorry for having sinned. Then I will decide how I will punish you (OR, if I should punish you).’” So when Moses/I told to the people what God said, they started to mourn, and they all took off their jewelry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 33:4
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 33:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
הָ/עָ֗ם
אֶת
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
הָ/רָ֛ע
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
וַ/יִּתְאַבָּ֑לוּ
וְ/לֹא
שָׁ֛תוּ
אִ֥ישׁ
עֶדְי֖/וֹ
עָלָֽי/ו
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הָ/רָ֛ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
וַ/יִּתְאַבָּ֑לוּ
ʼâbal
H56
to mourn
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁ֛תוּ
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עֶדְי֖/וֹ
ʻădîy
H5716
ornament
N-ms | Suff
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 33:4
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/רָ֛ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וַ/יִּתְאַבָּ֑לוּ
ʼâbal
H56
"to mourn"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
שָׁ֛תוּ
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עֶדְי֖/וֹ
ʻădîy
H5716
"ornament"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to ornaments or fine clothing, and can also describe the trappings of horses. It is used in books like Esther and Ezekiel to describe luxurious items. The word is about beautiful or impressive things.
Definition: 1) ornaments 1a) ornaments 1b) trappings (of horses)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] excellent, mouth, ornament. See also: Exodus 33:4; Isaiah 49:18; Psalms 32:9.
עָלָֽי/ו
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 33:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 33:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
- Sermons on Exodus 33:4
Context — The Command to Leave Sinai
2And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
3Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.”
4When the people heard this bad news, they went into mourning, and no one put on any of his jewelry.
5For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’” 6So the Israelites stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 14:39 | And when Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly. |
| 2 | Numbers 14:1 | Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 26:16 | All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 24:23 | Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 24:17 | Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Put on your turban and strap your sandals on your feet; do not cover your lips or eat the bread of mourners.” |
| 6 | Zechariah 7:5 | “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? |
| 7 | Leviticus 10:6 | Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. |
| 8 | Job 1:20 | Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, |
| 9 | 2 Kings 19:1 | On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. |
| 10 | Isaiah 32:11 | Shudder, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency. Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. |
Exodus 33:4 Summary
In Exodus 33:4, the people of Israel went into mourning and removed their jewelry as a sign of humility and repentance after hearing God's words. This shows that they recognized their sin and were seeking to make things right with God. Just like the Israelites, we can demonstrate our repentance by letting go of worldly attachments and seeking God with humble hearts (as in Matthew 16:24-26 and Luke 9:23-25). By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and seek His forgiveness, as promised in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people go into mourning when they heard God's words?
The people went into mourning because they realized their sin and rebellion had caused God to withhold His presence from them, as seen in Exodus 33:3, where God says He will not go with them because they are a stiff-necked people, a concept also discussed in Deuteronomy 9:13 and Deuteronomy 31:27.
What is the significance of not putting on jewelry in this context?
Not putting on jewelry was a sign of mourning and humility, as the people acknowledged their sin and sought to appease God, similar to the instruction in Exodus 33:5 where God tells them to take off their jewelry, and also reflected in the practices of other biblical figures, such as in Job 42:6 and Ezekiel 24:17.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the importance of repentance, as the people's mourning and removal of jewelry demonstrate their willingness to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness, a theme also seen in 1 John 1:9 and Luke 15:11-32.
What can we learn from the people's response to God's words in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and acknowledging our sin, as the people's response shows that true repentance involves recognizing our rebellion against God and seeking to make amends, as also taught in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and repentance in my own life, just as the Israelites did in this verse?
- How can I balance the awareness of my sin with the knowledge of God's love and forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 33:4 and other scriptures like Romans 5:8?
- What are some 'jewels' or worldly attachments in my life that I need to 'remove' in order to seek God more fully, as the Israelites were instructed to do in Exodus 33:5?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, respond to God's discipline and correction with a humble and repentant heart, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:5-11 and Revelation 3:19?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 33:4
And when the people heard these evil tidings,.... That God would withdraw his gracious presence, and go not up with them himself, only send an angel with them; and especially this may respect what is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 33:4
And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. When the people heard these evil tidings - from Moses on his descent from the mount.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
Their precious garments or jewels, which the women reserved, as we saw, . This was a visible sign and profession of their inward humiliation and repentance for their sin, and of their deep sense of God’ s displeasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
Exodus 33:4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.Ver. 4. They mourned.] As good cause they had: for "woe be unto thee when I depart from thee."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
(4) When the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned.—It was something that the people felt the tidings to be “evil.” It is natural for sinful men to shrink from the near presence of God (Matthew 8:34; Luke 5:8); and so the Israelites had shrunk from it a short time previously (Exodus 20:19). Even now they would probably have feared a too near contact; but still, they were unwilling that God should cease to be the leader and guide of the host: they set a value on His presence and protection, which they felt that that of an angel would ill replace. Accordingly, when Moses communicated to them what God had said (Exodus 33:1-3), they “mourned,” i.e., not only grieved inwardly, but showed the outward tokens of grief—made a public and, as it were, national lamentation. No man did put on him his ornaments.—The Orientals, both men and women, have always affected ornament, and taken an extreme delight in it. Herodotus tells us that the Persians who accompanied Xerxes into Greece wore generally collars and bracelets of gold (Hist. ix. 80). Xenophon says that the Medes indulged a similar taste (Cyropœd. i. 3, § 2). In Egypt, at the time of the exodus, men of station wore generally collars, armlets, and bracelets, occasionally anklets. The Assyrians wore armlets, bracelets, and ear-rings. To strip himself of his ornaments was a great act of self-denial on the part of an Oriental; but it was done commonly in the case of mourning on account of a family bereavement, and sometimes in the case of national misfortunes. (See Note on Exodus 33:1-6.)
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 33:4
4–6. The people strip themselves of their ornaments.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 33:4
4. The people heard… mourned — The withdrawal of the divine presence seemed to them to be ominous of evil.
Sermons on Exodus 33:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Murmuring Against One Another by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue and being slow to anger. He encourages listeners to be quick to hear and slow to speak, showing re |
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Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris |
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Caleb - a Different Spirit by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a young Chinese businessman who had a profound understanding of the concept of a perfect Lamb in Christianity. The speaker |
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Life Begins at 80 by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. He highlights Caleb's unwavering faith and determination despite facing 40 years of wilderness wandering. |
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Yoked With Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the heavy burden that the Israelites carried while wandering in the wilderness. He compares their physical burden to the burden of sin that |
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Renew Your Pledge to Kill Every Last Giant of Sin by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the story of the Israelites in Numbers 13 and 14, highlighting their choice between facing the giants in the promised land or returning to slavery in Egypt. |
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A Special Treasure by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and overcoming the lies that the enemy plants in our hearts, as illustrated by the Israelites' despair after the spies' rep |