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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 33:23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/33-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/02_Exo_33_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 33:23 - The Glory of the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/33-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/33-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/33.htm">Chapter 33</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/33-22.htm" title="Exodus 33:22">◄</a> Exodus 33:23 <a href="/exodus/34-1.htm" title="Exodus 34:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/33.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/33.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/33.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/33.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/33.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/33.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/33.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/33.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/33.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/33.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/33.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I will remove My hand, and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/33.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/33.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/33.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/33.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back; but my face shall not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/33.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back. You will not see my face. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/33.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back: but my face shall not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/33.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then I will take my hand away, and you'll see my back, but my face must not be seen."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/33.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/33.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I'll remove my hand so you may see my back, but my face must not be seen."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/33.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/33.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/33.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/33.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/33.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/33.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and I have turned aside My hands, and you have seen My back parts, and My face is not seen.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/33.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and I have turned aside My hands, and thou hast seen My back parts, and My face is not seen.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/33.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I turned aside my hand, and thou sawest behind me: and they shall not see my face.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/33.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I will take away my hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face thou canst not see. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/33.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back. But my face you are not able to see.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/33.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then I will remove my hand, so that you may see my back; but my face may not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/33.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/33.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/33.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And as my glory passes by, I shall put you in the cave of flint and I shall rest my hand over you until I shall pass:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/33.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I will take away My hand, and thou shalt see My back; but My face shall not be seen.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/33.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I will remove my hand, and then shalt thou see my back parts; but my face shall not appear to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/33-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=8792" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/33.htm">The Glory of the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>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. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kap·pî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">Then I will take My hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wa·hă·si·rō·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">away,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·rā·’î·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and you will see</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/268.htm" title="268: ’ă·ḥō·rāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- The hind side, back part. Or achor; from Achiyra'; the hinder part; hence behind, backward; also the West.">My back;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: ū·p̄ā·nay (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">but My face</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yê·rā·’ū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">be seen.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a></span><br />No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a></span><br />The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a></span><br />The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-46.htm">John 6:46</a></span><br />not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a></span><br />Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-4.htm">Revelation 22:4</a></span><br />They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-5</a></span><br />In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a></span><br />So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/34-10.htm">Deuteronomy 34:10</a></span><br />Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8</a></span><br />I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-5.htm">Job 42:5-6</a></span><br />My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. / Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.</p><p class="hdg">thou shalt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a></b></br> And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/11-7.htm">Job 11:7</a></b></br> Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/26-14.htm">Job 26:14</a></b></br> Lo, these <i>are</i> parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Face</a> <a href="/exodus/33-22.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/33-22.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/29-27.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/exodus/27-3.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Face</a> <a href="/exodus/34-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-6.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-16.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/exodus/34-31.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 33</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/33-1.htm">The Lord refuses to go as he had promised with the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/33-4.htm">The people mourn there</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/33-7.htm">The tabernacle is removed out of the camp</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">The Lord talks familiarly with Moses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/33-12.htm">Moses prevails with God, and desires to see his glory</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/33.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/33.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then I will take My hand away</b><br>This phrase occurs during a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and Moses. God’s hand symbolizes His protection and control. In the context of <a href="/exodus/33.htm">Exodus 33</a>, God is responding to Moses' request to see His glory. The removal of His hand signifies a transition from concealment to revelation, allowing Moses a glimpse of God's presence. This act underscores God's sovereignty and the limits He places on human understanding of His divine nature.<p><b>and you will see My back</b><br>The term "back" is metaphorical, indicating a partial revelation of God's glory. In Hebrew thought, seeing someone's back implies seeing them as they depart, suggesting that Moses would witness the aftereffects or the residual glory of God rather than His full presence. This aligns with the biblical theme that no one can see God fully and live (<a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a>). Theologically, it points to the idea that humans can only comprehend God indirectly, through His actions and creation, rather than His essence.<p><b>but My face must not be seen.</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, the face represents one's full presence and identity. God's face symbolizes His full glory and holiness, which is too overwhelming for mortal beings. This restriction emphasizes the holiness of God and the separation between the divine and human realms. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God through Jesus Christ, who is described as the image of the invisible God (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>). The concept of not seeing God's face is consistent with the biblical narrative that God is transcendent and beyond complete human comprehension.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He is known for his close relationship with God, often speaking to Him "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (<a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>).<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The LORD, who is revealing Himself to Moses in a unique and profound way. In this passage, God is demonstrating both His holiness and His mercy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rock.htm">The Rock</a></b><br>A physical location where God places Moses to protect him as His glory passes by. It symbolizes God's protection and provision.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cleft_of_the_rock.htm">The Cleft of the Rock</a></b><br>The specific place where Moses is hidden, representing safety and shelter provided by God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_back_of_god.htm">The Back of God</a></b><br>A metaphorical expression indicating the limited revelation of God's glory that Moses is permitted to see, as no one can see God's face and live.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a></b><br>God's holiness is so profound that no human can see His face and live. This underscores the need for reverence and awe in our relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_and_protection.htm">God's Mercy and Protection</a></b><br>By placing Moses in the cleft of the rock, God demonstrates His mercy and protection. In our lives, God provides safety and shelter in His presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/limited_revelation.htm">Limited Revelation</a></b><br>While God reveals Himself to us, our understanding is limited. We must trust in His wisdom and timing for deeper revelations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god.htm">The Importance of Seeking God</a></b><br>Moses' desire to see God's glory reflects a heart that seeks after God. We should cultivate a similar desire to know God more intimately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_god's_presence.htm">Transformation through God's Presence</a></b><br>Just as Moses was changed by his encounter with God, we too are transformed as we spend time in His presence and behold His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_33.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 33</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_saves_his_people_from_sins.htm">What is the Beatific Vision?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_beatific_vision.htm">What is the Beatific Vision?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_job_reason_with_god_if_exodus_33_20.htm">In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_exodus_33_11_align_with_33_20.htm">If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God “face to face,” how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/33.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt see my back parts.</span> Literally, "my back." The anthropomorphisms of the passage are numerous and strong - they must, of course, be regarded as accommodations to human ideas. After the Divine Presence had passed by, Moses was to be permitted to look out, and would see so much of the Divine glory as he would be able to bear; but still something far short of that which he had desired to see. The explanation that "the back of God" means "his works - the consequences of his activity" (Kalisch) is fanciful, and not borne out by the context<span class="cmt_word">. My face cannot be seen</span>. See above, ver. 20; and. compare <a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>; <a href="/john/6-46.htm">John 6:46</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">1 Timothy 1:17</a>; <a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a>. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/33-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then I will take My hand</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּפִּ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(kap·pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">away,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַהֲסִרֹתִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·hă·si·rō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you will see</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָאִ֖יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·’î·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My back;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחֹרָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥō·rāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_268.htm">Strong's 268: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hinder part, behind, backward, the West</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but My face</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָנַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be seen.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵרָאֽוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yê·rā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/33-23.htm">Exodus 33:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/33-23.htm">OT Law: Exodus 33:23 Then I will take away my hand (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/33-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 33:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 33:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/34-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 34:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 34:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>