Exodus 33:11
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פָּנִ֔ים
face
H6440
פָּנִ֔ים
face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
פָּנִ֔ים
face
H6440
פָּנִ֔ים
face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִ֖ישׁ
as a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
as a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְשָׁב֙
And he turned again
H7725
וְשָׁב֙
And he turned again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
13 of 24
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
into the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
into the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
15 of 24
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
וּמְשָׁ֨רְת֜וֹ
but his servant
H8334
וּמְשָׁ֨רְת֜וֹ
but his servant
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
16 of 24
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
בִּן
the son
H1121
בִּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נַ֔עַר
a young man
H5288
נַ֔עַר
a young man
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
20 of 24
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמִ֖ישׁ
departed
H4185
יָמִ֖ישׁ
departed
Strong's:
H4185
Word #:
22 of 24
to withdraw (both literally and figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive)
Cross References
Numbers 12:8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?Deuteronomy 34:10And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,Exodus 33:9And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.Exodus 24:13And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.Genesis 32:30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.Deuteronomy 5:4The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,John 11:11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.James 2:23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Exodus 32:17And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
Historical Context
Numbers 12:6-8 confirms Moses' unique status: God spoke to prophets in visions/dreams, but to Moses 'mouth to mouth, clearly and not in riddles.' Joshua's consistent presence (see Exodus 24:13, 32:17) prepared him for his eventual leadership role.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' 'face to face' relationship with God inform your understanding of the intimacy God desires with you through Christ?
- What does Joshua's presence teach about the importance of being near where God's presence is manifest, even as an observer?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend—פָּנִים אֶל פָּנִים (panim el panim, 'face to face') indicates intimate, direct communication, not visual perception of God's essence (v.20 clarifies no one can see God's face and live). This relational intimacy surpasses all other revelations—not visions, dreams, or angels, but immediate communion. Moses' friendship with God (compare Abraham, God's 'friend,' James 2:23) sets him apart. Joshua's presence in the tent shows mentorship and preparation for leadership. The friendship model will find ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who calls disciples friends (John 15:15).