Exodus 33:16
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
וּבַמֶּ֣ה׀
H4100
וּבַמֶּ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יִוָּדַ֣ע
For wherein shall it be known
H3045
יִוָּדַ֣ע
For wherein shall it be known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵפ֗וֹא
here
H645
אֵפ֗וֹא
here
Strong's:
H645
Word #:
3 of 21
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָצָ֨אתִי
have found
H4672
מָצָ֨אתִי
have found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
חֵ֤ן
grace
H2580
חֵ֤ן
grace
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
6 of 21
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thy sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thy sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 21
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֲל֖וֹא
H3808
הֲל֖וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֣
H1980
בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֣
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִמָּ֑נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֑נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 21
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְנִפְלֵ֙ינוּ֙
with us so shall we be separated
H6395
וְנִפְלֵ֙ינוּ֙
with us so shall we be separated
Strong's:
H6395
Word #:
13 of 21
to distinguish (literally or figuratively)
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִכָּ֨ל
H3605
מִכָּ֨ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
I and thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
17 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:7For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?Numbers 14:14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.1 Kings 8:53For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord GOD.Exodus 34:10And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Exodus 8:22And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,2 Samuel 7:23And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples recognized Israel's God through His visible acts and presence among them (see Rahab's testimony, Joshua 2:9-11). Israel's uniqueness wasn't ethnic or cultural but theological—Yahweh dwelt with them.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes your life from unbelievers—external practices or God's internal presence?
- How does this verse challenge cultural Christianity that emphasizes behavior modification over God's transforming presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight?—Moses makes a theological argument: Israel's distinctiveness depends solely on God's presence. Not their obedience, abilities, or achievements, but God dwelling among them sets them apart from 'all the people that are upon the face of the earth.' This verse articulates election's purpose: God's people exist to display His glory by His presence. Without the divine presence, Israel becomes just another nation. This principle extends to the church—we are distinguished by Christ's indwelling Spirit (John 14:17, Colossians 1:27).