Exodus 33:17
And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גַּ֣ם
H1571
גַּ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֛ה
H2088
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ
also that thou hast spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ
also that thou hast spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה
I will do
H6213
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה
I will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מָצָ֤אתָ
for thou hast found
H4672
מָצָ֤אתָ
for thou hast found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
13 of 17
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
חֵן֙
grace
H2580
חֵן֙
grace
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
14 of 17
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינַ֔י
in my sight
H5869
בְּעֵינַ֔י
in my sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
15 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Isaiah 65:24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.Exodus 33:12And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.Genesis 6:8But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.Genesis 19:21And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.John 16:23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Historical Context
This affirmation comes after Moses' sustained intercession through chapters 32-33. God's willingness to change His stated intention (33:3) demonstrates that intercessory prayer genuinely affects divine action within His sovereign plan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that prayer works through relationship, not technique, change your approach to intercession?
- What does God's response teach about His desire to be moved by the prayers of those He knows intimately?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken—Complete victory for intercession! God grants Moses' request, explicitly citing two reasons: 'thou hast found grace in my sight' and 'I know thee by name.' Grace (חֵן, chen) is unmerited favor, while being known by name indicates intimate, personal relationship. Moses' bold intercession succeeded not through manipulation but through relationship. This demonstrates prayer's power when aligned with God's glory and grounded in grace. The phrase 'this thing also' shows God delighting to exceed requests for those who seek His face.