Exodus 33:20

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תוּכַ֖ל

H3201

Thou canst

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

יִרְאַ֥נִי

H7200

not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנָ֑י

H6440

my face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְאַ֥נִי

H7200

not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#10

הָֽאָדָ֖ם

H120

for there shall no man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#11

וָחָֽי׃

H2425

me and live

to live; causatively to revive

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Timothy 6:16 1 Timothy 6:16
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
— No man hath seen God
² John 1:18 John 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
— No man hath seen God
³ Exodus 33:23 Exodus 33:23
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
— Thou shalt see my back parts

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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People

Moses