Exodus 34:9
And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 20
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
נָא֩
H4994
נָא֩
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 20
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
מָצָ֨אתִי
If now I have found
H4672
מָצָ֨אתִי
If now I have found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 20
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 #:
5 of 20
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thy sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙
in thy sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 20
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יֵֽלֶךְ
H1980
יֵֽלֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
נָ֥א
H4994
נָ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
9 of 20
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
בְּקִרְבֵּ֑נוּ
among
H7130
בְּקִרְבֵּ֑נוּ
among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַם
people
H5971
עַם
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עֹ֙רֶף֙
H6203
עֹ֙רֶף֙
Strong's:
H6203
Word #:
15 of 20
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Psalms 33:12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.Psalms 94:14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.Deuteronomy 32:9For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Psalms 28:9Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.Jeremiah 10:16The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.Exodus 32:9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:Psalms 78:62He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance.Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:Zechariah 2:12And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.
Historical Context
God had previously threatened to send an angel rather than go personally among Israel (33:2-3). Moses here requests full restoration of divine presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we pray with confidence for mercy despite acknowledging our sin?
- What does Moses' intercession teach about the role of a mediator?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses intercedes based on God's revealed character, citing the divine attributes just proclaimed. He acknowledges Israel's 'stiffnecked' (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, qesheh-oreph) nature—stubborn as oxen resisting the yoke—yet appeals for pardon (סָלַח, salach) and inheritance (נָחַל, nachal). Moses asks God to 'go among us' despite their sin, trusting mercy over judgment. His prayer models intercession grounded in God's own promises and character.