King James Version

What Does Exodus 33:13 Mean?

Exodus 33:13 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may fi... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Exodus 33:13 · KJV


Context

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.

12

And 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.

13

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

15

And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way—Moses seeks experiential knowledge of God's character and methods ('thy way'), not mere information. The Hebrew דֶּרֶךְ (derek, 'way') encompasses God's nature, purposes, and patterns of working. Moses wants to know God Himself, that he might better represent Him ('that I may know thee'). The goal is both personal (deeper intimacy) and corporate ('that I may find grace in thy sight' and successfully lead 'thy people'). True leadership flows from knowing God, not just knowing about Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This request echoes Psalm 103:7: 'He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.' While Israel saw God's miracles, Moses understood His character—a distinction between witnessing power and comprehending nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you seek to know God's 'ways' (His character and methods) or merely His 'acts' (what He can do for you)?
  2. How does knowing God Himself equip you for the challenges and callings He places before you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְעַתָּ֡ה1 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אִם2 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

נָא֩3 of 20
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶמְצָא4 of 20

Now therefore I pray thee if I have found

H4672

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

חֵ֖ן5 of 20

grace

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ6 of 20

in thy sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְאֵדָ֣עֲךָ֔7 of 20

shew

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

נָא֙8 of 20
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת9 of 20
H853

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

דְּרָכֶ֔ךָ10 of 20

me now thy way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְאֵדָ֣עֲךָ֔11 of 20

shew

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לְמַ֥עַן12 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֶמְצָא13 of 20

Now therefore I pray thee if I have found

H4672

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

חֵ֖ן14 of 20

grace

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ15 of 20

in thy sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּרְאֵ֕ה16 of 20

and consider

H7200

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

כִּ֥י17 of 20
H3588

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

עַמְּךָ֖18 of 20

is thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַגּ֥וֹי19 of 20

that this nation

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הַזֶּֽה׃20 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 33:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 33:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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