King James Version

What Does Exodus 33:15 Mean?

Exodus 33:15 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 33:15 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

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.

Read Exodus 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence—Moses' response reveals his priorities: no presence, no progress. He refuses success without God, blessing without the Blesser, promised land without the Promising One. Notice 'with me' becomes 'carry us'—Moses intercedes for the people, not himself alone. This bold prayer demonstrates that apparent success without God's presence equals spiritual failure. Moses would rather stay at Sinai with God than enter Canaan without Him. This priority echoes Christ's promise: 'I am with you always' (Matthew 28:20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This statement comes after God's promise in v.14, showing Moses wasn't satisfied with a personal guarantee but sought corporate restoration. His role as mediator meant he couldn't accept blessing that didn't extend to all Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. Would you rather remain where you are with God's presence than advance without Him?
  2. How does Moses' intercession for the people model Christ's high priestly prayer for us (John 17)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 9

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֑יו2 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִם3 of 9
H518

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

אֵ֤ין4 of 9
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 9

“unto him If thy presence”

H6440

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

הֹֽלְכִ֔ים6 of 9

“go”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽל7 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲלֵ֖נוּ8 of 9

“not with me carry us not up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִזֶּֽה׃9 of 9
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 33:15 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 33:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 34:9Psalms 4:6Exodus 33:3

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 33 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes