King James Version

What Does Exodus 33:16 Mean?

Exodus 33:16 in the King James Version says “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 wit... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 33:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight?—Moses makes a theological argument: Israel's distinctiveness depends solely on God's presence. Not their obedience, abilities, or achievements, but God dwelling among them sets them apart from 'all the people that are upon the face of the earth.' This verse articulates election's purpose: God's people exist to display His glory by His presence. Without the divine presence, Israel becomes just another nation. This principle extends to the church—we are distinguished by Christ's indwelling Spirit (John 14:17, Colossians 1:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern peoples recognized Israel's God through His visible acts and presence among them (see Rahab's testimony, Joshua 2:9-11). Israel's uniqueness wasn't ethnic or cultural but theological—Yahweh dwelt with them.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes your life from unbelievers—external practices or God's internal presence?
  2. How does this verse challenge cultural Christianity that emphasizes behavior modification over God's transforming presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבַמֶּ֣ה׀1 of 21
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִוָּדַ֣ע2 of 21

For wherein shall it be known

H3045

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

אֵפ֗וֹא3 of 21

here

H645

strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then

כִּֽי4 of 21
H3588

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

מָצָ֨אתִי5 of 21

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

חֵ֤ן6 of 21

grace

H2580

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

בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙7 of 21

in thy sight

H5869

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

אֲנִ֣י8 of 21
H589

i

הָעָ֔ם9 of 21

I and thy people

H5971

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

הֲל֖וֹא10 of 21
H3808

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

בְּלֶכְתְּךָ֣11 of 21
H1980

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

עִמָּ֑נוּ12 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְנִפְלֵ֙ינוּ֙13 of 21

with us so shall we be separated

H6395

to distinguish (literally or figuratively)

אֲנִ֣י14 of 21
H589

i

הָעָ֔ם15 of 21

I and thy people

H5971

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

מִכָּ֨ל16 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֔ם17 of 21

I and thy people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר18 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל19 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י20 of 21

that are upon the face

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

הָֽאֲדָמָֽה׃21 of 21

of the earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)


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 33:16 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 33:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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