King James Version

What Does Exodus 33:19 Mean?

Exodus 33:19 in the King James Version says “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and wil...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

Exodus 33:19 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

20

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

21

And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

Read Exodus 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee—God grants Moses' request but on divine terms. Rather than abstract glory, God reveals His טוּב (tuv, 'goodness')—His moral excellence and benevolent character. The proclamation of Yahweh's name reveals His covenant faithfulness. The phrase 'I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy' asserts divine sovereignty in dispensing grace (quoted in Romans 9:15). Grace cannot be earned or demanded; it flows from God's free will. This revelation becomes foundational for understanding God's character throughout Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This proclamation anticipates Exodus 34:6-7, where God passes by Moses declaring His name and attributes. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 9:15 to defend God's sovereign election, showing its theological importance beyond the immediate context.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's definition of His glory as 'goodness' and covenant mercy reshape your understanding of divine glory?
  2. What comfort and challenge do you find in God's absolute sovereignty over the distribution of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 19

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲנִ֨י2 of 19
H589

i

אַֽעֲבִ֤יר3 of 19

“pass”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

כָּל4 of 19
H3605

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

טוּבִי֙5 of 19

“I will make all my goodness”

H2898

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

עַל6 of 19
H5921

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

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ7 of 19

“before”

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

וְקָרָ֧אתִֽי8 of 19

“before thee and I will proclaim”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְשֵׁ֛ם9 of 19

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ11 of 19

“before”

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

אָחֹ֔ן12 of 19

“thee and will be gracious”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֶת13 of 19
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 19
H834

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

אָחֹ֔ן15 of 19

“thee and will be gracious”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

אֲרַחֵֽם׃16 of 19

“and will shew mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

אֶת17 of 19
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834

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

אֲרַחֵֽם׃19 of 19

“and will shew mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

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 33:19 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 33:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:15-18Ephesians 1:6-8Jeremiah 31:14Exodus 34:5-7Jeremiah 31:12Isaiah 7:14

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