King James Version

What Does Exodus 33:2 Mean?

Exodus 33:2 in the King James Version says “And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzit...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:”

Exodus 33:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:

2

And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

3

Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

4

And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.

Read Exodus 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will send an angel before thee—God promises angelic guidance and military victory, but this is a diminished blessing compared to His own presence (v.3). The comprehensive list of Canaanite nations emphasizes complete conquest, yet the absence of direct divine presence makes this a mixed promise. Angels are servants, not substitutes for the Master. Moses will later reject even this generous provision (v.15) because nothing can replace God Himself.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The six nations listed (Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite) represent the complete array of inhabitants Israel would face. Archaeological evidence confirms these peoples occupied Canaan during the late Bronze Age (1550-1200 BC).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of your life have you settled for God's blessings rather than seeking His presence?
  2. How does Moses' later response challenge our tendency to be content with secondary spiritual benefits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֥י1 of 11

“And I will send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ2 of 11

“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

מַלְאָ֑ךְ3 of 11

“an angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

וְגֵֽרַשְׁתִּ֗י4 of 11

“thee and I will drive out”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

אֶת5 of 11
H853

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

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙6 of 11

“the Canaanite”

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י7 of 11

“the Amorite”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וְהַֽחִתִּי֙8 of 11

“and the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י9 of 11

“and the Perizzite”

H6522

a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes

הַֽחִוִּ֖י10 of 11

“the Hivite”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

וְהַיְבוּסִֽי׃11 of 11

“and the Jebusite”

H2983

a jebusite or inhabitant of jebus

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 33:2 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 33:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 24:11Exodus 32:34Exodus 3:8Exodus 23:20Exodus 23:27-31Deuteronomy 7:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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