King James Version
Exodus 33:20 in the King James Version says “And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”
Exodus 33:20 · KJV
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
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.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“not see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“my face”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“not see”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“for there shall no man”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
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.
Exodus 33:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 33:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge