King James Version
Exodus 33:3 in the King James Version says “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: l...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Exodus 33:3 · KJV
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:
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:
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.
And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments.
For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“flowing”
H2100to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
(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
“for I will not go up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
“in the midst”
H7130properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
“lest I consume”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
“thee in the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
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 33:3 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 33:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge