Exodus 33 11

Exodus 33:11 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Exodus 33:11 nkjv

So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Exodus 33:11 niv

The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Exodus 33:11 esv

Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

Exodus 33:11 nlt

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.

Exodus 33 verses

Exodus 33 11 Meaning

Exodus 33:11 describes the extraordinarily intimate and direct communication God had with Moses. It portrays a unique bond where the Creator of the universe conversed with Moses face to face, similar to how one person would speak candidly and personally with a close friend. This verse also highlights Joshua's unwavering devotion and constant presence within the Tent of Meeting, indicating his steadfast commitment to being near God's presence and foreshadowing his future leadership.

Exodus 33 11 Context

Exodus chapter 33 immediately follows the devastating event of the golden calf (Exod 32), where Israel's idolatry severed their covenant relationship and incurred God's wrath. God initially declared His intention to send an angel instead of going with them Himself, due to their stiff-necked nature, fearing His presence would consume them (Exod 33:3). This context makes Moses' ability to meet with God directly and intimately even more profound. The "Tent of Meeting" was erected outside the camp, symbolizing God's temporary withdrawal from dwelling in their midst but His willingness to still meet with Moses. This verse, therefore, represents a renewed grace and exceptional intimacy granted to Moses in a moment of national spiritual crisis, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His mediator amidst Israel's failure.

Exodus 33 11 Word analysis

• So the Lord used to speak (וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ – vaydaber YHWH): "YHWH," the personal covenant name of God, emphasizes His personal engagement. The imperfect tense in Hebrew (used to speak) suggests a customary, ongoing, and habitual mode of communication, not a one-off event. It highlights the sustained nature of their direct interaction.
• to Moses (אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֖ה – el-Mosheh): Identifies the singular human recipient of this unparalleled communication.
• face to face (פָּנִ֣ים אֶל־פָּנִים – panim el-panim): This is a Hebrew idiom, literally "faces to faces." While Exod 33:20 states that no one can see God's face and live, this phrase signifies direct, unmediated, and clear communication, devoid of dreams, visions, or intermediaries (Num 12:8). It denotes candid, open dialogue, implying no hiddenness or need for interpretation. It emphasizes intimacy and unhindered access, rather than a literal visual apprehension of God's essence.
• as a man speaks to his friend (כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר אִ֛ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֖הוּ – ka'asher yedaber ish el-re'ehu): A simile conveying familiarity, trust, openness, and intimacy in the conversation. "Friend" (re'ehu) here means a close companion, someone with whom one shares private thoughts without fear. This simile underlines the unique depth and transparency of the relationship between God and Moses.
• When Moses turned again into the camp (וְשָׁ֥ב מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה – v'shav Mosheh el-ha-makhaneh): Indicates the shift from the holy encounter outside the camp (where the Tent of Meeting was pitched, Exod 33:7) back to the general populace and daily affairs.
• his assistant (מְשָׁרְת֛וֹ – meshar'to): This word, "mesharet," implies service, ministry, and devoted attendance. It indicates Joshua's role as a personal attendant and apprentice to Moses. This role would have involved close proximity to Moses, allowing him to observe Moses' leadership and communication with God directly.
• Joshua the son of Nun (יְהוֹשֻׁ֥עַ בִּן־נ֥וּן – Yehoshu'a bin-Nun): Identifies Joshua by name and lineage. Joshua (from which "Yeshua" or "Jesus" derives) means "YHWH saves." His name subtly points to his role in leading Israel to salvation by bringing them into the Promised Land.
• a young man (נַ֖עַר – na'ar): While it can mean "young man," it often denotes a person of active service or military age. It could also suggest a position of training or an ongoing dedication from his early days of service, reinforcing his availability and responsiveness to God and Moses.
• would not depart from the tent (לֹא יָמִ֣ישׁ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הָאֹ֑הֶל – lo yamish mittokh ha'ohel): Literally, "not remove himself from the midst of the tent." This powerfully demonstrates Joshua's spiritual hunger, steadfast devotion, and reverence. He remained in the Tent of Meeting even after Moses departed, suggesting a continuous yearning for God's presence, an act of silent dedication and spiritual formation for his future calling as Moses' successor. He absorbed the spiritual atmosphere, making him uniquely qualified.

Word-groups/phrases analysis:

• "used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend": This phrase encapsulates the unparalleled, direct, and intimate relationship God shared with Moses. It signifies a profound level of covenant fellowship, establishing Moses as a unique prophet and intermediary unlike any other. This closeness enabled Moses to intercede powerfully for Israel and receive divine laws with clarity.
• "his assistant, Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent": This clause stands as a powerful testament to Joshua's exemplary dedication and spiritual yearning. His constant presence in the Tent, even when Moses was gone, demonstrates a readiness to encounter God, an eagerness to learn, and a steadfast commitment to the divine presence. This devotion prefigures his fitness for leadership and his anointing for future service in guiding Israel.

Exodus 33 11 Bonus section

• Significance of the Tent's Location: The fact that the Tent of Meeting was pitched "outside the camp" (Exod 33:7) due to Israel's sin is crucial. It indicated God's holiness and temporary separation from an impure people. Moses' going out to it symbolized seeking God in humility and separation from sin. Joshua's continued presence there underscores his separation and unique spiritual devotion amidst a disobedient nation.
• Polemics against Idolatry: This depiction of God speaking personally and directly to His chosen representative stood in stark contrast to the pagan deities of surrounding cultures. Their gods were typically distant, fickle, or communicated ambiguously through omens and complex rituals. The God of Israel, YHWH, initiates direct, clear, and relational communication, actively engaging with humanity, revealing Himself as the living and knowable God, distinct from dead idols.
• Typological Shadows: The "Tent of Meeting" where God met His people anticipates the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity: Jesus Christ. As God became flesh and "dwelt among us" (John 1:14, literally "tabernacled among us"), He became the true embodiment of God's presence, accessible to all who believe. Joshua's steadfast presence in the tent foreshadows a dedicated pursuit of Christ's presence, our true sanctuary.

Exodus 33 11 Commentary

Exodus 33:11 profoundly defines Moses' unparalleled relationship with God. It signifies a direct, unmediated communion, free from the normal prophetic modes of dreams or visions, akin to an open, trusted conversation between confidants. This singular intimacy set Moses apart, making him the supreme prophet of the Old Testament through whom God revealed His law and covenant directly. This special privilege of Moses underscores the exceptional grace of God towards His chosen servant in leading a rebellious people. Simultaneously, the verse introduces Joshua as a model of unwavering devotion. His continuous presence in the Tent of Meeting, abiding in the divine atmosphere, served as his spiritual apprenticeship. This silent commitment shaped his character and prepared him for the monumental task of succeeding Moses, demonstrating that intimate familiarity with God's presence is cultivated through persistent seeking and humble waiting. It reminds believers that sustained, intentional pursuit of God's presence cultivates a deeper relationship and prepares one for greater service.