Exodus 33:21 kjv
And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
Exodus 33:21 nkjv
And the LORD said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock.
Exodus 33:21 niv
Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.
Exodus 33:21 esv
And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock,
Exodus 33:21 nlt
The LORD continued, "Look, stand near me on this rock.
Exodus 33 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 33:22 | I will put thee in a cleft of the rock... | Immediately preceding event; God's protection. |
| Exod 3:5 | take off thy shoes...the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. | God's presence sanctifies location, requiring reverence. |
| Exod 17:6 | thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it... | God provides sustenance from the rock. |
| Exod 25:8 | let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. | God's desire for dwelling near His people. |
| Deut 32:4 | He is the Rock, his work is perfect... | God's steadfast, unchangeable nature as "the Rock". |
| Deut 33:27 | The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms... | God as a secure dwelling and source of eternal support. |
| 1 Sam 2:2 | There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. | Uniqueness and unwavering reliability of God. |
| 2 Sam 22:2-3 | The LORD is my rock, and my fortress... | God as protector and stronghold in times of trouble. |
| Ps 18:2 | The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer... | Personal reliance on God as a secure foundation. |
| Ps 61:2 | Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. | Seeking God's elevated security and protection. |
| Ps 62:7 | In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength... | God as the source of strength, salvation, and honor. |
| Ps 78:35 | they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. | Acknowledging God as the source of salvation and strength. |
| Ps 139:7-10 | Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? | God's omnipresence, emphasizing He is always "by Me". |
| Isa 26:4 | Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. | Trusting in God, "the Rock of Ages," for eternal security. |
| Isa 51:1 | Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn... | Spiritual origin and foundation in God. |
| Matt 7:24-25 | Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: | Wisdom of building life on the teachings of Christ, the true foundation. |
| Matt 16:18 | upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. | Christ's foundational role for His church, often understood as the confession of Christ. |
| Rom 9:33 | As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. | Christ as both a foundation for believers and an offense for unbelievers. |
| 1 Cor 10:4 | and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. | Directly interprets the wilderness rock as prefiguring Christ. |
| Heb 1:3 | Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person... | Christ as the full revelation of God's glory, going beyond veiled manifestations. |
| John 1:18 | No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. | The Son as the ultimate interpreter and revealer of the Father, contrasting with the limited vision Moses received. |
| 2 Tim 2:19 | Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure... | God's steadfastness and faithfulness in His promises and purposes. |
Exodus 33 verses
Exodus 33 21 Meaning
Exodus 33:21 details a specific instruction from God to Moses regarding the conditions for revealing a portion of His glory. It signifies God providing a secure, designated location adjacent to His presence, upon which Moses must stand. This setting is crucial for the subsequent divine manifestation, ensuring Moses' safety while granting him a glimpse of God's 'back' as He passes by, a way of seeing God's glory that the human eye could endure. The verse emphasizes divine initiative in establishing the parameters for human interaction with His holy presence.
Exodus 33 21 Context
Exodus 33:21 follows a profound period of tension and reconciliation between God and Israel, mediated by Moses. The nation had sinned grievously with the Golden Calf, threatening their covenant relationship with God. Moses' persistent intercession secured God's continued presence among His people and their journey to the Promised Land (Exod 33:12-16). Building on this restored fellowship, Moses, emboldened by their renewed intimacy, makes a bold request in verse 18: "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." Verses 19-20 lay the groundwork for God's partial consent, stating that while Moses cannot see God's full face and live, God will proclaim His goodness and put Moses in a safe place. Verse 21, therefore, provides the physical preparation and specific instructions for this extraordinary, veiled revelation, ensuring Moses' survival and capacity to witness the divine glory. Historically, this event deepens the relationship between Yahweh and His chosen leader, underscoring both God's transcendence and His willingness to engage personally within boundaries.
Exodus 33 21 Word analysis
And the LORD said: Signifies divine initiative and authority. The "LORD" (יהוה, YHWH) is God's covenant name, emphasizing a personal and faithful relationship with Moses, despite the recent rebellion of Israel. This communication is a direct address, carrying weight and command.
Behold: (הִנֵּה, hinneh) An interjection, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It emphasizes the significance and importance of the statement, akin to "Look!" or "Indeed!".
there is a place: (מָקוֹם, maqom) Refers to a specific, designated location. It is not an arbitrary spot, but a divine choice, sanctified by God's intended presence there. This implies an appointed stage for a sacred event.
by Me: (עִמָּדִי, 'immadi) Expresses intimate proximity or close presence. It means "with Me," signifying that this "place" is in God's immediate vicinity, allowing for a unique encounter not typically afforded to mortals.
and thou shalt stand: (וְעָמַדְתָּ, v'amadta) An imperfect verb indicating a future action commanded by God. It implies a firm, stable, and ready posture. Moses is not to recline or hide but to take an upright position, signifying readiness to receive and witness.
upon a rock: (עַל הַצּוּר, 'al hatzur)
- upon (עַל, 'al): Indicates a position directly on the surface.
- a rock (הַצּוּר, hatzur): While tzur can mean rock or cliff, the definite article "the" (הַ) suggests the rock might be a particular known rock in that vicinity of Sinai, or it points to its unique function in this moment. The rock, in biblical context, often symbolizes strength, stability, refuge, and often God Himself (e.g., Deut 32:4, Ps 18:2). Standing on it provides a firm, secure footing, symbolically anchored against the overwhelming divine glory, and could also foreshadow Christ, the spiritual Rock (1 Cor 10:4).
"A place by Me": This phrase highlights divine sovereignty and accessibility within boundaries. God Himself designates the exact location near His presence, a holy ground set apart for a specific divine encounter. It underscores that closeness to God is by His invitation and design.
"Stand upon a rock": This instruction serves a dual purpose. Practically, the rock would offer stability on a mountainside during the divine manifestation. Symbolically, it provides a firm and enduring foundation for Moses in the face of God's overwhelming glory, implying security and endurance granted by God. It could also foreshadow the Rock of Israel, God Himself, who would serve as the ultimate refuge and foundation.
Exodus 33 21 Bonus section
The positioning on a specific "rock" is not arbitrary. Later in chapter 33, Moses is explicitly put "in a cleft of the rock" (Exod 33:22), suggesting this very rock or an immediate formation within it. This precise location underlines God's meticulous care for Moses' safety in His presence. This instance foreshadows how God provides protection and revelation within His character—a steady, secure, and unmoving "Rock" for His people. The idea of God revealing Himself in such a specific physical setup reinforces His real, personal engagement with His creation, distinct from abstract deities.
Exodus 33 21 Commentary
Exodus 33:21 serves as a pivotal scene in Moses' journey, setting the precise conditions for the highly anticipated revelation of God's glory requested in verse 18. It underscores two critical theological truths: God's inapproachable holiness and His willingness to condescend and draw near to His chosen ones. The designated "place by Me" illustrates God's sovereignty over encounter—He defines the terms of access. Moses standing "upon a rock" provides a necessary, stable footing, not only physically for the imminent theophany but also symbolically, representing a secure foundation. This "rock" serves as a literal point of elevation and separation, but in broader biblical thought, it evokes themes of divine strength, refuge, and steadfastness (Ps 18:2, Isa 26:4). God placing Moses on the rock is an act of divine care and preservation, protecting him from the full, unveiled power of God's glory while granting a permissible glimpse. This preparation reveals God's tender yet firm governance in manifesting Himself, preparing the stage for the powerful proclamation of His character (Exod 34:6-7) that follows this moment.