Old Testament
Exodus 33:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD replied, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name — the LORD — in your presence. I will be gracious to whoever I choose to be gracious to, and I will show mercy to whoever I choose to show mercy to."
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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.
What Exodus 33:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, revealing His nature and character. He promises to show Moses His goodness, which represents His kindness and love. God also declares His name, 'the LORD,' emphasizing His authority and presence. Importantly, He explains that His grace and mercy are given according to His own will. This means that God decides who receives His kindness and compassion, highlighting His sovereignty. The message is clear: God is generous and loving, but He also has the right to choose how He extends His goodness. This interaction shows the deep relationship between God and Moses, where Moses seeks to know God more intimately. It reminds us that while we can seek God, His ways and decisions are ultimately beyond our understanding. This passage invites us to trust in God's goodness and His perfect timing in our lives, knowing that He is always gracious and merciful in ways that are best for us. Understanding this can transform how we view our relationship with God.
How to apply Exodus 33:19 to your life
Reflect on how you experience God's goodness in your life. Consider moments when you felt His grace and mercy. Trust that God knows what you need and when you need it. Allow this understanding to deepen your relationship with Him and inspire gratitude in your heart. Seek to extend grace to others as well, mirroring God's love in your actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Sees God's Glory (Exodus 33:12–34:9)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Exodus 33:19
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 33:19 mean?
Exodus 33:19 shows God revealing His nature to Moses, promising to display His goodness and proclaim His name. It emphasizes that God's grace and mercy are given according to His own will, highlighting His sovereignty and the deep relationship between God and Moses.
What is the significance of God's name in Exodus 33:19?
In Exodus 33:19, God's name, 'the LORD,' signifies His authority and presence. By proclaiming His name, God emphasizes His unique character and the power behind His promises of goodness, grace, and mercy.
How does Exodus 33:19 relate to God's grace?
Exodus 33:19 illustrates that God's grace is not given based on human merit but according to His own choice. This highlights God's sovereignty and the personal nature of His relationship with individuals.
How can I apply the message of Exodus 33:19 in my life?
To apply Exodus 33:19, reflect on moments of God's grace and goodness in your life. Trust that God knows your needs and extend grace to others, mirroring the love and mercy He shows.
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