Old Testament
Exodus 33:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But he added, "You cannot see my face, because no one can see me and live."
Compare translations
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
What Exodus 33:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God is speaking to Moses, revealing a profound truth about His nature. God explains that seeing His face is impossible for humans because His holiness and glory are so immense that they would overwhelm anyone. This statement emphasizes the distance between God's divine essence and human limitations. It highlights the idea that while we can experience God's presence, there are aspects of Him that are beyond our comprehension. This interaction shows God's desire for relationship, yet also His need to protect us from the full force of His glory. It reminds us that we can approach God, but we must do so with reverence and humility. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the mystery of His being. We are invited to seek Him, knowing that He desires connection with us, even if we cannot fully grasp His greatness. This balance of intimacy and awe is central to our faith journey, encouraging us to explore our relationship with the divine.
How to apply Exodus 33:20 to your life
Recognize that while you can seek a relationship with God, there are aspects of His nature that are beyond your understanding. Approach Him with humility and respect. This awareness can deepen your faith and encourage you to explore the mysteries of your spiritual journey more fully. Embrace the awe of His presence in your life as you grow closer to Him. Trust in His love and guidance as you navigate your path forward with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Moses Sees God's Glory (Exodus 33:12–34:9)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 33:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 33:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 33:20 mean?
Exodus 33:20 means that God is telling Moses that His divine nature is so holy and glorious that no human can see Him directly and survive. This highlights the gap between God's perfection and human limitations.
What is the significance of seeing God's face in Exodus 33:20?
Seeing God's face in Exodus 33:20 signifies experiencing His full glory, which is beyond human capacity to endure. It emphasizes the need for reverence in our relationship with God.
How does Exodus 33:20 relate to our relationship with God?
Exodus 33:20 illustrates that while we can seek a relationship with God, we must approach Him with humility and respect due to His immense holiness. It encourages us to appreciate both His closeness and His majesty.
What themes are present in Exodus 33:20?
Key themes in Exodus 33:20 include God's holiness, human limitations, the mystery of the divine, and the balance between intimacy with God and reverence for His greatness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.