Exodus 33:20 net — But he added,“You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.”

NET Bible

"But he added,“You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.”"

— Exodus 33:20, NET Bible

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Exodus 33:20 in Other Translations

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Exodus 33 — Context

17

The LORD said to Moses,“I will do this thing also that you have requested, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”

18

And Moses said,“Show me your glory.”

19

And the LORD said,“I will make all my goodness pass before your face, and I will proclaim the LORD by name before you; I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy.”

20

But he added,“You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.”

21

The LORD said,“Here is a place by me; you will station yourself on a rock.

22

When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by.

23

Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.”

Exodus 33:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Exodus 33:20 say?
Exodus 33:20 in the NET Bible reads: “But he added,“You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.””
Where is Exodus 33:20 in the Bible?
Exodus 33:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, chapter 33, verse 20.
Who wrote Exodus?
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Exodus about?
Exodus tells of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Through the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the covenant at Sinai, God reveals himself as Redeemer and comes to dwell among his people in the tabernacle.
What are the major themes of Exodus?
Exodus explores themes including Deliverance, Covenant, Law, God's Presence, Worship, Redemption. These themes shape the meaning and context of Exodus 33:20.
What translation should I read Exodus 33:20 in?
Exodus 33:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Exodus 33:20?
Exodus 33:20 reads (NET): “But he added,“You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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