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.

EXODUS 33:19KJV
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Exodus 33:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 33:19 mean?

Exodus 33:19 describes God telling Moses that He will let His goodness pass before Moses and will announce His own name, the LORD, to him. God also declares that He freely chooses whom to show grace and mercy, emphasizing His sovereign will in giving favor and compassion.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses after Moses asks to see God's glory. The conversation happens on Mount Sinai, where Moses is interceding for the people of Israel after their sin with the golden calf. God’s response highlights that His presence and favor are gifts He gives according to His own purpose, not based on human effort or entitlement.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 33:19

  • "goodness" (טוּב, ṭûv): This word means more than just moral goodness; it often refers to abundance, beauty, or the fullness of God’s character. Here, it suggests that Moses will experience the richness of who God is.
  • "proclaim" (קָרָא, qārā’): To proclaim the name of the LORD means to announce or declare God’s identity and character. This is not just a name but a revelation of who God is.
  • "gracious" (חָנַן, ḥānan) and "mercy" (רָחַם, rāḥam): Both words are repeated for emphasis. "Gracious" carries the sense of showing favor or kindness, while "mercy" points to deep compassion. God is stressing that these qualities are given at His discretion.

Why Exodus 33:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s grace and mercy are not earned or owed; they are given out of His own free choice, which helps correct the idea that people can control or manipulate God’s favor.
  • By saying He will proclaim His name, God is connecting His actions to His character, showing that what He does flows from who He is.
  • In the wider story, this moment reassures Moses that, despite Israel’s failure, God’s relationship with His people depends on His own nature and promises, not on their perfection.

Where else these words appear

“goodness” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

“mercy” Hebrew H7355 · used in 43 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:17 And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;
  • Isaiah 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
  • Jeremiah 42:12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.

“gracious” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.