And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

EXODUS 33:22KJV
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Exodus 33:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 33:22 mean?

Exodus 33:22 describes God telling Moses that, as God’s glory passes by, God will place Moses in a crevice of the rock and cover him with His hand to protect him. This verse shows God making a way for Moses to experience His presence safely, without being harmed.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Moses on Mount Sinai after Moses asks to see God’s glory. God explains that Moses cannot see His face and live, so God promises to shield Moses in a “clift of the rock” and cover him with His hand as His glory passes by. This moment highlights both God’s holiness and His care for Moses, making it a unique and intimate encounter.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 33:22

  • “glory” (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means weight or significance and here refers to God’s overwhelming presence, not just a visible light.
  • “clift” (נְקָרָה, neqarah): This means a split or crevice in the rock, emphasizing that Moses is being hidden in a narrow, protected space.
  • “cover” (סָכַךְ, sakhakh): This verb means to shield or protect, showing that God is actively guarding Moses from danger.
  • “hand” (כַּף, kaf): This word can mean the palm of a hand, suggesting a personal and gentle act of protection by God.

Why Exodus 33:22 matters

  • Exodus 33:22 clears up the idea that anyone could see God’s full glory and survive; it emphasizes the seriousness and holiness of God’s presence.
  • The verse highlights God’s personal care for Moses, showing that God makes special provision to reveal Himself while still protecting Moses from harm.
  • This moment connects to the wider story where Moses is uniquely close to God, setting the stage for the ongoing relationship between God and His people through Moses.

Where else these words appear

“clift” Hebrew H5366 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 2:21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

“cover” Hebrew H5526 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:18 And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
  • Psalms 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

“rock” Hebrew H6697 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
  • Job 14:18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.
  • Psalms 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

“while” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?