Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. New Living Translation Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. English Standard Version Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Berean Standard Bible Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. King James Bible And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. New King James Version So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. New American Standard Bible So the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. NASB 1995 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. NASB 1977 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Legacy Standard Bible Thus Yahweh used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, and his attendant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Amplified Bible And so the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his attendant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Christian Standard Bible The LORD would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend, then Moses would return to the camp. His assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent. Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent. American Standard Version And Jehovah spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the Tent. English Revised Version And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the Tent. GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD would speak to Moses personally, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would come back to the camp, but his assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, stayed inside the tent. Good News Translation The LORD would speak with Moses face-to-face, just as someone speaks with a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who was his helper, Joshua son of Nun, stayed in the Tent. International Standard Version The LORD would speak to Moses face to face just as a man speaks with his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, Nun's son Joshua, his young servant, would not leave the tent. NET Bible The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, the way a person speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his servant, Joshua son of Nun, a young man, did not leave the tent. New Heart English Bible The LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart out of the Tent. Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh to his friend. And he turned again into the camp; but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. World English Bible Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn’t depart from the Tent. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH has spoken to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend; and he has turned back to the camp, and his minister Joshua, son of Nun, a youth, does not depart out of the tent. Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah hath spoken unto Moses face unto face, as a man speaketh unto his friend; and he hath turned back unto the camp, and his minister Joshua, son of Nun, a youth, departeth not out of the tent. Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah spake to Moses face to face, as a man will speak to his friend. And he turned back to the camp; and his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not from the midst of the tent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man is wont to speak to his friend. And when he returned into the camp, his servant Josue the son of Nun, a young man, departed not from the tabernacle. Catholic Public Domain Version But the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, just as a man is used to speaking to his friend. And when he returned to the camp, his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not withdraw from the Tabernacle. New American Bible The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a person speaks to a friend. Moses would then return to the camp, but his young assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, never left the tent. New Revised Standard Version Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp; but his young assistant, Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the tent. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he returned to the camp; but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not from the tabernacle. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the people saw the pillar of cloud that stood in the doorway of the Tabernacle and all the people stood and they worshipped, each person in the door of his tent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he would return into the camp; but his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the Tent. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as if one should speak to his friend; and he retired into the camp: but his servant Joshua the son of Naue, a young man, departed not forth from the tabernacle. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Tent of Meeting…10When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent. 11Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. Cross References Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” Deuteronomy 34:10 Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face— Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 1 Samuel 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Kings 19:12-13 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Psalm 103:7 He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Jeremiah 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Ezekiel 3:22-23 And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” / So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 14:9 Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. spake Exodus 33:9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Numbers 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? his friend 2 Chronicles 20:7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? Job 16:21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour! Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. his servant Exodus 17:9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Exodus 24:13 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. Exodus 32:17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. Jump to Previous Camp Depart Departed Face Friend Joshua Minister Moses Nun Servant Speaketh Speaks Tabernacle Tent Turned Used YoungJump to Next Camp Depart Departed Face Friend Joshua Minister Moses Nun Servant Speaketh Speaks Tabernacle Tent Turned Used YoungExodus 33 1. The Lord refuses to go as he had promised with the people4. The people mourn there 7. The tabernacle is removed out of the camp 9. The Lord talks familiarly with Moses 12. Moses prevails with God, and desires to see his glory Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face This phrase indicates a unique and intimate communication between God and Moses, suggesting a direct and personal relationship. In the context of the Old Testament, such direct communication was rare and highlights Moses' special role as a prophet and leader. The term "face to face" is metaphorical, as other scriptures (e.g., Exodus 33:20) clarify that no one can see God's face and live. This expression emphasizes the clarity and directness of God's communication with Moses, unlike the dreams and visions given to other prophets (Numbers 12:6-8). as a man speaks to his friend Then Moses would return to the camp but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who communicates directly with Moses, demonstrating a unique and intimate relationship. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. He is depicted as having a special relationship with God, speaking "face to face." 3. Joshua son of Nun Moses' young assistant, who later becomes the leader of Israel after Moses. His presence in the tent signifies his future role and dedication. 4. The Tent of Meeting A temporary place of worship and communication with God, set outside the camp, symbolizing God's presence among His people. 5. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who are being led through the wilderness to the Promised Land. They witness Moses' unique relationship with God. Teaching Points Intimacy with GodMoses' relationship with God serves as a model for believers to seek a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord through prayer and obedience. Leadership and Mentorship Joshua's presence in the tent highlights the importance of mentorship and preparation for future leadership roles within the faith community. The Presence of God The Tent of Meeting symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. Believers are encouraged to create spaces in their lives where they can meet with God regularly. Faithfulness in Service Just as Moses was faithful in his service to God, believers are called to be faithful in their own callings, trusting that God will guide and equip them. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 33Did Moses have a direct encounter with God? If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God “face to face,” how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live? How do we address potential contradictions or editing in Exodus 33 when compared to other Pentateuch texts describing Moses’s encounters with God? What does "Face to Face with God" mean?(11) Face to face.--Comp. Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:10. This is clearly spoken of as a privilege peculiar to Moses; but in what exactly the peculiarity consisted is not apparent. Some special closeness of approach is no doubt meant--some nearness such as had been enjoyed by no mortal previously. In later times, Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28) were perhaps equally favoured. His servant Joshua.--Comp. Exodus 24:13, where Joshua is called Moses' "minister," the word employed in the Hebrew being the same. . . . Verse 11. - The Lord spake unto Moses face to face. As one present - not as one at a distance - "month to mouth," as we read in Numbers 12:8 - but not under any visible form (see vers. 20, 23, and compare Deuteronomy 4:12, 15). He turned again. After each conference, Moses returned to the camp, where, no doubt, he had put up for himself another tent, and where his presence was needed He left, however, his personal attendant ("minister"), Joshua, to watch and guard the sacred structure during his absence. It is remarkable that the trust was committed to Joshua, rather than to Aaron, or any of the Levites. Probably the reason of this was, that Joshua alone had had no paw in the idolatry of the calf. (See Exodus 32:17.) CHAPTER 33:12-17 Hebrew Thus the LORDיְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel would speak וְדִבֶּ֨ר (wə·ḏib·ber) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Moses מֹשֶׁה֙ (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver face פָּנִ֣ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to face, פָּנִ֔ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face as כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that a man אִ֖ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person speaks יְדַבֵּ֥ר (yə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue with אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to his friend. רֵעֵ֑הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow Then Moses would return וְשָׁב֙ (wə·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the camp, הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army but his young נַ֔עַר (na·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer assistant וּמְשָׁ֨רְת֜וֹ (ū·mə·šā·rə·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites son בִּן־ (bin-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Nun נוּן֙ (nūn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5126: Nun -- father of Joshua would not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no leave יָמִ֖ישׁ (yā·mîš) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4185: To depart, remove the tent. הָאֹֽהֶל׃ (hā·’ō·hel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 168: A tent Links Exodus 33:11 NIVExodus 33:11 NLT Exodus 33:11 ESV Exodus 33:11 NASB Exodus 33:11 KJV Exodus 33:11 BibleApps.com Exodus 33:11 Biblia Paralela Exodus 33:11 Chinese Bible Exodus 33:11 French Bible Exodus 33:11 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 33:11 Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face (Exo. 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