Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. New Living Translation The LORD continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. English Standard Version And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, Berean Standard Bible The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said, “Behold, a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. King James Bible And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: New King James Version And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. New American Standard Bible Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; NASB 1995 Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; NASB 1977 Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; Amplified Bible Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; Berean Annotated Bible The LORD {YHWH} continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, Christian Standard Bible The LORD said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, American Standard Version and Jehovah said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock: Contemporary English Version There is a rock not far from me. Stand beside it, English Revised Version And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock: GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the LORD said, "Look, there's a place near me. Stand by this rocky cliff. Good News Translation but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. International Standard Version The LORD said, "Look, there is a place near me where you can stand on the rock; NET Bible The LORD said, "Here is a place by me; you will station yourself on a rock. New Heart English Bible The LORD also said, "Look, there is a place by me, and you are to station yourself on the rock. Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, World English Bible Yahweh also said, “Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYHWH also says, “Behold, a place [is] by Me, and you have stood on the rock, Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said, “Behold, a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. Young's Literal Translation Jehovah also saith, 'Lo, a place is by Me, and thou hast stood on the rock, Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say, Behold, a place with me, and stand thou upon the rock. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd again he said: Behold there is a place with me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock. Catholic Public Domain Version And again, he said: “Behold, there is a place with me, and you shall stand upon the rock. New American Bible Here, continued the LORD, is a place near me where you shall station yourself on the rock. New Revised Standard Version And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Moses, Behold, there is a place in front of me, and you shall stand upon the rock; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said, “You cannot see my face, because no son of man sees me and lives.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said: 'Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon the rock. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me: thou shalt stand upon the rock; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Glory of the LORD…20But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, 22and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.… Cross References The LORD continued, Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. 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?” 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.” “There is a place near Me Deuteronomy 5:31 But you stand here with Me, that I may speak to you all the commandments and statutes and ordinances you are to teach them to follow in the land that I am giving them to possess.” Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. where you are to stand Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. upon a rock, Psalm 40:2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. 1 Kings 19:11-13 Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / 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?” Isaiah 6:1-4 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.” … Ezekiel 1:26-28 Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Genesis 28:12-13 And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on a rock: no reference Jump to Previous Rock Stand StoodJump to Next Rock Stand StoodExodus 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 The LORD continued This phrase indicates an ongoing conversation between God and Moses. It follows a dialogue where Moses seeks assurance of God's presence with Israel. The continuity suggests a deep, personal relationship between God and Moses, highlighting Moses' unique role as a mediator for the Israelites. This ongoing communication is a testament to the intimate relationship God desires with His chosen leaders. There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is speaking directly to Moses, offering guidance and assurance of His presence. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this passage, Moses is seeking assurance of God's presence as he leads the people. 3. The Rock A specific location designated by God where Moses is to stand. It symbolizes stability, safety, and the presence of God. 4. Mount Sinai The broader setting of this encounter, where Moses frequently meets with God and receives the Law. 5. The Israelites The people of God, who are in the wilderness journeying towards the Promised Land, relying on Moses' leadership and God's guidance. Teaching Points God's Presence Provides AssuranceJust as God provided a specific place for Moses to stand, He offers us assurance of His presence in our lives. We can find stability and peace in His promises. The Rock as a Symbol of Christ The rock in Exodus can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate foundation. Standing on Christ means relying on His strength and salvation. Seeking God's Guidance Moses' interaction with God highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions and leadership roles. We should continually seek God's direction in prayer and through His Word. The Importance of Obedience Moses' obedience to God's instruction to stand on the rock is a reminder of the blessings that come from following God's commands. Obedience leads to experiencing His presence more fully. Finding Refuge in God Just as the rock provided a place of safety for Moses, God offers us refuge in times of trouble. We can trust Him to be our protector and deliverer. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 33:21?2. How does Exodus 33:21 demonstrate God's provision for Moses' safety and guidance? 3. What does "a place near Me" reveal about God's relationship with His people? 4. How can we seek God's presence as Moses did in Exodus 33:21? 5. Connect Exodus 33:21 with Psalm 91:1 on God's protection and refuge. 6. How can we apply the concept of God's "rock" in our daily lives? 7. What does Exodus 33:21 reveal about God's nature and presence? 8. How does Exodus 33:21 relate to God's relationship with Moses? 9. What is the significance of God providing a place to stand in Exodus 33:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 33? 11. Has anyone ever witnessed God? 12. What is the purpose of the Tent of Meeting? 13. Did Moses truly see God's face? 14. If God wants a relationship with us, why does He remain invisible instead of revealing Himself physically? What Does Exodus 33:21 Mean The LORD continued“The LORD continued” (Exodus 33:21) reminds us that God is personally carrying on a conversation with Moses. He is not an impersonal force but a covenant-keeping God who speaks, guides, and reveals Himself (cf. Exodus 33:19; Hebrews 1:1-2). His words flow out of the gracious offer He has just made: “My presence will go with you” (Exodus 33:14). This continuing dialogue underscores how God initiates and sustains fellowship: • The same pattern appeared when “the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). • Jesus later assures His disciples, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), showing that divine companionship is a constant theme from Sinai to the Great Commission. “There is a place near Me” God pinpoints an exact location “near Me.” Closeness to the Almighty is always by invitation, never by presumption: • Only Moses is summoned to that nearness (Exodus 24:2), yet the principle extends: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). • Psalm 73:28 celebrates, “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God,” confirming that proximity to the LORD is both privilege and protection (see also Psalm 91:1). The phrase makes clear that intimacy with God is spatially real and spiritually vital. He is not distant; He invites His servant into His immediate presence so that revelation can occur. “where you are to stand” Moses is commanded to “stand,” not sit or kneel. The posture signals readiness and firmness: • “Stand firm and you will see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13) shows how standing often precedes divine intervention. • Later, believers are urged, “Having done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13), highlighting active faith, grounded yet alert. • Standing also implies obedience: Moses must occupy the exact spot God assigns, illustrating that revelation follows submission (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:17). God’s people do not choose their own footing; they accept the stance He appoints. “upon a rock” The rock provides solid footing and safety from the overwhelming glory soon to pass by (Exodus 33:22). All through Scripture, rock imagery points to stability and God Himself: • “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). • “He is the Rock; His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Isaiah 26:4 celebrates the LORD as an “everlasting rock,” while Paul identifies “that rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). • Jesus describes the wise builder who “built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25), stressing that life founded on God’s word withstands every storm. By placing Moses on a literal rock, God visually proclaims the spiritual truth that only His provided foundation can support a mortal in the blaze of divine glory. summary Exodus 33:21 shows God personally guiding Moses into a secure, intimate, and appointed place so that Moses can safely witness God’s passing glory. Each phrase—God’s continued speech, the nearness to Him, the command to stand, and the firm footing on a rock—reveals that divine revelation is always on God’s terms, in God’s chosen location, and upon God’s unshakable foundation. (21) There is a place by me.--A place on the summit of Sinai, where God had been manifesting Himself, is clearly intended; but it is impossible to fix the place with any certainty. Speculations like those of Dr. Robinson (Biblical Researches, Vol. 1, p. 153) are of little value.Verse 21. - Behold, there is a place by me. No sufficient indication is given by these words, or by any other words in Scripture, of the exact locality of the manifestation to Moses. The so-called" traditions "are worthless; and we can only say that the scene was probably some portion of the upper part of the Ras Sufsafeh.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The LORDיְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel continued, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “There הִנֵּ֥ה (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! is a place מָק֖וֹם (mā·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition near Me אִתִּ֑י (’it·tî) Direct object marker | first person common singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case where you are to stand וְנִצַּבְתָּ֖ (wə·niṣ·ṣaḇ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand upon עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against a rock, הַצּֽוּר׃ (haṣ·ṣūr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge Links Exodus 33:21 NIVExodus 33:21 NLT Exodus 33:21 ESV Exodus 33:21 NASB Exodus 33:21 KJV Exodus 33:21 BibleApps.com Exodus 33:21 Biblia Paralela Exodus 33:21 Chinese Bible Exodus 33:21 French Bible Exodus 33:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 33:21 Yahweh also said Behold there (Exo. Ex) |



