What does Exodus 33:19 mean?

Exodus 33:19 (KJV) states, "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."

This verse is a crucial turning point in the book of Exodus, as it reflects God's ultimate goodness, grace, and mercy. The context of this verse is important to understand its true significance. In the preceding chapters, the Israelites had sinned against God by creating a golden calf to worship while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. As a result of their disobedience, God declared to Moses that He would not go with the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. This news distressed Moses and the Israelites, as they knew they needed God's presence to guide and protect them.

In response to Moses' pleas, God agreed to go with the Israelites, showing His forgiveness and mercy. This declaration of God's goodness and mercy reveals an important aspect of His character. It demonstrates that God is willing to extend His grace to those who seek forgiveness and redemption. This theme of God's mercy and grace is deeply woven into the fabric of the entire Bible, and it is particularly evident in this verse.

The symbolism in Exodus 33:19 is also significant. God's promise to make His goodness pass before Moses is a symbol of His divine presence and favor. It signifies that God's goodness will always be with His people, regardless of their failures and shortcomings. The proclamation of the name of the Lord also symbolizes the power and authority of God. It asserts that God is sovereign and in control of all things, including the destiny of His people.

Furthermore, the statement "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy" reflects God's sovereignty and freedom in bestowing His grace and mercy. It emphasizes that God's actions are not dictated by human will or merit, but by His own divine wisdom and love. This concept is echoed in the New Testament as well, particularly in the writings of the apostle Paul, who emphasizes the idea of God's unconditional and unmerited grace.

The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and divine sovereignty in Exodus 33:19 resonate throughout the entire Bible and are ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the ultimate manifestation of God's goodness, grace, and mercy. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus reconciles humanity to God and offers forgiveness and redemption to all who believe in Him. This verse in Exodus foreshadows the coming of Jesus and His saving work on the cross.

In conclusion, Exodus 33:19 is a powerful declaration of God's goodness, grace, and mercy. It reveals His willingness to forgive and redeem His people, and His sovereign authority in bestowing His grace and mercy. This verse is a testament to the unchanging character of God and His unwavering love for His creation. It serves as a reminder that God's goodness and mercy are always available to those who seek Him, and that His grace is a free gift bestowed on those who come to Him in faith.

Artwork for Exodus 33:19

Exodus 33:19 - "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."

"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 33:19

Exodus 12:33

Exodus 26:31-33

Genesis 19-33

Exodus 33:6 - "And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb."

Jeremiah 33:19 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying,"

Numbers 33:19 - "And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez."

Exodus 19

Exodus 33:18 - "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory."

Exodus 33:21 - "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:"

Psalms 33:19 - "To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine."

Exodus 33:14 - "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

Exodus 34:33 - "And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face."

Exodus 35:33 - "And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work."

Exodus 36:33 - "And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other."

Leviticus 19:33 - "¶ And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him."

Exodus 33:15 - "And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."

Exodus 33:4 - "¶ And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments."

Exodus 33:20 - "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."

Exodus 2:19

John 19:33 - "But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:"

Exodus 21:33 - "¶ And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;"

Exodus 27:19-20

Exodus 12:1-19

Exodus 33:2 - "And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:"

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."

Exodus 19:16-20

Exodus 27:19-21

Luke 19:33 - "And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?"