Bible Strands
Exodus 33:17
So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses Moses directly in response to his petition for a distinguishing divine presence. This declaration occurs between Moses' request for God's guidance and his subsequent demand to see God's glory.
The words — The Hebrew phrase גַּם־אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה (gam-'et-ha.davar ha.zeh) literally renders "also this thing," functioning as God's emphatic affirmative to Moses' specific request. The verb וַיֹּאמֶר (va/i.Yo.mer) records the LORD's direct speech, closing the preceding dialogue.
The thread — The pattern of God answering before the full call appears in Isaiah 65:24, while the principle that prayer aligns with divine will is stated in 1 John 5:14. The narrative sequence traces back to Exodus 33:12, where Moses first sought confirmation of God's accompanying presence.
Why it lands — The text states that God grants the request because Moses has found favor and is personally known to Him. A reader must conclude that divine presence and guidance operate on God's sovereign relational choice rather than human achievement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 65:24 Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.
- 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
- Exodus 33:12 Then Moses said to the LORD, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’
- Genesis 19:21 “Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate.
- Genesis 6:8 Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
- John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
- James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
- Genesis 18:32 Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”
- Genesis 19:19 Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die.