Exodus 33:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, I will do {H6213} this thing {H1697} also that thou hast spoken {H1696}: for thou hast found {H4672} grace {H2580} in my sight {H5869}, and I know {H3045} thee by name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "I will also do what you have asked me to do, because you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found favor in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 33:17 captures a profound moment of divine affirmation and intimate communion between God and Moses. Amidst the aftermath of Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf, Moses fervently intercedes for the people and for God's continued presence among them. In this pivotal verse, the Lord responds with an unequivocal promise to grant Moses' request, declaring that Moses has found unmerited favor in His eyes and, more profoundly, that He knows Moses by name, signifying a deep, personal, and covenantal relationship that underpins God's willingness to act on behalf of His people and uphold His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful divine declaration emerges from a period of intense crisis and fervent intercession. The preceding chapter, [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"), details Israel's catastrophic idolatry in worshipping the golden calf, which provoked God's righteous wrath to the point where He considered destroying the nation and raising up a new one through Moses ([Exodus 32:10](/exodus/32-10 "Exodus 32:10 - God's Anger and Offer to Moses")). Moses, however, courageously and passionately interceded for Israel, appealing to God's covenant promises and His reputation among the nations ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). Following this, Moses continued to press God for the assurance of His personal presence to accompany the Israelites on their journey, asserting that without God's direct guidance, they should not depart from Sinai ([Exodus 33:15](/exodus/33-15 "Exodus 33:15 - Moses' Plea for God's Presence")). The Lord's response in [Exodus 33:17](/exodus/33-17 "Exodus 33:17 - God's Affirmation to Moses") is the direct, affirmative answer to Moses' bold and persistent pleas, confirming God's commitment to His people through the unique and intimate relationship He shares with their mediator.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern world, the concept of "knowing by name" and the granting of "grace" or "favor" carried immense significance. To "know by name" was far more than mere recognition; it implied an intimate, authoritative, and often covenantal knowledge. It signified a deep, personal relationship, trust, and even a special designation or ownership. Kings and powerful deities were said to "know" their favored servants or subjects by name, indicating a unique bond, special privilege, and often, protection. In this framework, God's declaration to Moses is an extraordinary statement of divine favor and personal election, distinguishing Moses from the rest of Israel and affirming his unparalleled role as God's chosen leader and intercessor. This profound, intimate knowledge serves as the fundamental basis upon which God agrees to Moses' weighty request, despite the severe breach of covenant by the Israelites through their worship of the [golden calf](/exodus/32-8 "Exodus 32:8 - The Golden Calf").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 33:17 powerfully encapsulates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Grace and Mercy**, demonstrating God's willingness to extend unmerited favor even in the face of profound human sin and rebellion. Secondly, it underscores the **Power of Intercessory Prayer**, as God responds directly and affirmatively to Moses' earnest pleas for His continued presence. Thirdly, it reveals the **Intimacy of God's Relationship** with His chosen servants, particularly through the declaration "I know thee by name," which signifies a unique, personal bond that transcends mere general knowledge. This intimacy is the bedrock upon which God's continued guidance and presence are assured. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, as His decision to go with Israel, despite their failings, is ultimately rooted in His personal commitment to Moses and, through him, to His promises for the nation. This intimate knowledge of Moses becomes the channel for God's continued redemptive work, even when the covenant itself has been severely strained, as seen in [Exodus 33:14](/exodus/33-14 "Exodus 33:14 - God's Promise of Presence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** This word (H2580) signifies "graciousness," encompassing subjective kindness and favor, as well as objective beauty or pleasantness. In this context, it emphasizes that God's willingness to act on Moses' behalf and to continue His presence with Israel was not earned by Moses' perfection or by Israel's obedience. Instead, it was freely given out of God's compassionate and benevolent disposition. It highlights the sovereign nature of God's favor, which is bestowed according to His good pleasure, often in response to humility and earnest petition, demonstrating His unmerited kindness.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb (H3045) used here for "know" is far richer than mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often signifying a covenantal bond or a personal relationship forged through shared experience. It's the kind of knowing that involves commitment, understanding, and personal engagement, similar to the intimate knowledge between a husband and wife. In this context, God's "knowing" of Moses is the profound foundation of their unique, personal relationship and the basis for Moses' authority and efficacy as an intercessor. It denotes a recognition, care, and designation that sets Moses apart.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In ancient cultures, a name (H8034) was more than just an identifier; it often encapsulated a person's character, reputation, and essence. To be "known by name" by a deity or a king was to be singled out, personally acknowledged, and granted special status or favor. God knowing Moses "by name" underscores the profound intimacy and personal election of Moses, signifying that God has a unique, personal relationship with him, distinct from His general knowledge of all humanity. It implies honor, authority, and a memorial of individuality, marking Moses as uniquely chosen and cherished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the statement that follows. It underscores that this is a direct, personal communication from Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God, to His chosen mediator, Moses (H4872), emphasizing the significance of the dialogue and the weighty promise about to be delivered. The verb "said" (H559, _ʼâmar'_) denotes a declarative and intentional utterance.
* **"I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken":** This is God's direct affirmation and promise to grant Moses' request. "This thing" (H1697, _dâbâr'_) refers specifically to Moses' plea in [Exodus 33:15](/exodus/33-15 "Exodus 33:15 - Moses' Plea for God's Presence") for God's personal presence to accompany them, and implicitly, to God's continued commitment to His people despite their recent sin. The phrase "that thou hast spoken" (H1696, _dâbar'_) highlights God's responsiveness to the earnest prayers and intercession of His servant, demonstrating His willingness to act according to Moses' petitions. The verb "do" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) signifies God's active performance and accomplishment of the requested matter.
* **"for thou hast found grace in my sight":** This clause provides the divine rationale for God's favorable response. Moses' "finding" (H4672, _mâtsâʼ'_) "grace" (H2580, _chên'_) indicates that he has obtained God's unmerited favor or goodwill. The phrase "in my sight" (H5869, _ʻayin'_) anthropomorphically conveys that God clearly perceives and acknowledges this favor. It is not a reward for perfect performance but a demonstration of God's compassionate disposition towards Moses, enabling him to stand in the gap for Israel and receive divine favor.
* **"and I know thee by name":** This final, profound declaration further explains the deep basis of God's grace towards Moses. God's "knowing" (H3045, _yâdaʻ'_) Moses "by name" (H8034, _shêm'_) signifies a deep, intimate, personal, and covenantal relationship. It implies that Moses is uniquely chosen, understood, and favored by God, distinguishing him as a special servant and friend of God, through whom God is willing to continue His redemptive plan for Israel. This personal knowledge is the ultimate assurance of God's commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 33:17 is richly imbued with literary devices that amplify its theological weight and emotional impact. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "found grace in my sight," where God is described as having "sight" (an eye), attributing human-like perception to the divine to convey that Moses' favor is clearly perceived and acknowledged by God. More profoundly, the verse employs **Personalization** through God's declaration, "I know thee by name." This is a powerful form of **Intimacy**, transforming a potentially distant divine-human interaction into a deeply personal and relational bond. The use of "name" here is a potent example of **Synecdoche**, where the part (the name) stands for the whole (the person's unique identity, character, and intimate relationship with God). The entire verse functions as a moment of **Divine Affirmation**, where God directly validates Moses' standing and his crucial intercessory role, providing immense comfort and assurance both to Moses and, by extension, to the nation of Israel that God's presence will continue to guide them despite their recent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 33:17 stands as a profound testament to God's unmerited grace, His deep desire for intimate relationship with His chosen servants, and the transformative power of intercessory prayer. Despite Israel's grievous sin of idolatry, God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises is upheld through His personal, unique relationship with Moses. This verse underscores that God's favor is not earned by human merit or perfect performance but is freely given, enabling a mediator to stand between a holy God and a sinful people. It reveals a God who is both just in His righteous anger against sin and infinitely merciful in His willingness to restore and continue His redemptive work, all rooted in His personal knowledge and profound love for His people.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Lord Knows the Way of the Righteous")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God's Foreknowledge and Calling of Jeremiah")
* [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Knows His Sheep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 33:17 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a clear challenge for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our standing before God is not predicated on our flawless performance, inherent worthiness, or religious achievements, but entirely on His sovereign grace and unmerited favor. Just as God knew Moses intimately and responded to his earnest plea, so too does He desire a deep, personal, and transformative relationship with each of us. He knows us by name, not as an anonymous face in a crowd, but as uniquely created individuals whom He cherishes, understands, and calls into fellowship. This intimate knowledge should inspire profound confidence in prayer, knowing that our Heavenly Father hears and responds to the heartfelt cries of His children. Furthermore, Moses' bold intercession calls us to embrace our own roles as intercessors, standing in the gap for others, for our communities, and for the world, trusting that God, in His boundless grace, will hear and act according to His perfect will and redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's unmerited grace, rather than relying on your own efforts or perceived worthiness for divine favor?**
* **How does the profound truth that God "knows you by name" personally impact your sense of identity, value, security, and purpose in Christ?**
* **Considering Moses' bold and persistent intercession for a rebellious people, what specific situations, individuals, or groups are you called to pray for with greater earnestness and unwavering faith?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Moses "found grace in my sight"?**

Answer:The phrase "found grace in my sight" (Hebrew: _chên'_) signifies that Moses obtained God's unmerited favor or goodwill. It means that God looked upon Moses with a benevolent and compassionate disposition, not because Moses had earned it through perfect obedience or inherent merit, but because God chose to extend His favor to him. This grace was the fundamental basis for God's willingness to listen to Moses' intercession and to continue His presence with the sinful Israelites, demonstrating God's compassionate and merciful nature even in the face of human failings. It highlights that God's actions are often rooted in His gracious character rather than human deserving, providing an example of the divine initiative in redemption.

**Why is God saying "I know thee by name" so significant?**

Answer:In the ancient Near East, "knowing by name" was a profound statement of intimacy, authority, and personal relationship, far transcending mere recognition. For God to say "I know thee by name" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ'_) to Moses meant that God had a deep, experiential, and covenantal relationship with him. It signified that Moses was uniquely chosen, personally acknowledged, and held in special regard by God. This intimate knowledge implied trust, favor, and a unique bond that empowered Moses' role as a mediator and intercessor. It's a hallmark of God's personal engagement with His chosen servants, similar to how [Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His own sheep by name](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - Jesus as the Good Shepherd") and leads them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 33:17, with its profound declaration of God's grace and intimate knowledge of Moses, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Moses was a faithful servant and a powerful intercessor, he was ultimately a type, a shadow pointing to the perfect and eternal Mediator. Jesus is the one in whom all grace truly dwells; He is full of "grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ, we, who were once alienated from God and enemies in our minds by wicked works, now "have access by one Spirit unto the Father" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Jesus is not merely one whom God knows by name, but the eternal Son, who shares the very essence of God's being and has a unique, unparalleled relationship with the Father from eternity past ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). Furthermore, as the Good Shepherd, Jesus declares, "I know my sheep and am known of mine" ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")). He knows us not just by name, but intimately, having laid down His life for us, His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The grace extended to Moses, allowing God's presence to remain with a sinful people, is fully realized in Christ, who is "God with us" (Immanuel, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), and through whom we receive "grace for grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")), an unending supply of divine favor.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

1 John 5:14

¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

1 John 5:15

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Exodus 33:12

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

Genesis 19:21

And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Genesis 6:8

¶ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.