Exodus 34:34
New International Version
But whenever he entered the LORD’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,

New Living Translation
But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the LORD had given him,

English Standard Version
Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded,

Berean Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded,

King James Bible
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

New King James Version
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded.

New American Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded,

NASB 1995
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded,

NASB 1977
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded,

Legacy Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went in before Yahweh to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out; and then he would come out and speak to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded,

Amplified Bible
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out. When he came out and he told the Israelites what he had been commanded [by God],

Christian Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded,

American Standard Version
But when Moses went in before Jehovah to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Contemporary English Version
Moses would always remove the veil when he went into the sacred tent to speak with the LORD. And when he came out, he would tell the people everything the LORD had told him to say.

English Revised Version
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But whenever Moses went into the LORD's presence to speak with him, he took off the veil until he came out. Whenever he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,

Good News Translation
Whenever Moses went into the Tent of the LORD's presence to speak to the LORD, he would take the veil off. When he came out, he would tell the people of Israel everything that he had been commanded to say,

International Standard Version
and then whenever Moses would come in the LORD's presence to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he left the LORD's presence. When he went out, he would tell the Israelis what he had been commanded.

Majority Standard Bible
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded,

NET Bible
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. Then he would come out and tell the Israelites what he had been commanded.

New Heart English Bible
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Webster's Bible Translation
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

World English Bible
But when Moses went in before Yahweh to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and in the going in of Moses before YHWH to speak with Him, he turns aside the veil until his coming out; and he has come out and has spoken to the sons of Israel that which he is commanded;

Young's Literal Translation
and in the going in of Moses before Jehovah to speak with Him, he turneth aside the vail until his coming out; and he hath come out and hath spoken unto the sons of Israel that which he is commanded;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in Moses' going in before Jehovah to speak with him, he will turn away the covering till his coming out And he will come forth and speak to the sons of Israel what will be commanded.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But when he went in to the Lord, and spoke with him, he took it away until he came forth, and then he spoke to the children of Israel all things that had been commanded him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But when he entered to the Lord and was speaking with him, he took it off, until he exited. And then he spoke to the sons of Israel all that had been commanded to him.

New American Bible
Whenever Moses entered the presence of the LORD to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the Israelites all that he had been commanded.

New Revised Standard Version
but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the veil off until he came out. And he came out and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Moshe had finished speaking with them he cast a veil over his face.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But when Moses went in before the LORD that He might speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out; and spoke unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak to him, he took off the veil till he went out, and he went forth and spoke to all the children of Israel whatsoever the Lord commanded him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Renews the Covenant
33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant. So Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:13-18
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. / But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ...

Exodus 33:11
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.

2 Corinthians 3:7-11
Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! ...

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?”

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 34:10
Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—

Matthew 17:2
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

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.

Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

John 17:24
Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

Acts 7:38
He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.

Psalm 99:7
He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them.

John 5:37
And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,


Treasury of Scripture

But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out. And he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

he took

2 Corinthians 3:16
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, …

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Children Commanded Entered Israel Lord's Moses Ordered Presence Removed Speak Talk Turneth Vail Veil Whenever
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Children Commanded Entered Israel Lord's Moses Ordered Presence Removed Speak Talk Turneth Vail Veil Whenever
Exodus 34
1. The tablets are replaced
5. The name of the Lord proclaimed
8. Moses entreats God to go with them
10. God makes a covenant with them, repeating certain duties
28. Moses after forty days on the mount, comes down with the tablets
29. His face is radiant, and he covers it with a veil














But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him
This phrase highlights the unique relationship Moses had with God, characterized by direct communication. In the context of the Old Testament, Moses is a central figure who acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This direct communication is significant because it underscores Moses' role as a prophet and leader. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, often associated with the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among His people. This setting is crucial as it represents the holy and sacred space where divine instructions were given. The act of speaking with God foreshadows the intimate relationship believers are invited to have with God through prayer and the Holy Spirit.

he would remove the veil until he came out
The removal of the veil signifies the transparency and openness in Moses' communication with God. The veil, which Moses wore after speaking with God, served to shield the Israelites from the radiance of God's glory reflected on his face. This act of removing the veil symbolizes the unmediated access Moses had to God, contrasting with the Israelites' experience. In the New Testament, this veil is referenced in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where Paul explains that the veil is lifted in Christ, allowing believers to behold God's glory directly. The veil also serves as a type of the separation between God and humanity, which is ultimately removed through Jesus Christ.

And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded
This phrase emphasizes Moses' role as a conduit of God's commandments to the people. The act of coming out and speaking to the Israelites signifies the transmission of divine revelation. Moses' authority as a leader is reinforced by his role in conveying God's laws and instructions, which were foundational for the covenant community. This process of receiving and delivering God's word is a precursor to the prophetic tradition in Israel, where prophets would speak on behalf of God. The content of what Moses communicated often included laws, instructions, and guidance for living in accordance with God's will, which is central to the narrative of the Torah. This also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Word made flesh, bringing God's message of salvation to humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He is known for his unique relationship with God, often speaking with Him directly.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His laws and commandments to Moses. The name "Yahweh" signifies God's eternal and self-existent nature.

3. The Veil
A physical covering that Moses used to shield the Israelites from the radiance of his face after speaking with God. It symbolizes the separation between the divine and the human.

4. The Tent of Meeting
Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where Moses would go to speak with God. It represents a sacred space of divine-human interaction.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who are the recipients of God's commandments and Moses' leadership. They are in a covenant relationship with God, which requires obedience and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Intimacy with God
Moses' relationship with God was marked by direct communication. Believers are encouraged to seek a personal and intimate relationship with God through prayer and the study of His Word.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

Transformation through God's Presence
Just as Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, believers are transformed by spending time with God. This transformation should be evident in our lives.

Removing the Veil
In Christ, the veil is removed, allowing us to see and reflect God's glory. We are called to live in the freedom and light of the new covenant.

Obedience to God's Commandments
Moses faithfully communicated God's commands to the Israelites. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word and share His truth with others.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But whenever Moses
מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

went in
וּבְבֹ֨א (ū·ḇə·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

before
לִפְנֵ֤י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to speak
לְדַבֵּ֣ר (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

with Him,
אִתּ֔וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

he would remove
יָסִ֥יר (yā·sîr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

the veil
הַמַּסְוֶ֖ה (ham·mas·weh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4533: A veil

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

he came out.
צֵאת֑וֹ (ṣê·ṯōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

And when he came out,
וְיָצָ֗א (wə·yā·ṣā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

he would tell
וְדִבֶּר֙ (wə·ḏib·ber)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

what
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he had been commanded,
יְצֻוֶּֽה׃ (yə·ṣuw·weh)
Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order


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OT Law: Exodus 34:34 But when Moses went in before Yahweh (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 34:33
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