Definition: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Exodus 33:20. It’s a really profound statement about God’s plan and the nature of His relationship with humanity. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting someone up to see Him, but He’s deliberately hiding His face. He wants to test and show himself to us in a way that we can’t fully understand or grasp. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou canst not see my face…” – This is the core of the verse. God is saying, “I am going to reveal myself to you.” He’s choosing to make a special appearance. “…for there shall no man see me…” – This emphasizes that this isn't just about appearing; it’s about not being seen . It’s about protecting Himself from being observed or exploited. “and live.” - This is the crucial part. God is intentionally choosing to reveal Himself, even though He wants to remain hidden. He’s setting someone up – a “sacrifice” – to be seen and understood. What does this mean about God? This verse speaks to several important things: God's Sovereignty: God is in control of the situation. He’s choosing to reveal Himself, even when it might seem difficult or unsettling for us. His Purpose: He has a plan and purpose for our relationship with Him. Revealing Himself isn't just about showing up; it’s about demonstrating His power and love. The Importance of Faith & Trust: It encourages us to trust in God, even when we don’t understand why He’s doing what He is doing. It points towards a deeper relationship with Him. In short, the verse describes a moment of intense, deliberate secrecy by God, designed to draw our attention and demonstrate His presence. Can I help you explore this verse further? Would you like me to: Explain its context within the larger story of Exodus? Discuss its significance in the Old Testament? Talk about how it relates to other biblical themes (like sacrifice or revelation)?