Exodus 33:3
ESV
Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people."
NIV
Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."
NASB
Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people, and I might destroy you on the way.'
CSB
Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way."
NLT
Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.'
KJV
Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.
NKJV
Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
What does Exodus 33:3 mean?
Centuries before the events of this passage, God promised Abraham that his descendants would live in a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). That pledge passed to Abraham's son, Isaac (Genesis 21:2–3) and Isaac's son, Jacob (Genesis 25:26). Jacob would be renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). The tribes founded by Israel's sons were enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years (Exodus 1:8–14; 12:40–41). Then the Lord rescued the Hebrews and brought them to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) to receive His covenant law (Exodus 19:5–6).Tragically, the people immediately broke those laws while waiting for Moses to return from the mountain (Exodus 24:18; 32:1–6). The covenant is fractured (Exodus 32:19). The people are leaving Sinai (Exodus 33:1) in a state of mourning (Exodus 33:4–6). Even though God has removed His direct presence from the nation, His promises are still in effect.
Israel is described as "stiff-necked." This evokes the image of a working animal straining to prevent its master from putting on its yoke or harness. Though the creature knows what the master wants, it refuses. The imagery also applies to those who won't submit—who won't bow their heads—before authority. This has been a consistent pattern for Israel (Exodus 16:19–21).
God will point out that mortal people cannot survive the unrestrained presence of their Creator (Exodus 33:20). In their current state, God's presence would only lead to destruction (Exodus 32:7–10), not guidance. In His mercy, God will see the covenant renewed (Exodus 33:17; 34).
