Exodus 33:16
ESV
For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?"
NIV
How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
NASB
For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are on the face of the earth?'
CSB
How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth."
NLT
How will anyone know that you look favorably on me — on me and on your people — if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.'
KJV
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
NKJV
For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”
What does Exodus 33:16 mean?
Moses responded to a promise about God's presence going with Israel (Exodus 33:12–14) with an appeal for more assurance (Exodus 33:15). Moses' second request seems to look into the future. If the Lord is not going to remain with Israel, then the nation is no different than any other on earth (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 9:6). They would have no hope of displacing the evil nations of Canaan (Genesis 15:18–21). God's presence with Israel is a sign to the entire world.God will respond by reassuring Moses. The Lord's intent is to do exactly this: to remain with Israel, despite their sin and errors. He also bolsters Moses' confidence (Exodus 33:17) by reminding him of their strong relationship (Exodus 33:11). Yet Moses wants even more. He will ask to see God's glory (Exodus 33:18) and be reminded of what that really means (Exodus 33:20).
