Exodus 33:23 HCSB Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."

You will see My back. The plural “my backs” is an extension plural (compare “face,” a dual in Hebrew). The word denotes a locality in general, but that is composed of numerous parts. Since God is a spirit, the meaning of this word could just as easily be rendered “after effects” of his presence. However, while this may indicate just the “afterglow” that he leaves behind him, it was enough to suggest what the full brilliancy of his presence must be.

· Job 26:12-14 HCSB By His power He stirred the sea, and by His understanding He crushed Rahab. (13) By His breath the heavens gained their beauty; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. (14) These are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the word we hear of Him! Who can understand His mighty thunder?

My face will not be seen. The Niphal imperfect could simply be rendered “will not be seen,” but given the emphasis of the preceding verses, it is more binding than that, and so a negated obligatory imperfect fits better: “it must not be seen.” It would also be possible to render it with a potential imperfect tense: “it cannot be seen.” Cp John 1:18; 1 John 4:12.