6:06
Visual Commentary: Exodus 34:6-7
The list of God’s character traits found in Exodus 34:6-7 is the most repeated and re-quoted text in the Bible. But what does it mean when God describes himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness? Understanding the significance of these Hebrew words will bring God’s character into clearer focus.
Reflect
Take time to read Exodus 34:6-7 aloud together and then write down the passage, each in your own handwriting. Then write it again using your own words.
Notice the way Exodus 34:7 begins the way it ends. How does God’s loyal love relate to his justice?
Underline the five characteristics of God named in Exodus 34:6 and then circle repeated words and concepts that we notice in Exodus 34:6-7. What do you observe about the repetitions and structure?
Take time to discuss other themes, questions, or key takeaways from what you learned together.
Keep Exploring
Want to Learn More About the Book of Exodus?
Downloads
Here are some other resources related to this video that you might find helpful.
Next Episode
5:06
Episode 2
Compassion
In the Bible, “compassion” is a deeply emotional word used to convey the strong bond between a parent and their child. It’s also the first word God uses to describe himself in Exodus 34:6-7. God is portrayed as a compassionate parent throughout Scripture—both as a mother and a father—and his compassion is embodied in the person of Jesus.
Character of God Word Studies
6:06
Episode 1
Visual Commentary: Exodus 34:6-7
The list of God’s character traits found in Exodus 34:6-7 is the most repeated and re-quoted text in the Bible. But what does it mean when God describes himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness? Understanding the significance of these Hebrew words will bring God’s character into clearer focus.
5:06
Episode 2
Compassion
In the Bible, “compassion” is a deeply emotional word used to convey the strong bond between a parent and their child. It’s also the first word God uses to describe himself in Exodus 34:6-7. God is portrayed as a compassionate parent throughout Scripture—both as a mother and a father—and his compassion is embodied in the person of Jesus.
4:39
Episode 3
Grace
Grace is a word we hear a lot in Christian circles, but the deeper meaning of this rich Hebrew word, especially how it relates to God's character, can get lost. In this video we look at what means for God to be gracious.
5:20
Episode 4
Slow to Anger
In Exodus 34, God describes himself as being "slow to anger," but what does this mean? The literal translation is a Hebrew idiom that has the potential to make this description even more confusing to modern readers. Something about a long nose? What? Learn more in this video.
5:11
Episode 5
Loyal Love
The Hebrew word “khesed” is one of the most common descriptions of God in the Hebrew Bible, and it’s almost impossible to translate into any other language! This word combines the ideas of love, loyalty, and generosity. Meditating on the meaning of this word can shape our understanding of God’s character.
5:12
Episode 6
Faithful
The word *emet* is a common word used to describe God in the Bible. It can be translated as “faithfulness” or “truth.” So when the authors say that God is “full of *emet*,” they are saying that he is trustworthy—we can trust him. But trusting isn’t always an easy thing. In this video, we look at why we can trust that God is full of *emet*.