Deuteronomy 1:33
New International Version
who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.

New Living Translation
who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.

English Standard Version
who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.

Berean Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

King James Bible
Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

New King James Version
who went in the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you the way you should go, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day.

New American Standard Bible
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to make camp, in the fire by night to show you the way by which you should go, and in the cloud by day.

NASB 1995
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

NASB 1977
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

Legacy Standard Bible
who goes before you on your way, to spy out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

Amplified Bible
who went before you along the way, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to seek a place for you to make camp and to show you the way in which you should go.

Christian Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey to seek out a place for you to camp. He went in the fire by night and in the cloud by day to guide you on the road you were to travel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey to seek out a place for you to camp. He went in the fire by night and in the cloud by day to guide you on the road you were to travel.”

American Standard Version
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.

Contemporary English Version
even though he had always been with us in the desert. During the daytime, the LORD was in the cloud, leading us in the right direction and showing us where to camp. And at night, he was there in the fire.

English Revised Version
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
who went ahead of you to find places for you to camp. He appeared in a column of fire at night and in a column of smoke during the day to show you which route to take.

Good News Translation
even though he always went ahead of you to find a place for you to camp. To show you the way, he went in front of you in a pillar of fire by night and in a pillar of cloud by day.

International Standard Version
who walked ahead of you along the way to scout a place for you to pitch camp—by fire at night and cloud by day—to lead you on the way you should go."

Majority Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

NET Bible
the one who was constantly going before you to find places for you to set up camp. He appeared by fire at night and cloud by day, to show you the way you ought to go.

New Heart English Bible
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who went in the way before you, to search out for you a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

World English Bible
who went before you on the way, to seek out a place for you to pitch your tents in: in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who is going before you in the way to search out for you a place for your encamping, in fire by night, to show you in the way in which you go, and in a cloud by day.

Young's Literal Translation
who is going before you in the way to search out to you a place for your encamping, in fire by night, to shew you in the way in which ye go, and in a cloud by day.

Smith's Literal Translation
He going in the way before you to search out for you a place for you to encamp, in fire by night, to cause you to see in what way ye shall go in it, and in a cloud by day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who went before you in the way, and marked out the place, wherein you should pitch your tents, in the night shewing you the way by fire, and in the day by the pillar of a cloud.

Catholic Public Domain Version
who went before you on the way, and who marked out the place where you should pitch your tents, showing you the way by fire in the night, and by a pillar of cloud in the day.

New American Bible
who journeys before you to find you a place to camp—by night in the fire, and by day in the cloud, to show you the way to go.

New Revised Standard Version
who goes before you on the way to seek out a place for you to camp, in fire by night, and in the cloud by day, to show you the route you should take.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who went in the way before you to prepare a place for you to encamp in it, in fire by night to show you by what way you should go, and in a cloud by day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who goes before you in the way to prepare a place for you that you may dwell in it; he has shown you the way that you should go in it, in fire by night and in a cloud by day.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in: in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
who goes before you in the way to choose you a place, guiding you in fire by night, shewing you the way by which ye go, and a cloud by day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Rebellion
32But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD your God, 33who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Cross References
Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

Numbers 9:15-23
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. / It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. ...

Nehemiah 9:19
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

Isaiah 63:12-14
who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? / Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.

Exodus 40:36-38
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Numbers 10:33-34
So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. / And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.

Psalm 136:16
He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever.

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Numbers 14:14
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Revelation 7:15
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.


Treasury of Scripture

Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in a cloud by day.

Who went

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Numbers 10:33
And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

Psalm 77:20
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

in fire

Exodus 13:21,22
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: …

Exodus 14:19,20,24
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: …

Exodus 40:34-38
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle…

Jump to Previous
Ahead Camp Cloud Encamp Encamping Journey Lighting Night Pitch Places Search Seek Show Tents Way
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Ahead Camp Cloud Encamp Encamping Journey Lighting Night Pitch Places Search Seek Show Tents Way
Deuteronomy 1
1. Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year
6. briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb
14. of giving them officers
19. of sending the spies to search the land
34. of his anger for their incredulity
41. and disobedience














who went before you
This phrase emphasizes God's leadership and guidance. In the Hebrew context, the word "before" (Hebrew: לִפְנֵיכֶם, liphnekhem) signifies not just physical presence but also authority and protection. God is portrayed as a shepherd leading His flock, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament. This leadership is not passive; it is active and intentional, demonstrating God's commitment to His people.

on the journey
The journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land is both literal and metaphorical. The Hebrew word for journey (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) can also mean "way" or "path," symbolizing the spiritual journey of faith and obedience. This journey is a test of faith, requiring trust in God's promises and His timing.

in the fire by night
The fire represents God's presence and guidance during times of darkness and uncertainty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fire was a symbol of divine presence and power. The pillar of fire provided light and direction, ensuring the Israelites could travel safely. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering presence in our darkest moments.

and in the cloud by day
The cloud signifies God's protection and guidance during the day. In the harsh desert environment, a cloud would provide shade and relief from the sun's heat. This dual imagery of fire and cloud underscores God's comprehensive care, offering both protection and direction. The cloud also represents mystery and the divine, as clouds often shrouded God's presence on Mount Sinai.

to seek out a place for you to camp
God's provision is evident in His preparation of a place for the Israelites to rest. The Hebrew root for "seek out" (תָּרוּ, taru) implies diligent searching and care. This reflects God's intimate involvement in the details of His people's lives, ensuring their needs are met. The concept of "camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh) also suggests community and belonging, highlighting the importance of unity among God's people.

and to show you the road to travel
God's guidance is not just about the destination but also the journey itself. The Hebrew word for "show" (לְהַרְאֹתְכֶם, lehar'otkhem) implies revelation and teaching. God reveals the path, teaching His people how to walk in His ways. The "road" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) is not just a physical path but a spiritual one, calling for obedience and trust in God's wisdom and timing.

(33) Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place.--Comp. Numbers 10:33, "The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them . . . to search out a resting place for them;" and St. John 14:2, "I go to prepare a place for you;" and Hebrews 6:20, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus." On the whole manner of this cloud-guidance, see Numbers 9:15-23.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
who went
הַהֹלֵ֨ךְ (ha·hō·lêḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before you
לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם (lip̄·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

on the journey,
בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

in the fire
בָּאֵ֣שׁ ׀ (bā·’êš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

by night
לַ֗יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

and in the cloud
וּבֶעָנָ֖ן (ū·ḇe·‘ā·nān)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

by day,
יוֹמָֽם׃ (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day

to seek out
לָת֥וּר (lā·ṯūr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8446: To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring

a place
מָק֖וֹם (mā·qō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

for you to camp
לַֽחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם (la·ḥă·nō·ṯə·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

[and] to show you
לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙ (lar·’ō·ṯə·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the road
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to travel.
תֵּֽלְכוּ־ (tê·lə·ḵū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:33 Who went before you in the way (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 1:32
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