Is The Bible In Error Here?

Q

Exodus 33:11 says that the LORD spoke with Moses face-to-face, as a man speaks to his friend. Yet, in the same chapter in verse 20, it says “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live”. Is this a Bible error? Please explain.

A

Because of God’s warning in Exodus 33:20, we know that the term face-to-face in Exodus 33:11 is figurative. Equivalent terms in our vocabulary are person-to-person, or one-on-one. It means God didn’t speak with Moses through a third party but engaged him directly. It’s not an error.