The Shape, Visibility, and Attributes of God
The Shape, Visibility, and Attributes of God
The Bible presents a complex understanding of God’s nature, emphasizing that while He is spirit and invisible to human eyes, He has revealed aspects of Himself in various ways throughout history. Let’s explore what Scripture says about God’s shape, visibility, and attributes through key passages.

1. The Shape of God – Is God Visible?
John 5:37 (KJV)
“And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.”
In this passage, Jesus clearly states that no one has seen God’s shape. This highlights the spiritual nature of God, affirming that He does not possess a physical form that humans can perceive in the traditional sense.
Key Insights:
- God is spirit (John 4:24) and transcends physical limitations.
- His shape is not something humans can see or comprehend in fullness.
- Jesus, as the Son of God, is the visible representation of the Father (Colossians 1:15).
2. Biblical Encounters with God’s Presence
Exodus 24:10 (KJV)
“And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.”
This verse describes a moment when Moses and the elders of Israel “saw” God, but what they perceived was a manifestation of His presence rather than His full divine essence. The sapphire stone beneath His feet symbolizes God’s glory, purity, and majesty.
Key Insights:
- The vision of God in this context is symbolic and points to His holiness and authority.
- God allows glimpses of His glory through manifestations rather than a literal physical form.
- The descriptions often use figurative language to convey God’s transcendence.
Exodus 33:22-23 (KJV)
“And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”
In this passage, God reveals part of His glory to Moses but with clear limitations—His face cannot be seen. This emphasizes the idea that the full essence of God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully perceived by mortal beings.
Key Insights:
- God’s “back parts” symbolize aspects of His glory that humanity can endure.
- His “face” represents the fullness of His presence, which is too overwhelming for humans to witness.
- God’s revelation to Moses demonstrates both His intimacy and His holiness.
3. The Attributes of God
Though God’s physical shape remains unseen, His attributes are clearly revealed throughout Scripture. Some of His defining characteristics include:
A. Omniscience (All-Knowing)
- “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” – Psalm 147:5
B. Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)
- “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” – Psalm 139:7
C. Omnipotence (All-Powerful)
- “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
D. Holiness
- “Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
E. Love and Mercy
- “God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
- “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” – Psalm 103:8

Conclusion: God’s Shape, Visibility, and Attributes
- God’s Shape:
- God is spirit and does not have a physical shape perceivable by human eyes (John 5:37).
- The Bible uses figurative language to describe His presence in ways humans can understand (Exodus 24:10).
- God’s Visibility:
- God has revealed Himself through visions, manifestations, and ultimately through Jesus Christ (Exodus 33:22-23, John 14:9).
- No one has seen God’s full glory directly.
- God’s Attributes:
- He is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, and loving.
- His character is made known through His interactions with humanity and through His Word.
Final Thought:
Although God’s physical form remains unseen, His presence, power, and love are evident throughout Scripture. To know God, one must seek Him in spirit and truth, as revealed through Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).