Deuteronomy 4:12
Deuteronomy 4:12 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; there was only a voice.
And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.
And Jehovah spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only ye heard a voice.
And the voice of the Lord came to you out of the fire: the sound of his words came to your ears but you saw no form; there was nothing but a voice.
The Lord spoke to you from the fire. You heard the words, but you didn't see the form of anyone speaking—there was just a voice.
And the Lord spake vnto you out of the middes of the fire, and ye heard the voyce of the wordes, but sawe no similitude, saue a voyce.
'And Jehovah speaketh unto you out of the midst of the fire; a voice of words ye are hearing and a similitude ye are not seeing, only a voice;
The LORD spoke to you out of the middle of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; you only heard a voice.
And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.
And the Lord spoke to you from the midst of the fire. You heard the voice of his words, but you saw not any form at all.
Then Yahweh spoke to your ancestors out of the middle of the fire. Your ancestors heard him speak, but they did not see him. They only heard his voice.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֧ר
יְהוָ֛ה
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
הָ/אֵ֑שׁ
ק֤וֹל
דְּבָרִים֙
אַתֶּ֣ם
שֹׁמְעִ֔ים
וּ/תְמוּנָ֛ה
אֵינְ/כֶ֥ם
רֹאִ֖ים
זוּלָתִ֥י
קֽוֹל
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֧ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
דְּבָרִים֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
שֹׁמְעִ֔ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
וּ/תְמוּנָ֛ה
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
likeness
Conj | N-fs
אֵינְ/כֶ֥ם
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
רֹאִ֖ים
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
זוּלָתִ֥י
zûwlâh
H2108
exception
Prep
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:12
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֧ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֲלֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
ק֤וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
דְּבָרִים֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
שֹׁמְעִ֔ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וּ/תְמוּנָ֛ה
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
"likeness"
Conj | N-fs
This word signifies a likeness or image, such as the likeness of God in humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:26. It represents a shape or form, and can be a manifestation of favor. The Bible uses it to describe God's image in people.
Definition: form, image, likeness, representation, semblance
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: image, likeness, similitude. See also: Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:23; Psalms 17:15.
אֵינְ/כֶ֥ם
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
רֹאִ֖ים
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
זוּלָתִ֥י
zûwlâh
H2108
"exception"
Prep
This word means exception or removal, like scattering something away, and is used in phrases like except or besides. The KJV translates it as beside, but, only, or save. It is often used to make exceptions in biblical commands.
Definition: 1) a removal, a putting away prep 2) except, besides, with the exception of, with removal of conj 3) except that
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: beside, but, only, save. See also: Deuteronomy 1:36; 2 Kings 24:14; Psalms 18:32.
קֽוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:12
Context — An Exhortation to Obedience
10The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”
11You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
12And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.
13He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone. 14At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you the statutes and ordinances you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:15 | So since you saw no form of any kind on the day the LORD spoke to you out of the fire at Horeb, be careful |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:4 | The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 5:22 | The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. |
| 4 | John 12:28–30 | Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 1:17–18 | For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. |
| 6 | Matthew 3:17 | And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:36 | He let you hear His voice from heaven to discipline you, and on earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the fire. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:33 | Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived? |
| 9 | 1 Kings 19:12–13 | After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” |
| 10 | Exodus 20:22 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “This is what you are to tell the Israelites: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven. |
Deuteronomy 4:12 Summary
[In Deuteronomy 4:12, God spoke to the Israelites out of a fiery mountain, showing His great power and majesty, as also seen in Exodus 19:18. The Israelites heard God's voice, but they didn't see any form or shape, which helps us understand that God is a spiritual being who is all around us, but can't be seen with our eyes, as stated in Colossians 1:15. This experience taught the Israelites to listen to and obey God's words, and it can teach us the same thing, as encouraged in Romans 10:17. By focusing on God's voice and words, we can build a stronger relationship with Him and learn to trust Him more, just like the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God choose to speak to the Israelites out of the fire in Deuteronomy 4:12?
God spoke to the Israelites out of the fire to demonstrate His power and majesty, as seen in Exodus 19:18, and to emphasize the importance of His words, which is also highlighted in Deuteronomy 8:3.
What does it mean that the Israelites heard the sound of the words but saw no form in Deuteronomy 4:12?
This means that the Israelites experienced a divine revelation that was auditory, not visual, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God, as also mentioned in John 4:24, and the importance of faith in hearing and obeying His voice, as seen in Romans 10:17.
How does Deuteronomy 4:12 relate to the concept of God's invisible nature?
Deuteronomy 4:12 reinforces the idea that God is a spiritual being who cannot be seen, as stated in Colossians 1:15 and 1 Timothy 1:17, and that our relationship with Him is based on faith and trust in His words and character.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of hearing God's voice in Deuteronomy 4:12?
We can learn the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice, as seen in Isaiah 30:21, and the need to cultivate a deep reverence and respect for His words and presence in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 85:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we tune our hearts to hear His voice?
- How does the fact that God spoke to the Israelites out of the fire impact our understanding of His power and majesty?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, prioritize hearing and obeying God's words in our daily lives?
- What are some distractions or obstacles that can prevent us from hearing God's voice, and how can we overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:12
And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire,.... For the Lord descended on Mount Sinai in a cloud, in fire, and was in the thick darkness, from whence he delivered out the ten commands:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:12
And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. Ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
i.e. No resemblance or representation of God, whereby either his essence or properties or actions were represented, such as were usual among the heathens.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
Deuteronomy 4:12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only [ye heard] a voice.Ver. 12. Ye saw no similitude.] Numa the Roman lawgiver would not permit any image, whether painted or carved, to be placed in their temples, eo quod nefas duceret praestantiora deterioribus adsimulare, because he held it unlawful to set forth a better thing by a worse, &c. Hence it was that the Roman temples had no pictures in them for a hundred and seventy years after the building of that city. Irenaeus reproves the heretics called Gnostici, for that they carried about the image of Christ, made in Pilate’ s time, after his own proportion; for "to whom will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?"
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:12
12. the Lord spake … out of the midst of the fire] So Deuteronomy 4:15; Deuteronomy 4:33; Deuteronomy 4:36; Deuteronomy 5:4; Deuteronomy 5:22; Deuteronomy 5:24; Deuteronomy 9:10; Deuteronomy 10:4. J, Exodus 19:18, descended in fire; P, Exodus 24:17, the glory of Jehovah like devouring fire. the voice of words … only … a voice] E, Exodus 19:19, God answered by a voice; P, Exodus 24:16, called out of the cloud; E, Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:19; Exodus 20:18, reiterates the sound of a trumpet, exceeding loud. The omission of this by D is noteworthy. ye saw no form] Heb. temûnah, form or shape; E, Exodus 20:4. This feeling, that seeing is more sensuous than hearing, was shared by the prophets, who forbad the presentation of God in any physical shape, yet did not hesitate to use words describing Him in the likeness of a man: father, husband, warrior, even as a travailing woman, Deuteronomy 32:18, Isaiah 42:13 f.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 4:12
Hero worship exhibited itself in the practice of setting up images of human form as household gods (Penates, compare Genesis 31:19; Genesis 35:2), or as local and civic divinities: a practice forbidden by Deuteronomy 4:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:12
10-12. The day that thou stoodest before the Lord — Here should commence a new sentence. Our translators have incorrectly brought into the text the word specially.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Favouritism - Part 3 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance and seriousness of breaking God's law. The law of God is seen as an expression of his character and nature, and it reveals to |
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Against the Heathen by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches against idolatry, highlighting the inconsistency and godlessness of worshipping images and false gods. He questions the rationale behind attributing divine attr |
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The Wearing Down of the Saints by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people waiting in line to be prayed for and seeking a touch or word from a man instead of seeking God directly. The speaker refer |
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The Awesome Voice of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and heeding the voice of God. He highlights the story of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God spoke to them in |
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Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme |
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The Fire of God by Dick Hussey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Deuteronomy and the importance of the spoken word of God. He emphasizes the power and impact of the living, burning word of God m |
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A Golden Prayer by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the inner conflicts and troubles of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the complexity of Jesus' person and the need to approach the topic with caution and |