Exodus 20:19
Exodus 20:19 in Multiple Translations
“Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
And they said to Moses, To your words we will give ear, but let not the voice of God come to our ears, for fear death may come on us.
“You speak to us, and we'll listen,” they said to Moses. “But don't let God speak to us, or we'll die.”
And sayde vnto Moses, Talke thou with vs, and we will heare: but let not God talke with vs, lest we die.
and say unto Moses, 'Speak thou with us, and we hear, and let not God speak with us, lest we die.'
They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let God speak with us, lest we die.”
And they said to Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Saying to Moses: Speak thou to us, and we will hear: let not the Lord speak to us, lest we die.
and said to Moses/me, “If you speak to us, we will listen. But do not let God speak any more to us. We are afraid that if he speaks any more to us, we will die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:19
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.
Exodus 20:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
דַּבֵּר
אַתָּ֥ה
עִמָּ֖/נוּ
וְ/נִשְׁמָ֑עָה
וְ/אַל
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
עִמָּ֛/נוּ
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
פֶּן
נָמֽוּת
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
דַּבֵּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עִמָּ֖/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִשְׁמָ֑עָה
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
עִמָּ֛/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
נָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:19
וַ/יֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
דַּבֵּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
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.
אַתָּ֥ה
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.
עִמָּ֖/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/נִשְׁמָ֑עָה
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
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.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Juss-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.
עִמָּ֛/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
נָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 20:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 20:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
- Sermons on Exodus 20:19
Context — Moses Comforts the People
17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
18When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance.
19“Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”
20“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” 21And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 18:16 | This is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God or see this great fire anymore, so that we will not die!” |
| 2 | Acts 7:38 | He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. |
| 3 | Galatians 3:19 | Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. |
| 4 | Exodus 33:20 | But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 5:23–27 | And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. But now, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us, and we will die, if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. For who of all flesh has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire, as we have, and survived? Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.” |
| 6 | Genesis 32:30 | So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 5:5 | At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said: |
| 8 | Hebrews 12:19 | to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. |
Exodus 20:19 Summary
In this verse, the people of Israel are afraid to hear God's voice directly, and they ask Moses to speak to them instead. This shows that they have a healthy respect for God's power and majesty, as described in Psalm 111:10. However, it also highlights their lack of faith and trust in God's goodness, as seen in Exodus 14:31. As believers, we can learn from this verse by recognizing the importance of reverence and humility in our approach to God, and by seeking to hear from Him through His Word and His appointed mediators, as stated in Romans 10:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy and love for God, as described in 1 John 4:18, and we can learn to trust in His goodness and care for us, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people of Israel ask Moses to speak to them instead of God?
The people of Israel were afraid of God's presence and feared that if He spoke to them directly, they would die, as stated in Exodus 20:19. This fear is rooted in the understanding that God is a holy and just God, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah has a similar experience and is overwhelmed by God's holiness.
Is it wrong to be afraid of God?
Having a healthy fear of God is actually a good thing, as it is a sign of respect and reverence for His power and majesty, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. However, this fear should not be a crippling fear, but rather a fear that motivates us to obey and worship Him, as stated in Exodus 20:20.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's voice in the Bible?
Throughout the Bible, God's voice is often associated with His presence and power, as seen in Exodus 20:18, where the people witness the thunder and lightning, and in Deuteronomy 5:24, where God speaks to the people from the mountain. This verse highlights the people's desire to hear from God through a mediator, Moses, rather than directly, which is a theme that continues throughout the Bible, including in the book of Hebrews, where Jesus is described as the mediator between God and humanity, as stated in Hebrews 8:6 and 12:24.
What can we learn from the people's response to God's presence in this verse?
The people's response to God's presence in this verse teaches us about the importance of humility and reverence in our approach to God, as seen in Isaiah 57:15, where God dwells with the humble and contrite in spirit. We should approach God with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing His power and majesty, and seeking to hear from Him through His Word and His appointed mediators, as stated in Romans 10:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a healthy fear of God in my own life, and how can I balance this fear with a sense of love and intimacy with Him, as described in 1 John 4:18?
- How do I respond to God's presence in my life, and are there areas where I am trying to avoid or hide from Him, as Adam and Eve did in Genesis 3:8-10?
- What are some ways that God speaks to me today, and how can I be more attentive to His voice, as described in John 10:27 and Psalm 119:105?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and reverence in my approach to God, and how can I apply this to my own prayer life and worship, as seen in Psalm 95:6-7 and Hebrews 4:16?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:19
And they said unto Moses,.... Who was now come down from the mountain, and to whom the heads of the tribes and elders of the people came from the camp, and out of their tents, by whom the people said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:19
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us ... but let not God speak with us.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
This they speak from a sense of their own guilt, and of the greatness and holiness of the Divine Majesty, to whom they durst not approach but by a mediator. See 18:16 .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
Exodus 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.Ver. 19. Speak thou with us.] See here what a mercy it is to have the mind of God made known by men like ourselves; that may say unto us, as Elihu did to Job, "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’ s stead: I also am cut out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
(19) Speak thou with us.—Comp. Deuteronomy 5:24-27, where the words of the people are reported at greater length :—“Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.”
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:19
19. Speak thou (emph.), … and we will hear] i.e. it is implied, listen and obey (see Deuteronomy 5:27 end). lest we die] cf. Deuteronomy 5:25 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:19
19. Let not God speak with us, lest we die — Comp. Deuteronomy 5:25-26. This sentiment accords with the prevalent belief of the ancient Hebrews, that the immediate vision of God must produce death.
Sermons on Exodus 20:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
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The Fear of Man by Mason Vann | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories from Christians in Bangladesh who face persecution for their faith. He describes how these believers become Christians, get baptized, and |
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Numbers 27:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of Moses as God's representative, illustrating how the people learned about God through Moses' actions and words. He highlights the immense responsi |
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The Church That Goes Through the Great Tribulation by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in holding the church together. He urges believers to walk worthy of their calling with humility, meekness, and love |
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Suffer Here or Suffer There by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impending judgment of God and the challenges that believers will face in the future. He highlights the potential of a young man who could |
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Church Live Re-Visited: Session One - Part 3 by Ron Bailey | This sermon delves into Paul's perception of the Church in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the concept of sanctification and being called out for a purpose. It explores the idea of Chri |
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The Church and the Churches by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the significance of the word 'church' in the Acts and the Epistles, emphasizing the importance of understanding its various meanings as used by the Holy S |