Exodus 20:20

Exodus 20:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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.”

King James Version KJV

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses said to the people, Have no fear: for God has come to put you to the test, so that fearing him you may be kept from sin.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses told them, “Do not be afraid, for God has only come to test you. He wants you to be in awe of him so that you don't sin.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Moses sayde vnto the people, Feare not: for God is come to proue you, and that his feare may be before you, that ye sinne not.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses saith unto the people, 'Fear not, for to try you hath God come, and in order that His fear may be before your faces — that ye sin not.'

World English Bible WEB

Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses said to the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses said to the people: Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that the dread of him might be in you, and you should not sin.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I replied, “Do not be afraid! God has come to determine/test how you will behave. He wants you to revere him, and to not sin.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:20

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 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל הָ/עָם֮ אַל תִּירָאוּ֒ כִּ֗י לְ/בַֽ/עֲבוּר֙ נַסּ֣וֹת אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם בָּ֖א הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים וּ/בַ/עֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛/וֹ עַל פְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֣ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עָם֮ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תִּירָאוּ֒ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2mp

כִּ֗י kîy H3588 for Conj

לְ/בַֽ/עֲבוּר֙ ʻâbûwr H5668 for the sake of Prep | Prep | Prep

נַסּ֣וֹת nâçâh H5254 to test V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

וּ/בַ/עֲב֗וּר ʻâbûwr H5668 for the sake of Conj | Prep | Prep

תִּהְיֶ֧ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

יִרְאָת֛/וֹ yirʼâh H3374 fear N-fs | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff

לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj

תֶחֱטָֽאוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:20

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

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.

מֹשֶׁ֣ה 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.

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.

הָ/עָם֮ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" 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.

תִּירָאוּ֒ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

כִּ֗י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לְ/בַֽ/עֲבוּר֙ ʻâbûwr H5668 "for the sake of" Prep | Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.

Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.

נַסּ֣וֹת nâçâh H5254 "to test" V-Piel-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.

Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.

אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בָּ֖א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | 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.

וּ/בַ/עֲב֗וּר ʻâbûwr H5668 "for the sake of" Conj | Prep | Prep

Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.

תִּהְיֶ֧ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

יִרְאָת֛/וֹ yirʼâh H3374 "fear" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

לְ/בִלְתִּ֥י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj

This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.

Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not

Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.

תֶחֱטָֽאוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

Study Notes — Exodus 20:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 20:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:20
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:20
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:20
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:20
Sermons on Exodus 20:20

Context — Moses Comforts the People

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. 22Then 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 13:3	you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
2	Proverbs 3:7	Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
3	1 Samuel 12:20	“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
4	Proverbs 16:6	By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
5	Genesis 22:1	Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
6	Deuteronomy 8:2	Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
7	Job 28:28	And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
8	Isaiah 8:13	The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.
9	Nehemiah 5:15	The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God.
10	Deuteronomy 10:12	And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

Exodus 20:20 Summary

[This verse, Exodus 20:20, is telling us that God wants to help us not sin by putting a healthy fear of Him in our hearts. This fear is not about being scared of God, but about having a deep respect for His power and love. As it says in Proverbs 1:7, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it can help us make good choices and live a life that pleases Him. By trusting in God's love and guidance, we can overcome our fears and live a life that honors Him, as seen in Psalm 23:4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God want to test us?

God tests us to help us grow in our faith and to keep us from sinning, as stated in Exodus 20:20, so that we may develop a healthy fear of Him, which is the beginning of wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 9:10.

Is it normal to feel afraid when God is near?

Yes, it is normal to feel a sense of awe and fear when God is near, as the people did in Exodus 20:18-19, but Moses encourages us not to be afraid, because God's presence is also a source of comfort and guidance, as seen in Isaiah 41:10.

How can we balance fear and love for God?

We can balance fear and love for God by remembering that His commands are for our good, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and that He loves us and wants a personal relationship with us, as seen in John 3:16.

What is the purpose of the fear of God?

The fear of God is meant to keep us from sinning, as stated in Exodus 20:20, and to help us live a life that honors Him, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, by giving us a sense of reverence and respect for His power and holiness.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to develop a healthier fear of God, and how can I apply the principles of Exodus 20:20 to those areas?
How can I balance my desire for comfort and security with the need to trust God and obey His commands, even when it's difficult or scary?
In what ways can I demonstrate my love and respect for God in my daily life, and how can I make sure that my fear of Him is not just a feeling, but a guiding principle for my actions?
What are some ways that God has tested me in the past, and how did I respond to those tests? What can I learn from those experiences, and how can I apply those lessons to my life now?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people,.... By representatives and messengers, the heads of the tribes and elders: fear not; be not afraid of God with a slavish fear; be not afraid of the thunders and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:20

To prove you, or try, or search you, whether you are innocent, and such as delight in my presence; or conscious of your guilt, and therefore afraid of my appearance; whether you have such a righteousness as can abide the trial of a severe Judge; or whether you are such as have cause to fear my wrath, and to flee to my grace and mercy; which of you are sincere and upright, and which are hypocrites and ungodly persons; or, to try whether this terrible appearance will produce in you that reverence, fear, and obedience which I call for; or, to give you a law, by which you will be proved whether you do indeed love and fear me, as you pretend you do, or whether you do not. God’ s fear is properly in men’ s hearts; but here the sense seems to be this, That this fear, i.e. his dreadful manifestation of his majesty and justice, (the act being here put for the object,) may be now and ever before your eyes, and in your memories, as an effectual preservative from sin.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:20

Exodus 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.Ver. 20. Fear not.] And yet fear. Fear not this glorious appearance so much: but let it bring your cogitations to his future fearful appearance.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:20

(20) Moses said unto the people, Fear not.—God approved the people’s proposal, and directed that they should withdraw to their tents (Deuteronomy 5:28-30). Moses then “drew near” to Him, and entered into “the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:21). It is worthy of notice that the same manifestation which repelled the people attracted Moses.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:20

Verse 20. And Moses said - Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces] The maxim contained in this verse is, Fear not, that he may fear - do not fear with such a fear as brings consternation into the soul, and produces nothing but terror and confusion; but fear with that fear which reverence and filial affection inspire, that ye sin not - that, through the love and reverence ye feel to your Maker and Sovereign, ye may abstain from every appearance of evil, lest you should forfeit that love which is to you better than life. He who fears in the first sense can neither love nor obey; he who fears not in the latter sense is sure to fall under the first temptation that may occur. Blessed is the man who thus feareth always.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:20

20. to prove you] to put you to the proof (Exodus 16:4; cf. on Exodus 17:2), to the whether (Deuteronomy 8:2), as you have just said (v. 19), you will really obey Him, and in order to inspire you with the dread of offending Him. and that his fear, &c.] That the fear which His presence creates may be ever before your eyes.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:20

20. Fear not — That is, as the context shows, be not terrified so as to think God is angry with you and is about to visit you with death.

Sermons on Exodus 20:20

	Sermon	Description
	The Abrahamic Faith (2 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and maintaining the covenant with God. They highlight how divorce within the church reflects a loss of the se
	Motivating Factors in Service by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the two motivating factors that influence our service to God: the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He encourages listeners to examine
	Eternity to Eternity 05 Genesis 1:9 by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the division of life into two elements: the heavenly and the earthly. He relates this division to the creation story, specifically focusing o
	The Fear Nots of the Old and New Testament. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar emphasizes the recurring theme of 'Fear Not' throughout the Bible, illustrating how God's promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He highlights various instances where
	The Root Cause of Americas Moral Collapse by John Franklin	John Franklin emphasizes the importance of fearing God in a society plagued by immorality and a lack of accountability. He highlights how the fear of God serves as a deterrent to s
	(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a
	Exposition on Psalm 6 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 6, reflecting on the day of judgment and the importance of turning to God in repentance. He delves into the symbolism of the number eight, represent