Exodus 20:21
Exodus 20:21 in Multiple Translations
And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the people kept their places far off, but Moses went near to the dark cloud where God was.
The people stood a long way off as Moses went over to the thick, dark cloud where God was.
So the people stoode afarre off, but Moses drew neere vnto the darkenes where God was.
And the people stand afar off, and Moses hath drawn nigh unto the thick darkness where God [is].
The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
And the people stood afar off. But Moses went to the dark cloud wherein God was.
Then, as the people watched from a distance, Moses/I went close to the black cloud where God was.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:21
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 20:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
הָ/עָ֖ם
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
וּ/מֹשֶׁה֙
נִגַּ֣שׁ
אֶל
הָֽ/עֲרָפֶ֔ל
אֲשֶׁר
שָׁ֖ם
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Prep | Adj
וּ/מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
Conj | N-proper
נִגַּ֣שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָֽ/עֲרָפֶ֔ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
cloud
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:21
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הָ/עָ֖ם
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.
מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
וּ/מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
Conj | 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.
נִגַּ֣שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
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.
הָֽ/עֲרָפֶ֔ל
ʻărâphel
H6205
"cloud"
Art | N-ms
A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.
Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 20:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 20:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
- Sermons on Exodus 20:21
Context — Moses Comforts the People
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. 23You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 8:12 | Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. |
| 2 | Psalms 97:2 | Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. |
| 3 | Psalms 18:9 | He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 6:16 | He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 6:1 | Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud; |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Exodus 19:16–17 | On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. |
| 8 | 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: |
| 9 | Psalms 104:2 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, |
| 10 | Psalms 18:12 | From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced— hailstones and coals of fire. |
Exodus 20:21 Summary
In Exodus 20:21, the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was, because they were afraid of God's presence. This shows us that God is a holy and fearful God, and we should approach Him with reverence and respect (as seen in Deuteronomy 4:11). Just like Moses, we can have a personal relationship with God, but we must come to Him with humility and respect, recognizing His power and holiness (as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29). By doing so, we can experience God's love and guidance in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people stand at a distance as Moses approached God?
The people stood at a distance because they were afraid of God's presence, as they had previously asked Moses to speak to them instead of God, fearing they would die if God spoke to them directly, as seen in Exodus 20:19.
What is the significance of the 'thick darkness' where God was?
The 'thick darkness' represents the awe-inspiring and fearful presence of God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and respect when approaching Him, similar to the description of God's presence in Deuteronomy 4:11.
Why did Moses approach God while the people did not?
Moses approached God because he had been called by God to be a mediator and leader for the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:10, and he had a unique relationship with God that allowed him to approach His presence.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God today?
This verse reminds us that God is a holy and fearful God, and we should approach Him with reverence and respect, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, and that He uses leaders and mediators, like Moses and Jesus Christ, to guide us in our relationship with Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show reverence and respect for God in my daily life?
- How can I, like Moses, be a leader and mediator for those around me, pointing them to God's presence and guidance?
- What are some things that keep me from approaching God, and how can I overcome those obstacles to deepen my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I balance my fear of God's holiness with my understanding of His love and grace, as seen in Exodus 20:20 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off,.... Still kept their distance in their camp and tents; or the heads and elders of the people having had this conversation with Moses, returned to their tents as they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God [was].Ver. 21. Stood afar off.] Yea, God, tendering their infirmity, gave them leave to go home to their tents.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
AT THE PEOPLE’S REQUEST, MOSES BECOMES THEIR .(18-21) The delivery of the Ten Commandments by a voice manifestly superhuman impressed the people with an awful fear. They felt the near contact with God to be more than they could bear. Even Moses was so deeply moved that he exclaimed, “I exceedingly fear and quake” (Hebrews 12:21). The people were still more afraid, and felt compelled to withdraw to a distance, beyond the sound of the terrible voice. From Deuteronomy we learn that they retired within their tents (Deuteronomy 5:30), having first sent a deputation to Moses, with a request that he would thenceforth act as their intermediary. It pleased God to assent to this proposal; and the remainder of the Law was communicated by God to Moses, and by Moses to the Israelites.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:21
21. thick darkness] ‘ǎ ?râphel, the word, mostly poetical (Psalms 18:9, 1 Kings 8:12), used in Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 5:22 [Heb. 19]. With the preceding narrative, especially the parts that belong to E Exodus 9:16-19, Exodus 20:1-21), comp. the rhetorically amplified descriptions
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:21
21. The people stood afar off — As stated in Exodus 20:18. After Moses had gone up unto the thick darkness where God was, the people returned to their tents as they had been instructed. Comp. Deuteronomy 5:30.
Sermons on Exodus 20:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Apostolic and Prophetic Foundations by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the urgent need for apostolic and prophetic foundations in the church as it faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. He reflects on the fading enthusia |
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Treasures in the Darkness by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of embracing the darkness and trials in life, emphasizing that God's hidden secrets are often revealed in the midst of challenges. |
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Revival of Prayer by Mark Greening | In this sermon, the pastor recounts the story of a youth group revival that took place in 1904. The pastor asked the youth what God was doing in their lives, and a teenage girl nam |
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Letter 197. by James Bourne | James Bourne shares about the trials and spiritual growth he experiences, emphasizing the importance of humbling oneself before the Lord, seeking His help, and walking in the fear |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o |
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Attributes of God #4 "God's Justice" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the essential nature of God's justice, asserting that it is not merely an attribute but the very essence of God Himself. He explains that God's justice is per |
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Darkness That Brings True Light by Oswald Chambers | Oswald Chambers preaches about the importance of heeding God's messages in times of darkness and sharing them in the light, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned during challeng |