Exodus 24:2
Exodus 24:2 in Multiple Translations
Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.”
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
and Moses alone shall come near unto Jehovah; but they shall not come near; neither shall the people go up with him.
And Moses only may come near to the Lord; but the others are not to come near, and the people may not come up with them.
Only Moses may approach the Lord—the others must not come near. The people may not go up the mountain with him.”
And Moses himselfe alone shall come neere to the Lord, but they shall not come neere, neither shall the people goe vp with him.
and Moses hath drawn nigh by himself unto Jehovah; and they draw not nigh, and the people go not up with him.
Moses alone shall come near to the LORD, but they shall not come near. The people shall not go up with him.”
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
And Moses alone shall come up to the Lord, but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people come up with him.
Moses, I will allow you alone to come near to me. The others must not come near, and the rest of the people must not come up the mountain.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 24:2
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 24:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נִגַּ֨שׁ
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
לְ/בַדּ/וֹ֙
אֶל
יְהוָ֔ה
וְ/הֵ֖ם
לֹ֣א
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
לֹ֥א
יַעֲל֖וּ
עִמּֽ/וֹ
וְ/נִגַּ֨שׁ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לְ/בַדּ/וֹ֙
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | Art | N-ms
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 24:2
וְ/נִגַּ֨שׁ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Niphal-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.
מֹשֶׁ֤ה
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.
לְ/בַדּ/וֹ֙
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | 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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 24:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 24:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 24:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 24:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 24:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
- Sermons on Exodus 24:2
Context — The Covenant Sealed
1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders—and you are to worship at a distance.
2Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.”
3When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” 4And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 24:15 | When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, |
| 2 | Exodus 24:13 | So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:21–22 | and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 4 | Exodus 24:18 | Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 30:21 | Their leader will be one of their own, and their ruler will arise from their midst. And I will bring him near, and he will approach Me, for who would dare on his own to approach Me?” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 49:19 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 7 | Numbers 16:5 | Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself. |
| 8 | Hebrews 9:24 | For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God. |
| 9 | Exodus 20:21 | And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. |
Exodus 24:2 Summary
This verse, Exodus 24:2, tells us that only Moses was allowed to go near God, while everyone else had to stay back. This shows us how holy and special God is, and that we need to approach Him with care and respect, like Moses did. It's similar to what happens in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet sees God's glory and feels how small and sinful he is. We can learn from this that our relationship with God should be one of reverence and humility, always remembering His greatness and our need for Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Moses the only one allowed to approach the Lord?
Moses was allowed to approach the Lord because of his unique role as a mediator between God and the people, as seen in Exodus 24:2, similar to how Jesus Christ is our mediator today, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:5.
What does it mean for the others to not come near?
When it says the others must not come near, it emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence, as also seen in Leviticus 10:3, where God says He will be treated as holy.
Why were the people not allowed to go up with Moses?
The people were not allowed to go up with Moses because God was setting apart Moses for a special purpose, illustrating the principle found in Exodus 19:12-13, where boundaries were set to protect the people from God's holy presence.
What can we learn from Moses' exclusivity in approaching God?
We can learn from this verse that our approach to God should be with reverence and humility, recognizing His holiness, as taught in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah encounters God's glory and is overcome with a sense of his own sinfulness.
Reflection Questions
- How can I approach God with the reverence and humility that He deserves, based on Exodus 24:2?
- What are some ways in which I can set aside time to be alone with God, just like Moses was set apart?
- In what ways can I reflect the holiness of God in my daily life, considering the example of Moses and the Israelites?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of respecting boundaries in my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 24:2
And Moses alone shall come near the Lord,.... Into the cloud where he was, and talk with him face to face, as a man talketh with his friend; which was great nearness indeed, and a peculiar favour and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 24:2
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
Moses alone, i.e. without the persons now mentioned, though not without Joshua his minister, as some conceive from , though even there Moses seems to ascend into the mount without Joshua. Neither shall the people go up with him to any part of the mount, as Aaron, and Nadab, &c. did, but they shall tarry at the bottom. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
Exodus 24:2 And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.Ver. 2. But they shall not come nigh.] But half-way only.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
Verse 2. Moses alone shall come near] The people stood at the foot of the mountain. Aaron and his two sons and the seventy elders went up, probably about half way, and Moses alone went to the summit.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 24:2
2. they (emph.)] Aaron, his two sons, and the elders. neither, &c.] Observe the gradation: the people generally are to remain at the foot of the mountain; Aaron, his two sons, and the elders come partly up the mountain; only Moses goes to the top (cf. Exodus 19:21, Exodus 20:21).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 24:2
2. Moses alone shall come near the Lord — Here was a symbolical outline of what was afterward formally fixed in the Levitical code.
Sermons on Exodus 24:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Golden Calf by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living with the awareness of God's presence at all times. He explains that being conscious of God's watchful eye can guide |
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What Is a Christian 17 Christian Is a Temple by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of preparation and dedication to the Lord. He references 1 Chronicles 29:2, where King David expresses his commitment to preparing |
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The Formation of an Apostle by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of going up to be with God and experiencing His presence. He uses the example of Moses spending six days in the cloud of smoke |
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K-053 Come Up and Be There by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day |
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Needed - a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of society and how it has departed from God. He emphasizes the need for prayer and divine intervention, referencing the sto |
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Characteristics of Maturity by J.I. Packer | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'anakalupto,' which signifies the unveiling or uncovering by drawing back the veil. Paul uses the analogy of Moses veiling his face to |
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The Lord’s Coming in the Clouds by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the significance of the Lord's coming in the clouds, suggesting that such a revelation is often preceded by clouds of sorrow, bereavement, and suffering. He dra |