Exodus 34:23
Exodus 34:23 in Multiple Translations
Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
¶ Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
Three times in the year shall all thy males appear before the Lord Jehovah, the God of Israel.
Three times in the year let all your males come before the Lord, the God of Israel.
Three times every year all your males must appear before the Lord Yahweh, the God of Israel.
Thrise in a yere shall all your men children appeare before the Lord Iehouah God of Israel.
'Three times in a year do all thy males appear before the Lord Jehovah, God of Israel;
Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
Thrice in the year shall all your male children appear before the LORD GOD, the God of Israel.
Three times in a year all thy males shall appear in the sight of the Almighty Lord the God of Israel.
Three times each year all the men must come to worship me, Yahweh, the God of the Israeli people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:23
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 34:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
פְּעָמִ֖ים
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
יֵרָאֶה֙
כָּל
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
אֶת
פְּנֵ֛י
הָֽ/אָדֹ֥ן
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
פְּעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
יֵרָאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
zâkûwr
H2138
male
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פְּנֵ֛י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הָֽ/אָדֹ֥ן
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Art | N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
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 34:23
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
פְּעָמִ֖ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
בַּ/שָּׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יֵרָאֶה֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זְכ֣וּרְ/ךָ֔
zâkûwr
H2138
"male"
N-ms | Suff
This word simply means a male person or animal, used in Genesis and Leviticus to describe the male sex. It's a basic term in the Bible, distinguishing between males and females in various contexts.
Definition: male
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: males, men-children. See also: Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16; Deuteronomy 20:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
פְּנֵ֛י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
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.
הָֽ/אָדֹ֥ן
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Exodus 34:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 34:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
- Sermons on Exodus 34:23
Context — The LORD Renews the Covenant
21Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest.
22And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year.
23Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
24For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God. 25Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to Me along with anything leavened, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:14 | Three times a year you are to celebrate a feast to Me. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 16:16 | Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed. |
| 3 | Exodus 23:17 | Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD. |
| 4 | Genesis 32:28 | Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
| 5 | Genesis 33:20 | There he set up an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. |
| 6 | Psalms 84:7 | They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. |
Exodus 34:23 Summary
This verse is saying that all the males in Israel had to go to the temple three times a year to worship and honor God, as a way of showing their love and obedience to Him (Deuteronomy 16:16). This was a special time for them to connect with God and seek His blessing and guidance. Just like the Israelites, we can also seek God's presence and guidance in our own lives, and show our reverence and obedience to Him through our actions and attitudes (Psalm 100:4). By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience His love and care in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three times a year that males are to appear before the Lord GOD?
The three times a year are likely the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Ingathering, as mentioned in Exodus 34:22 and also in Deuteronomy 16:16, where it is written that all males are to appear before the Lord GOD at these times.
Why is it only males who are to appear before the Lord GOD?
In the cultural context of the time, males were considered the representatives of their families, and their presence before the Lord GOD was seen as a representation of their entire household, as seen in Exodus 12:3-4 where the head of each household was to select a lamb for the Passover.
What is the significance of appearing before the Lord GOD?
Appearing before the Lord GOD was a way for the Israelites to show their reverence and obedience to Him, and to seek His blessing and guidance, as seen in Psalm 100:4, where it is written that we are to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus 34 that deals with the Israelites' relationship with God and their obedience to His commands, as seen in Exodus 34:21, where they are commanded to rest on the seventh day, and in Exodus 34:24, where God promises to drive out the nations before them.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'appear before the Lord GOD' in our own lives, and how can we do this in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- How can we balance our daily responsibilities with our need to seek God's presence and guidance, as seen in Exodus 34:21?
- What are some ways that we can show our reverence and obedience to God, as the Israelites did by appearing before Him three times a year?
- How can we apply the principle of representation, where the head of the household represents the entire family, to our own families and communities?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:23
Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord God,.... At the three above mentioned feasts, [See comments on Exodus 23:17] here it is added, the God of Israel; who had chosen
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:23
Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. Thrice in the year shall all your men-children appear before the Lord God - i:e., in the central place of national worship.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
Exodus 34:23 Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.Ver. 23. Thrice in the year.] See Exodus 23:14; Exodus 23:17.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
(23) Thrice in the year shall all your men-children appear before the Lord.—On this requirement, and the political value of the three great festivals, see Note on Exodus 23:14-17.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:23
23. appear before] read probably see the face of. See on Exodus 23:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:23
12-26. Take heed to thyself — Here follows a brief resume of the laws previously ordained, and written in the Book of the Covenant, 21-23. They may be resolved into ten precepts, as follows:1.
Sermons on Exodus 34:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 34:10-26 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses God's covenant with Moses for the children of Israel. God promises to do marvelous works that have never been seen before, to protect the Isra |
|
Attributes of God - Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are defenseless and surrounded by enemies, such as the Hittites, Hivites, Amorites, Canaanites, and Philistines. However, God promise |
|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 23:14-33 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the laws and guidance given to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. He emphasizes the importance of obeying the angel sent by |
|
Day of Atonement - Tabernacles by Stephen Grant | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of seeing the face of Christ in the eternal day. They emphasize that when we see his face, it signifies serving him and a continua |
|
The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th |
|
Exodus 23;14 Missionary Conf. by J.M. Davies | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophetic and commemorative nature of the death and resurrection of Christ. These events are foundational to Christian teaching and serve |
|
Worship - Notes of a Reading John 4 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes that true worship is distinct from preaching and requires a relationship with God through salvation. He explains that worship can only occur in the pre |