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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 19:23 But Moses said to the LORD, "The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, 'Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/19-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_19_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 19:23 - The LORD Visits Sinai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, 'Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/19-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/19-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/19-22.htm" title="Exodus 19:22">◄</a> Exodus 19:23 <a href="/exodus/19-24.htm" title="Exodus 19:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, &#8220The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, &#8216Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But LORD,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, ‘Set boundaries around the mountain and consecrate it.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, &#8220The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, &#8216Set bounds about the mountain and consecrate it.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for Thou didst warn us, saying, ‘Set bounds about the mountain and consecrate it.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Moses said to Yahweh, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds about the mountain, and set it apart as holy.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, because You warned us, saying, ‘Set barriers around the mountain and consecrate it.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses responded to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, since you warned us: Put a boundary around the mountain and consecrate it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Moses responded to the LORD, &#8220The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, since You warned us: Put a boundary around the mountain and consider it holy.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto Jehovah, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou didst charge us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses replied, "The people cannot come up the mountain. You warned us to stay away because it is holy." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou didst charge us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, "The people can't come up Mount Sinai, because you warned us yourself to mark off a boundary around the mountain and consider it holy."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, "The people cannot come up, because you commanded us to consider the mountain sacred and to mark a boundary around it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses told the LORD, "The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai because you warned us: 'Set boundaries around the mountain and consecrate it.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, "The people are not able to come up to Mount Sinai, because you solemnly warned us, 'Set boundaries for the mountain and set it apart.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to God, "The people can't come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, 'Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to Yahweh, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses says to YHWH, “The people [are] unable to come up to Mount Sinai, for You have protested to us, saying, Make a border [for] the mountain, then you have sanctified it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses saith unto Jehovah, 'The people is unable to come up unto mount Sinai, for Thou -- Thou hast protested to us, saying, Make a border for the mount, then thou hast sanctified it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will say to Jehovah, The people shall not be able to come up to mount Sinai, for thou didst protest to us, saying, Set bounds to the mountain, and consecrate it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the Lord: The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou did charge, and command, saying: Set limits about the mount, and sanctify it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to the Lord: “The people are not able to ascend to Mount Sinai. For you testified, and you commanded, saying: ‘Set limits around the mountain, and sanctify it.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot go up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying: Set limits around the mountain to make it sacred.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses said to the LORD, “The people are not permitted to come up to Mount Sinai; for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set limits around the mountain and keep it holy.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai; for thou didst warn us, saying, Set bounds about the mountain and sanctify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe said to LORD JEHOVAH, “The people cannot ascend the mountain of Sinai because you testified with us and you said to me, “Set boundaries to the mountain and hallow it.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the LORD: 'The people cannot come up to mount Sinai; for thou didst charge us, saying: Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to God, The people will not be able to approach to the mount of Sina, for thou hast solemnly charged us, saying, Set bounds to the mountain and sanctify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/19-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4915" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/19.htm">The LORD Visits Sinai</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">But Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">“The people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: la·‘ă·lōṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">come up</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har (N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">Mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/5514.htm" title="5514: sî·nāy (N-proper-fs) -- The mountain where the law was given. Of uncertain derivation; Sinai, mountain of Arabia.">Sinai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: ha·‘ê·ḏō·ṯāh (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">solemnly warned</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1379.htm" title="1379: haḡ·bêl (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To bound, border. A primitive root; properly, to twist as a rope; only to bound.">‘Put a boundary around</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: hā·hār (Art:: N-ms) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">the mountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/6942.htm" title="6942: wə·qid·daš·tōw (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3ms) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">and set it apart as holy.’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>And the LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break out against them.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Hebrews 12:18-21</a></span><br />For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11-12</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. / And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Exodus 24:1-2</a></span><br />Then 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. / Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18-21</a></span><br />When 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. / “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” / “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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-22.htm">Numbers 18:22</a></span><br />No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-19.htm">Deuteronomy 9:19</a></span><br />For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5-6</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” / When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-8.htm">Psalm 68:8</a></span><br />the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2-5</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. / Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. / His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5</a></span><br />From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></span><br />Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for you charged us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.</p><p class="hdg">set bounds</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Exodus 19:12</a></b></br> And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, <i>that ye</i> go <i>not</i> up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Joshua 3:4,5</a></b></br> Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed <i>this</i> way heretofore… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Bounds</a> <a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Consecrate</a> <a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-15.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">Making</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Marking</a> <a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/19-20.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/19-20.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Round</a> <a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/exodus/19-20.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/exodus/7-2.htm">Thou</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/exodus/8-18.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">Warned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/26-9.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/exodus/23-31.htm">Bounds</a> <a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/28-3.htm">Consecrate</a> <a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/exodus/34-24.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/exodus/28-15.htm">Making</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-47.htm">Marking</a> <a href="/exodus/19-25.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/exodus/25-11.htm">Round</a> <a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Sinai</a> <a href="/exodus/21-29.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/exodus/27-20.htm">Thou</a> <a href="/exodus/20-4.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/exodus/21-29.htm">Warned</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-1.htm">The people arrive at Sinai</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-3.htm">God's message by Moses unto the people out of the mount</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-8.htm">The people are prepared against the third day, for the giving of the law</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">The mountain must not be touched</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">The fearful presence of God upon the mount</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Moses said to the LORD</b><br>Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, often communicated directly with the LORD. This reflects his unique role as a prophet and leader. His direct dialogue with God emphasizes the intimate relationship he had with the Divine, which is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch. Moses' role as a mediator foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity.<p><b>The people cannot come up Mount Sinai</b><br>Mount Sinai is a significant geographical location where God delivered the Ten Commandments. The mountain is traditionally identified with Jebel Musa in the Sinai Peninsula. The prohibition against the people ascending the mountain underscores the holiness of God and the need for separation between the divine and the profane. This separation is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting the need for purity and reverence in approaching God.<p><b>for You solemnly warned us</b><br>God's warnings are a testament to His desire for order and obedience among His people. The solemnity of the warning indicates the seriousness with which God views His commands. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God's instructions are not to be taken lightly, as disobedience can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the story of Nadab and Abihu (<a href="/leviticus/10.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a>).<p><b>‘Put a boundary around the mountain</b><br>The boundary serves as a physical and symbolic barrier, emphasizing the sanctity of the mountain where God's presence dwells. This act of setting boundaries is a precursor to the laws and commandments that would later define the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It also illustrates the concept of sacred space, which is central to the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.<p><b>and set it apart as holy.’”</b><br>Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, denoting something that is set apart for God's purposes. The mountain being set apart as holy signifies that it is a place of divine encounter. This concept of holiness is foundational to understanding the nature of God and His expectations for His people. The call to holiness is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to be holy as God is holy (<a href="/1_peter/1-16.htm">1 Peter 1:16</a>), reflecting the continuity of this divine attribute throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate His covenant with them.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and is establishing His covenant with them at Mount Sinai.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments and other laws to Moses. It is a place of divine revelation and holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive God's law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_boundary.htm">The Boundary</a></b><br>A physical and spiritual demarcation set by God around Mount Sinai to prevent the people from approaching His holy presence unprepared.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_holiness.htm">Reverence for God's Holiness</a></b><br>God's holiness requires boundaries. Just as the Israelites were instructed to respect the boundary around Mount Sinai, we must approach God with reverence and respect for His holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a></b><br>Moses' response to God shows his obedience and understanding of God's instructions. We are called to obey God's commands, recognizing that they are given for our protection and sanctification.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mediators.htm">The Role of Mediators</a></b><br>Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consecration_and_preparation.htm">Consecration and Preparation</a></b><br>The act of consecrating the mountain and setting boundaries signifies the need for spiritual preparation when approaching God. We must prepare our hearts and lives to meet with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding the seriousness of God's commands and the consequences of disobedience leads to a healthy fear and respect for God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_deut_5_2-3_with_ancestors.htm">Deuteronomy 5:2-3 says the covenant was made with the present generation, yet other passages imply it was made with their ancestors; how do we reconcile this?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_trust_moses'_solo_encounter_with_god.htm">Exodus 19:20-21: How can we trust the account of God and Moses on the mountain when only Moses is said to have witnessed this encounter directly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_exodus_34_and_20_differ.htm">(Exodus 34:1) Why does this second set of commandments differ from those in Exodus 20, and which version should be considered authoritative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/exodus_19_16-19__can_these_events_be_verified.htm">Exodus 19:16-19: How can the thunder, lightning, thick cloud, and loud trumpet blast be scientifically or historically verified if there is no external record of such phenomena?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">The people cannot come up.</span>--Moses probably means that they cannot do so unwittingly; he<p>Does not contemplate the case of an intentional trespass. But it was this which God knew to be contemplated, and was desirous of preventing.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The people cannot come up</span>. Moses can only have meant, that the people could not approach the mount unwittingly, since the fence commanded (ver. 12) was made. But to scale the fence, or break through it, was of course possible. (See ver 13.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/19-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“The people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come up</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲלֹ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·lōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Mount</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sinai,</span><br /><span class="heb">סִינָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(sî·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5514.htm">Strong's 5514: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sinai -- the mountain where the law was given</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֞ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">solemnly warned</span><br /><span class="heb">הַעֵדֹ֤תָה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·‘ê·ḏō·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> </span><span class="str2">To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֙נוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Put a boundary around</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגְבֵּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(haḡ·bêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1379.htm">Strong's 1379: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist as a, rope, to bound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the mountain</span><br /><span class="heb">הָהָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and set it apart as holy.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקִדַּשְׁתּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qid·daš·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be set apart or consecrated</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/19-23.htm">Exodus 19:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">OT Law: Exodus 19:23 Moses said to Yahweh The people can't (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/19-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 19:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 19:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/19-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 19:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 19:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>