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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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="/hebrews/12-20.htm" title="Hebrews 12:20">◄</a> Hebrews 12:21 <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm" title="Hebrews 12:22">►</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"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.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/hebrews/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, &#8220I am trembling with fear.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the thing appearing was so fearful <i>that</i> Moses said, "I am greatly afraid and trembling."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, <i>that</i> Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And so terrifying was the sight <i>that</i> Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, <i>that</i> Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, &#8220I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, <i>that</i> Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And so terrible was what appeared, <i>that</i> Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In fact, so terrifying was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FILLED WITH FEAR and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am terrified and trembling.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The sight was so frightening that Moses said he shook with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said he was trembling and afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling and afraid!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, the sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, ?I am trembling with fear.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, "I shudder with fear."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, "I am terrified and trembling."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the scene that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and (so terrible was the sight), Moses said, “I am exceedingly fearful, and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the thing appearing was so fearful <i>that</i> Moses said, "I am greatly afraid and trembling."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and, (so terrible was the sight,) Moses said, 'I am fearful exceedingly, and trembling.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And so dreadful was that being made to appear, Moses said, I am terrified and trembling:)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And so terrible was that which was seen, Moses said: I am frighted, and tremble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And what was seen was so terrible that even Moses said: “I am terrified, and so, I tremble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”)<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I fear and quake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And so terrible was the sight that Moses said, “I am afraid and fainthearted.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the sight, that even Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and the sight was so fearful, Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the appearance, that Moses said, I am exceedingly afraid and trembling:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the appearance, that Moses cry'd out, "I tremble with the fright."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the scene that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the appearance, Moses said, "I am exceedingly frightened and in fear!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and so terrible was the appearance <i>that</i> Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-21.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/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2676" 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/hebrews/12.htm">An Unshakable Kingdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/5324.htm" title="5324: phantazomenon (V-PPM/P-NNS) -- To cause to appear, make visible. From a derivative of phaino; to make apparent, i.e. to appear.">sight</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtō (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">so</a> <a href="/greek/5398.htm" title="5398: phoberon (Adj-NNS) -- Fearful, dreadful, terrible. From phobos; frightful, i.e. formidable.">terrifying</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">that even</a> <a href="/greek/3475.htm" title="3475: Mōusēs (N-NMS) -- Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">“I am</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1790.htm" title="1790: entromos (Adj-NMS) -- Trembling with fear, terrified. From en and tromos; terrified.">trembling</a> <a href="/greek/1630.htm" title="1630: Ekphobos (Adj-NMS) -- Greatly terrified, horrified. From ek and phobos; frightened out of one's wits: sore afraid, exceedingly fear.">with fear.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels…<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="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-19</a></span><br />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. / Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. ...<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="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18-19</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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Deuteronomy 5:23-27</a></span><br />And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, / and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. / But now, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us, and we will die, if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-32.htm">Acts 7:32</a></span><br />‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a></span><br />Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Exodus 19:12-13</a></span><br />And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. / No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-17.htm">Exodus 24:17</a></span><br />And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7</a></span><br />Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a></span><br />The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.” And Moses relayed to the LORD what the people had said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21-22</a></span><br />and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish. / Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-30.htm">Exodus 34:30</a></span><br />Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him.<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="/exodus/19-24.htm">Exodus 19:24</a></span><br />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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)</p><p class="hdg">Moses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16,19</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that <i>was</i> in the camp trembled… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-120.htm">Psalm 119:120</a></b></br> My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3-5</a></b></br> And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, <i>is</i> the LORD of hosts: the whole earth <i>is</i> full of his glory… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-31.htm">Fearful</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/daniel/7-21.htm">Overpowering</a> <a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Quake</a> <a href="/mark/5-38.htm">Scene</a> <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-31.htm">Terrifying</a> <a href="/romans/11-21.htm">Tremble</a> <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Vision</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/revelation/16-21.htm">Fearful</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-23.htm">Overpowering</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-8.htm">Quake</a> <a href="/mark/5-38.htm">Scene</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/revelation/16-18.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/revelation/11-11.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Terrifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Tremble</a> <a href="/genesis/4-12.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/1_john/5-20.htm">Vision</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">A commendation of the new covenant.</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/hebrews/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The sight was so terrifying</b><br>This phrase refers to the events at Mount Sinai when God gave the Law to the Israelites. The mountain was covered with smoke, there was thunder and lightning, and the sound of a trumpet, which created a fearsome and awe-inspiring scene (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-19</a>). This event emphasized the holiness and power of God, instilling a sense of reverence and fear among the people. The terrifying nature of the sight underscores the seriousness of God's covenant and the need for obedience.<p><b>that even Moses said,</b><br>Moses, as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites, was a figure of great faith and courage. His reaction to the sight is significant because it highlights the overwhelming nature of God's presence. Moses had previously encountered God in the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3.htm">Exodus 3:1-6</a>) and had witnessed numerous miracles, yet even he was deeply affected by the manifestation of God's glory at Sinai. This emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the divine authority of the Law being given.<p><b>“I am trembling with fear.”</b><br>This quote attributed to Moses is not directly found in the Old Testament account of Sinai but is understood to convey the intense fear and reverence he felt. It reflects the human response to the divine majesty and holiness of God. The fear Moses experienced is a reminder of the proper attitude one should have towards God—one of awe and respect. This trembling can be seen as a type of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). It also points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who provides a new covenant based on grace rather than fear (<a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is known for receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and is a key figure in the context of <a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21</a>.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses. It is a place of divine revelation and awe, often associated with God's holiness and the fear it inspires.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who were led by Moses out of Egypt. They experienced God's presence at Mount Sinai, which was a pivotal moment in their history.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_giving_of_the_law.htm">The Giving of the Law</a></b><br>This event at Mount Sinai was marked by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, creating a terrifying experience for those present, including Moses.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant.htm">The New Covenant</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12</a> contrasts the old covenant at Sinai with the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing the difference between the fear of the law and the grace found in Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a></b><br>The fear experienced by Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai underscores the holiness of God. We should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>While the fear at Sinai was rooted in terror, the fear of the Lord for believers today is a reverent awe that leads to wisdom and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant_of_grace.htm">The New Covenant of Grace</a></b><br>Unlike the terrifying experience at Sinai, believers are invited to approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ, who mediates a new covenant of grace and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mediators.htm">The Role of Mediators</a></b><br>Moses served as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the new covenant, Jesus is our perfect mediator, providing a way to approach God without fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_reverence.htm">Living in Reverence</a></b><br>Understanding the fear and trembling at Sinai should inspire us to live lives that honor God, reflecting His holiness in our actions and attitudes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_shape_their_journey.htm">How does faith influence the characters' journey?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_zipporah_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Zipporah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_sinai_events_in_heb._12_18-21.htm">In Hebrews 12:18-21, is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the dramatic events at Mount Sinai as described?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_lions_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What defines being devout?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">And so terrible was the sight that. . . .</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">And </span>(<span class= "ital">so fearful was the appearance</span>)<span class= "ital"> Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble.</span> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-19.htm" title="For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, with which the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me at that time also.">Deuteronomy 9:19</a>, as it stands in the Greek translation, contains these words in part ("I exceedingly fear"); there, however, they belong to a later time, when Moses was "afraid of the anger and hot displeasure" of the Lord against the worshippers of the golden calf (Exodus 32). Various Jewish traditions speak of the terror of Moses as upon Mount Sinai he beheld the wonders of the heavenly world (see <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm" title="For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;">Hebrews 2:2</a>); but no saying that has been preserved throws additional light on the words before us.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sight</span><br /><span class="grk">φανταζόμενον</span> <span class="translit">(phantazomenon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cause to appear, make visible. From a derivative of phaino; to make apparent, i.e. to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="grk">οὕτω</span> <span class="translit">(houtō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">terrifying</span><br /><span class="grk">φοβερὸν</span> <span class="translit">(phoberon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5398.htm">Strong's 5398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fearful, dreadful, terrible. From phobos; frightful, i.e. formidable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that] even</span><br /><span class="grk">καί</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="grk">Μωϋσῆς</span> <span class="translit">(Mōusēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3475.htm">Strong's 3475: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I am</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰμι</span> <span class="translit">(eimi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">trembling</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔντρομος</span> <span class="translit">(entromos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1790.htm">Strong's 1790: </a> </span><span class="str2">Trembling with fear, terrified. From en and tromos; terrified.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with fear.”</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔκφοβός</span> <span class="translit">(Ekphobos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1630.htm">Strong's 1630: </a> </span><span class="str2">Greatly terrified, horrified. From ek and phobos; frightened out of one's wits: sore afraid, exceedingly fear.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-21.htm">Hebrews 12:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:21 And so fearful was the appearance that (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:22" /></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>