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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 />because they could not bear what was commanded: &#8220If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />for they could not bear that being commanded: "If even a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />(For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For they could not cope with the command, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For they could not bear the command, &#8220IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For they could not bear what was being commanded, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A WILD ANIMAL TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED [to death].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for they could not bear what was commanded: And if even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />because they could not obey its commands. They were even told to kill any animal that touched the mountain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They couldn't obey the command that was given, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />because they could not bear the order which said, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For they could not endure the command that was given: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />for they could not stand that which was commanded, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned;"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For they could not endure the order which had been given, "Even a wild beast, if it touches the mountain, shall be stoned to death;"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for they were not bearing that which is commanded, “And if a beast may touch the mountain, it will be stoned, or shot through with an arrow,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />for they could not bear that being commanded: "If even a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for they were not bearing that which is commanded, 'And if a beast may touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or with an arrow shot through,'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />(For they did not bear that being assigned, And if a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or shall be pierced with a missile weapon:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For they did not endure that which was said: And if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For they could not bear what was said, and so, if even a beast would have touched the mountain, it would have been stoned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for they could not bear to hear the command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />(For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For they could not survive that which was commanded, for if even a beast drew near the mountain, it would be stoned.<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 />For they were not able to endure anything that was commanded: “If even an animal shall approach the mountain, it shall be stoned.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />for they could not endure that which was commanded, And if even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />for they could not endure that which was spoken, If a wild beast should touch the mountain, it shall be pierced through with a dart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />for they could not bear the charge given, and ?If but a beast touch the mountain he shall be stoned, or shot through with a dart:?<RX 2.19.12-13><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />nor could they endure that threat, "if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For they could not endure the order which had been given, "Even a wild beast, if it touches the mountain, shall be stoned to death;"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />for they could not bear that which was being commanded: "And, if a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned";<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />(for they could not bear the <i>strict</i> command, if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or shot through with a dart;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-20.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=2668" 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">19</span>to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: epheron (V-IIA-3P) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">they could not bear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1291.htm" title="1291: diastellomenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- To give a commission (instructions), order; To admonish, prohibit. ">was commanded:</a> <a href="/greek/2579.htm" title="2579: Kan (Adv) -- And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.">“If even</a> <a href="/greek/2342.htm" title="2342: thērion (N-NNS) -- Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.">an animal</a> <a href="/greek/2345.htm" title="2345: thigē (V-ASA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an obsolete primary thigo; to manipulate, i.e. Have to do with; by implication, to injure.">touches</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- 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/3735.htm" title="3735: orous (N-GNS) -- A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).">mountain,</a> <a href="/greek/3036.htm" title="3036: lithobolēthēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To stone, cast stones (at), kill by stoning. From a compound of lithos and ballo; to throw stones, i.e. Lapidate.">it must be stoned.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”…<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/19-12.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="/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/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/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="/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/18-16.htm">Deuteronomy 18:16</a></span><br />This is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God or see this great fire anymore, so that we will not die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Acts 7:38</a></span><br />He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19</a></span><br />Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.<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/19-21.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/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.”<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="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">1 Timothy 1:8-9</a></span><br />Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. / We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20</a></span><br />The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:</p><p class="hdg">For they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Deuteronomy 33:2</a></b></br> And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand <i>went</i> a fiery law for them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-19.htm">Romans 3:19,20</a></b></br> Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-19.htm">Galatians 2:19</a></b></br> For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.</p><p class="hdg">if so much.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Exodus 19:13,16</a></b></br> There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether <i>it be</i> beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/acts/28-5.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Command</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-7.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm">Enjoined</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Order</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Stoned</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">Thrust</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/luke/7-39.htm">Touches</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-13.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-10.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-12.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-1.htm">Enjoined</a> <a href="/james/5-9.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-27.htm">Order</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/8-26.htm">Stoned</a> <a href="/revelation/14-15.htm">Thrust</a> <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">Touch</a> <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/genesis/26-11.htm">Touches</a> <a href="/james/1-10.htm">Wild</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>For they could not bear what was commanded:</b><br>This phrase refers to the Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai, as described in <a href="/exodus/19.htm">Exodus 19-20</a>. The people were overwhelmed by the holiness and majesty of God, which was manifested through thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain. The command was part of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of approaching a holy God. The inability to bear the command highlights human frailty and the need for a mediator, which in the New Testament is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.<p><b>“If even an animal touches the mountain,</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the absolute holiness of God and the sanctity of the mountain during His presence. The command that even an animal must not touch the mountain without consequence illustrates the separation between the divine and the profane. This separation is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where God's holiness is often depicted as unapproachable without proper mediation or sacrifice.<p><b>it must be stoned.”</b><br>The method of stoning as a punishment reflects the seriousness of violating God's command. Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, used for various offenses that warranted the community's involvement in upholding the law. This command served as a deterrent and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. In a broader theological context, it points to the need for a new covenant, where Jesus' sacrifice bridges the gap between God and humanity, allowing believers to approach God with confidence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses. It represents God's holiness and the seriousness of His commandments.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. He acted as a mediator between God and the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who were present at Mount Sinai. They were witnesses to God's power and holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_command.htm">God's Command</a></b><br>The specific command that even an animal touching the mountain must be stoned, highlighting the sacredness of the event.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_giving_of_the_law.htm">The Giving of the Law</a></b><br>The event where God delivered His commandments to Moses, establishing the covenant with Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a></b><br>God's holiness is absolute, and His presence demands reverence and respect. The command at Sinai underscores the seriousness with which we should approach God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_severity_of_the_law.htm">The Severity of the Law</a></b><br>The Law was given to show the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort alone. It points to our need for a Savior.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_and_reverence.htm">The Role of Fear and Reverence</a></b><br>The fear experienced by the Israelites serves as a reminder of the awe and respect due to God. While we approach God with confidence through Christ, reverence remains essential.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transition_from_law_to_grace.htm">The Transition from Law to Grace</a></b><br>Hebrews contrasts the old covenant of the Law with the new covenant of grace through Jesus. Understanding this transition helps us appreciate the freedom and responsibility we have in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character. This call is both a privilege and a responsibility.<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/what_defines_an_altar.htm">What defines an altar?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_blood_of_christ_mean.htm">What is the meaning of the Blood of Christ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_lucifer_also_known_as_satan.htm">Who is Lucifer also known as Satan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_old_and_new_covenants_differ.htm">How do the Old and New Covenants differ?</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>(20) There is no sufficient reason for enclosing this verse and the next in a parenthesis.<p><span class= "bld">And if so much as</span>.--Better, <span class= "ital">If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned</span> (<a href="/context/exodus/19-12.htm" title="And you shall set bounds to the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that you go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whoever touches the mount shall be surely put to death:">Exodus 19:12-13</a>). The next clause, "or thrust through with a dart," is absent from our best authorities; and has accidentally found its way into the text from <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm" title="There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mount.">Exodus 19:13</a>.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-20.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">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they could not bear</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔφερον</span> <span class="translit">(epheron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative 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">was commanded:</span><br /><span class="grk">διαστελλόμενον</span> <span class="translit">(diastellomenon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1291.htm">Strong's 1291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give a commission (instructions), order; To admonish, prohibit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“If even</span><br /><span class="grk">Κἂν</span> <span class="translit">(Kan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2579.htm">Strong's 2579: </a> </span><span class="str2">And if, even if, even, at least. From kai and ean; and if.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an animal</span><br /><span class="grk">θηρίον</span> <span class="translit">(thērion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">touches</span><br /><span class="grk">θίγῃ</span> <span class="translit">(thigē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2345.htm">Strong's 2345: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of an obsolete primary thigo; to manipulate, i.e. Have to do with; by implication, to injure.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive 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">mountain,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄρους</span> <span class="translit">(orous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3735.htm">Strong's 3735: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it must be stoned.”</span><br /><span class="grk">λιθοβοληθήσεται</span> <span class="translit">(lithobolēthēsetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3036.htm">Strong's 3036: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stone, cast stones (at), kill by stoning. From a compound of lithos and ballo; to throw stones, i.e. Lapidate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:20 For they could not stand that which (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:21" /></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>