CINXE.COM
Exodus 20:20 "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."
<!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 20:20 "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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/02_Exo_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 20:20 - Moses Comforts the People" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><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/20-20.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/20-20.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/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 20</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="/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="/exodus/20-19.htm" title="Exodus 20:19">◄</a> Exodus 20:20 <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm" title="Exodus 20:21">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.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/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may be with you, so that you may not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him [that is, a profound reverence for Him] will remain with you, so that you do not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear Him and will not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses answered the people, "Don't be afraid! God has come only to test you, so that you will be in awe of him and won't sin."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Moses replied, "Don't be afraid; God has only come to test you and make you keep on obeying him, so that you will not sin." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you may fear him in order that you don't sin." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“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="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you so that you do not sin."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won't sin."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses says to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to try you, and in order that His fear may be before your faces—that you do not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses saith unto the people, 'Fear not, for to try you hath God come, and in order that His fear may be before your faces -- that ye sin not.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will say to the people, Ye shall not fear; for for this cause God came to try you, that his fear shall be to your faces, so that ye shall not sin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people: Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that the dread of him might be in you, and you should not sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people: “Do not be afraid. For God came in order to test you, and so that the dread of him might be with you, and you would not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid, for God has come only to test you and put the fear of him upon you so you do not sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to the people, Fear not; for God is come to prove you, that his worship may be before your faces, and that you may not sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe said to the people, “You shall not be afraid, because God has come to test you and so that his awe may be before your faces and that you will not sin.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses said unto the people: 'Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that His fear may be before you, that ye sin not.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses says to them, Be of good courage, for God is come to you to try you, that his fear may be among you, that ye sin not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/20-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5081" 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/20.htm">Moses Comforts the People</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>“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="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">“Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rā·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be afraid,”</a> <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.">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.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“For</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">has come</a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: lə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr (Prep-l, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5254.htm" title="5254: nas·sō·wṯ (V-Piel-Inf) -- To test, try. A primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt.">test you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5668.htm" title="5668: ū·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or rabur; passive participle of abar; properly, crossed, i.e. transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: tih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3374.htm" title="3374: yir·’ā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A fear. Feminine of yare'; fear; morally, reverence.">the fear of Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">may be before</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">to keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ṯe·ḥĕ·ṭā·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">you from sinning.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.…<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="/deuteronomy/6-24.htm">Deuteronomy 6:24</a></span><br />And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-13.htm">Isaiah 8:13</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a></span><br />When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-12.htm">Deuteronomy 10:12</a></span><br />And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">2 Chronicles 19:7</a></span><br />And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-11.htm">Psalm 34:11</a></span><br />Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Hebrews 12:28-29</a></span><br />Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. / “For our God is a consuming fire.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-17.htm">1 Peter 1:17</a></span><br />Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-18.htm">Romans 3:18</a></span><br />“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Acts 9:31</a></span><br />Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.</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 people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that you sin not.</p><p class="hdg">fear not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20</a></b></br> And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></b></br> Fear thou not; for I <i>am</i> with thee: be not dismayed; for I <i>am</i> thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.</p><p class="hdg">prove</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Exodus 15:25,26</a></b></br> And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, <i>which</i> when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1,12</a></b></br> And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, <i>here</i> I <i>am</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a></b></br> And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, <i>and</i> to prove thee, to know what <i>was</i> in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.</p><p class="hdg">his fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-11.htm">Genesis 20:11</a></b></br> And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God <i>is</i> not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-2.htm">Deuteronomy 6:2</a></b></br> That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-12.htm">Deuteronomy 10:12</a></b></br> And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/exodus/19-11.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/exodus/19-7.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/16-32.htm">Order</a> <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Test</a> <a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Try</a> <a href="/exodus/11-9.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/34-30.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/exodus/21-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/exodus/23-24.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/exodus/20-26.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-6.htm">Fearing</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">Order</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-3.htm">Sinning</a> <a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Test</a> <a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Try</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-11.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-1.htm">The ten commandments are spoken by Jehovah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">The people are afraid, but Moses comforts them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Idolatry is forbidden</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-23.htm">Of what sort the altar should be</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/exodus/20.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Do not be afraid</b><br />This phrase begins with a comforting assurance from Moses to the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "afraid" is יָרֵא (yare), which can mean fear, reverence, or awe. In this context, Moses is addressing the natural human reaction to the divine presence and the terrifying phenomena they witnessed at Mount Sinai. Historically, fear was a common response to divine encounters, as seen in other biblical narratives. Moses reassures the people that their fear should not lead to terror but to a deeper understanding of God's holiness and power.<p><b>Moses replied</b><br />This indicates Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Moses, whose name in Hebrew is מֹשֶׁה (Moshe), is a central figure in the Exodus narrative. His leadership and prophetic role are crucial as he communicates God's will to the people. The historical context here is significant, as Moses is seen as a type of Christ in Christian theology, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.<p><b>for God has come to test you</b><br />The word "test" comes from the Hebrew נָסָה (nasah), which means to try, prove, or test. This testing is not for God's benefit but for the people's growth and maturity in faith. In the biblical narrative, tests are often used by God to refine and strengthen His people, as seen in the accounts of Abraham and Job. Theologically, this reflects the idea that trials can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God.<p><b>so that the fear of Him</b><br />Here, "fear" again uses the Hebrew יִרְאָה (yirah), which encompasses both fear and reverence. This fear is not meant to be paralyzing but to instill a sense of awe and respect for God's majesty and authority. In the broader scriptural context, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), indicating that a proper understanding of God's nature leads to wise living.<p><b>may be before you</b><br />This phrase suggests that the fear of God should be ever-present in the lives of the Israelites. The Hebrew word לְפָנֶיךָ (lefanekha) means "before you" or "in your presence," implying that this reverence should guide their actions and decisions. Historically, the Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart by their relationship with God, and this reverence was to be a constant reminder of their covenant with Him.<p><b>to keep you from sinning</b><br />The purpose of this fear and testing is ultimately to prevent sin. The Hebrew word for sinning, חָטָא (chata), means to miss the mark or go astray. In the biblical context, sin is a deviation from God's will and commands. Theologically, this reflects the idea that a healthy fear of God leads to obedience and holiness. The historical context of the Israelites receiving the Law at Sinai underscores the importance of living according to God's standards as His chosen people.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Moses said unto the people, Fear not.</span>--God approved the people's proposal, and directed that they should withdraw to their tents (<a href="/context/deuteronomy/5-28.htm" title="And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and the LORD said to me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you: they have well said all that they have spoken.">Deuteronomy 5:28-30</a>). Moses then "drew near" to Him, and entered into "the thick darkness where God was" (<a href="/exodus/20-21.htm" title="And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.">Exodus 20:21</a>). It is worthy of notice that the same manifestation which repelled the people attracted Moses.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Moses said unto the people.</span> Not immediately - Moses first held colloquy with God. God declared that the people had "spoken well" (<a href="/deuteronomy/5-28.htm">Deuteronomy 5:28</a>); and authorised Moses to allow of their withdrawal (<span class="accented">ib</span>, 30). <span class="cmt_word">Fear not</span>. Here Exodus is more full in its details than Deuteronomy. Moses, finding the people in a state of extreme alarm, pacified them - assured them that there was no cause for immediate fear - God had not now come in vengeance - the object of the terrors of Sinai was to "<span class="cmt_word">prove"</span> them - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, to test them, whether they were inclined to submit themselves to God, or not - and to impress upon their minds permanently an awful fear of God, that they might he kept back from sin by dread of his almighty power. The motive of fear is, no doubt, a low one; but where we can appeal to nothing else, we must appeal to it. Israel was still a child, only fit for childish discipline; and had to be directed by the harsh voice of fear, until it had learnt to he guided by the tender accents of love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/20-20.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">“Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be afraid,”</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּירָאוּ֒</span> <span class="translit">(tî·rā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֣ה</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">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</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">“For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֗י</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">God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(bā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבַֽעֲבוּר֙</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">test you,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַסּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(nas·sō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5254.htm">Strong's 5254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to attempt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַעֲב֗וּר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5668.htm">Strong's 5668: </a> </span><span class="str2">Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fear of Him</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְאָת֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yir·’ā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3374.htm">Strong's 3374: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fear, reverence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may be before</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to keep</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִלְתִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇil·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you from sinning.”</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶחֱטָֽאוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯe·ḥĕ·ṭā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/20-20.htm">Exodus 20:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">OT Law: Exodus 20:20 Moses said to the people Don't be (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:21" /></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>