CINXE.COM

<!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 3:5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/3-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/02_Exo_03_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 3:5 - Moses at the Burning Bush" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not come any closer, God said. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><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/3-5.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/3-5.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 5</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="/ad5.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/3-4.htm" title="Exodus 3:4">◄</a> Exodus 3:5 <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm" title="Exodus 3:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Do not come any closer,&#8221 God said. &#8220Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest <i>is</i> holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand <i>is</i> holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then He said, &#8220Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then He said, “Do not come near here. Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then God said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet [out of respect], because the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not come closer,&#8221 He said. &#8220Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God replied, "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals--the ground where you are standing is holy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God said, "Don't come any closer! Take off your sandals because this place where you are standing is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God said, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Do not come any closer," God said. "Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy ground." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Do not come any closer,? God said. ?Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />God said, "Do not approach any closer! Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "Do not come close. Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place you are standing on is holy ground."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Approach not hither: put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place on which thou standest is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “Don’t come close. Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing on is holy ground.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He says, “Do not come near here. Cast your shoes from off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And He saith, 'Come not near hither: cast thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place on which thou art standing is holy ground.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say, Thou shalt not draw near hither; draw off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place which thou standest upon it, this is holy land.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said: Come not nigh hither, put off the shoes from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said: “Lest you should approach here, remove the shoes from your feet. For the place on which you stand is holy ground.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God said: Do not come near! Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Do not draw near; take your shoes from off your feet, for the place whereon you are standing is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he said to him, “Do not come near here. Take off your shoes from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And He said: 'Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said, Draw not nigh hither: loose thy sandals from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/3-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=425" 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/3.htm">Moses at the Burning Bush</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. <span class="reftext">5</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/7126.htm" title="7126: tiq·raḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/1988.htm" title="1988: hă·lōm (Adv) -- Hith-er. From the article; hither.">any closer,”</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.">God said.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5394.htm" title="5394: šal- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To slip or drop off, draw off, clear away. A primitive root; to pluck off, i.e. Divest, eject or drop.">“Take off</a> <a href="/hebrew/5275.htm" title="5275: nə·‘ā·le·ḵā (N-fpc:: 2ms) -- A sandal, shoe. Or na;alah; from na'al; properly, a sandal tongue; by extens. A sandal or slipper.">your sandals,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·le·ḵā (N-fdc:: 2ms) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: ham·mā·qō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">the place</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ō·w·mêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">are standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: qō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">is holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: ’aḏ·maṯ- (N-fsc) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">ground.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>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.…<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="/joshua/5-15.htm">Joshua 5:15</a></span><br />The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-33.htm">Acts 7:33</a></span><br />Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-5</a></span><br />In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-16.htm">Genesis 28:16-17</a></span><br />When Jacob woke up, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it.” / And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12-13</a></span><br />After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm">Leviticus 10:3</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/99-5.htm">Psalm 99:5</a></span><br />Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/132-7.htm">Psalm 132:7</a></span><br />Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-9.htm">2 Chronicles 20:9</a></span><br />‘If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your Name is in this temple. We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.’<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="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a></span><br />When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-6.htm">Matthew 17:6</a></span><br />When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/5-8.htm">Luke 5:8</a></span><br />When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a></span><br />For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a></span><br />The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Draw not near here: put off your shoes from off your feet, for the place where on you stand is holy ground.</p><p class="hdg">draw not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Exodus 19:12,21</a></b></br> And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, <i>that ye</i> go <i>not</i> up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm">Leviticus 10:3</a></b></br> Then Moses said unto Aaron, This <i>is it</i> that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Hebrews 12:20</a></b></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:</p><p class="hdg">put off.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-16.htm">Genesis 28:16,17</a></b></br> And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew <i>it</i> not… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Joshua 5:15</a></b></br> And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest <i>is</i> holy. And Joshua did so.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:1</a></b></br> Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/23-8.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Close</a> <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/genesis/50-18.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/genesis/48-12.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/exodus/2-12.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/genesis/49-21.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/acts/13-25.htm">Sandals</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-15.htm">Shoes</a> <a href="/genesis/24-31.htm">Standest</a> <a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Whereon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/exodus/25-27.htm">Close</a> <a href="/ruth/3-12.htm">Closer</a> <a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/exodus/4-3.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/joshua/2-2.htm">Hither</a> <a href="/exodus/12-16.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/exodus/8-8.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/exodus/12-11.htm">Sandals</a> <a href="/exodus/12-11.htm">Shoes</a> <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Standest</a> <a href="/exodus/5-20.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/exodus/8-21.htm">Whereon</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Moses keeps Jethro's flock.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">God appears to him in a burning bush.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-9.htm">He sends him to deliver Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-13.htm">The name of God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-15.htm">His message to Israel, and Pharaoh, whose opposition is foretold.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">He is assured of Israel's deliverance.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Do not come any closer,” God said.</b><br>This command from God to Moses occurs during the theophany at the burning bush. The directive to not approach further signifies the holiness and reverence required in the presence of God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, approaching a deity was a serious matter, often requiring purification or specific rituals. This moment marks a pivotal point in Moses' life, transitioning from a shepherd to the leader of Israel. The command also emphasizes God's transcendence and the need for humans to recognize their limitations before the divine. Similar instances of divine encounters requiring distance can be seen in <a href="/genesis/28-16.htm">Genesis 28:16-17</a> with Jacob and in <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a> with Isaiah's vision.<p><b>“Take off your sandals,”</b><br>Removing sandals is a sign of respect and humility, acknowledging the sanctity of the ground. In ancient cultures, removing footwear was a common practice when entering a sacred space or home. This act symbolizes the removal of defilement and the acknowledgment of God's presence. It is a gesture of submission and reverence, indicating that Moses is entering a space set apart by God. This practice is echoed in <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Joshua 5:15</a>, where Joshua is also instructed to remove his sandals in the presence of the commander of the Lord's army.<p><b>“for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”</b><br>The designation of the ground as "holy" signifies that it is set apart by God's presence. Holiness in the biblical context often involves separation from the ordinary for divine purposes. This encounter occurs on Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, a location that becomes central in Israel's history as the place where the Law is given. The concept of holy ground underscores the idea that God's presence sanctifies and transforms the ordinary into something sacred. This theme of holiness is prevalent throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a>, where God calls His people to be holy as He is holy. The burning bush itself is a type of Christ, symbolizing God's presence in the world, unconsumed by it, much like Christ's incarnation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>A Hebrew by birth, raised in Pharaoh's palace, who fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. At this point, he is tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty, who appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush, initiating a pivotal moment in the history of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_horeb.htm">Mount Horeb</a></b><br>Also known as the Mountain of God, where Moses encounters the burning bush. This location is significant as a place of divine revelation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_burning_bush.htm">The Burning Bush</a></b><br>A miraculous sign where the bush is on fire but not consumed, symbolizing God's presence and holiness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/holy_ground.htm">Holy Ground</a></b><br>The area around the burning bush, made holy by God's presence, requiring Moses to remove his sandals as a sign of reverence and respect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_holiness.htm">Reverence for God's Holiness</a></b><br>God's presence transforms ordinary places into holy ground. We should approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_initiative_in_revelation.htm">God's Initiative in Revelation</a></b><br>God initiates contact with Moses, demonstrating that He seeks a relationship with His people. We should be attentive to God's call in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_removing_sandals.htm">Symbolism of Removing Sandals</a></b><br>Removing sandals signifies humility and submission. In our spiritual walk, we should remove anything that hinders our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_the_ordinary.htm">God's Presence in the Ordinary</a></b><br>God often reveals Himself in the mundane aspects of life. We should be open to encountering God in everyday situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_divine_mission.htm">Preparation for Divine Mission</a></b><br>This encounter prepares Moses for his mission to lead Israel out of Egypt. We should be ready to respond to God's call and purpose for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_earthing_in_the_bible.htm">Is grounding/earthing mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_holiness.htm">What does the Bible say about holiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_maintain_holiness_in_religion.htm">How should holiness be maintained in religious practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_reverence_for_god_mean.htm">What does reverence for God mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Put off thy shoes.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">thy sandals. </span>It is doubtful whether shoes were known at this early date. They would certainly not have been worn in Midian. Egyptians before the time of Moses, and Orientals generally, in ancient (as in modern) times, removed their sandals (or their shoes) from their feet on entering any place to which respect was due, as a temple, a palace, and even the private house of a great man. It is worthy of notice that God Himself orders this mark of respect to be shown to the place which His Presence has hallowed. On the reverence due to holy places, see the Note on <a href="/context/genesis/28-16.htm" title="And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.">Genesis 28:16-17</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Draw not nigh</span>. The awful greatness of the Creator is such that his creatures, until invited to draw near, are bound to stand aloof. Moses, not yet aware that God himself spoke to him, was approaching the bush too close, to examine and see what the "great thing" was. (See ver. 3.) On the general unfitness of man to approach near to holy things, see the comment on Exodus 19:12. <span class="cmt_word">Put off thy shoes</span>. Rather, "thy <span class="accented">sandals."</span> <span class="accented">Shoes</span> were not worn commonly, even by the Egyptians, until a late period, and would certainly not be known in the land of Midian at this time. The practice of putting them off before entering a temple, a palace, or even the private apartments of a house, was, and is, universal in the East - the <span class="accented">rationale</span> of it being that the shoes or sandals have dust or dirt attaching to them. The command given to Moses at this time was repeated to Joshua (<a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Joshua 5:15</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Holy</span> <span class="cmt_word">ground</span>. Literally, "ground of holiness " - ground rendered holy by the presence of God upon it - not "an old sanctuary," as some have thought, for then Moses would not have needed the information. Exodus - <span class="cmt_word">The God of thy father</span>. "Father" here is used collectively, meaning forefathers generally, a usage well known to Hebraists. (Compare <a href="/exodus/15-2.htm">Exodus 15:2</a>, antioch, 18:4.) <span class="cmt_word">The God of Abraham</span>, etc., <span class="accented">i.e</span>. the God who revealed himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and entered into covenant with them (<a href="/genesis/15-1.htm">Genesis 15:1-21</a>; <a href="/genesis/26-2.htm">Genesis 26:2-5</a>; <a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Genesis 35:1-12</a>). The conclusion which our Blessed Lord drew from this verse (<a href="/matthew/22-32.htm">Matthew 22:32</a>) is not directly involved in it, but depends on his minor premiss, "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." <span class="cmt_word">Moses hid his face</span>. A natural instinctive action. So Elijah, on the same site (<a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">1 Kings 19:13</a>) and the holy angels before God's throne in heaven (<a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2</a>). In the religious system of Rome, the augurs when discharging their office, and all persons when offering a sacrifice, veiled their heads. (See Liv. 1:18; Virg. Aen. 3:405; Juv. 6:390.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/3-5.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">come</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּקְרַ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(tiq·raḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any closer,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲלֹ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1988.htm">Strong's 1988: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hith-er</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[God] said.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</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">“Take off</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁל־</span> <span class="translit">(šal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5394.htm">Strong's 5394: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slip or drop off, draw off, clear away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your sandals,</span><br /><span class="heb">נְעָלֶ֙יךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(nə·‘ā·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5275.htm">Strong's 5275: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sandal tongue, a sandal, slipper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</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">the place</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמָּק֗וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mā·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are standing</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹמֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·mêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is holy</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹ֖דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sacred place, thing, sanctity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ground.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אַדְמַת־</span> <span class="translit">(’aḏ·maṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ground, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">OT Law: Exodus 3:5 He said Don't come close (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/3-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 3:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 3:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/3-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 3:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 3:6" /></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>