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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 20:18 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/02_Exo_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 20:18 - Moses Comforts the People" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/20-18.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/20-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/20-17.htm" title="Exodus 20:17">◄</a> Exodus 20:18 <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm" title="Exodus 20:19">►</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/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 />When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw <i>it</i>, they removed, and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw <i>it,</i> they trembled and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And all the people were watching <i>and hearing</i> the thunder and the lightning flashes, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw <i>it all,</i> they trembled and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And all the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw <i>it,</i> they trembled and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And all the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and the people perceived <i>it</i>, and they shook and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now all the people witnessed the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the smoking mountain; and as they looked, the people were afraid, and they trembled [and moved backward] and stood at a [safe] distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the ram’s horn, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The people trembled with fear when they heard the thunder and the trumpet and saw the lightning and the smoke coming from the mountain. They stood a long way off <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All the people heard the thunder and saw the lightning. They heard the blast of the ram's horn and saw the mountain covered with smoke. So they shook with fear and stood at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the people heard the thunder and the trumpet blast and saw the lightning and the smoking mountain, they trembled with fear and stood a long way off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />All the people experienced the thunder and lightning, the sound of the ram's horn, and the smoking mountain. And as the people experienced it, they trembled and stood at a distance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />All the people were seeing the thundering and the lightning, and heard the sound of the horn, and saw the mountain smoking--and when the people saw it they trembled with fear and kept their distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people are seeing the voices, and the flames, and the sound of the horn, and the mountain smoking; and the people see, and move, and stand far off,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And all the people are seeing the voices, and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mount smoking; and the people see, and move, and stand afar off,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the people saw the voices and the flames, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and the people feared, and they will shake, and they will stand from far off.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And all the people saw the voices and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mount smoking: and being terrified and struck with fear, they stood afar off, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then all the people considered the voices, and the lights, and the sound of the trumpet, and the smoking mountain. And being terrified and struck with fear, they stood at a distance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now as all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the blast of the shofar and the mountain smoking, they became afraid and trembled. So they took up a position farther away<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking, they were afraid and trembled and stood at a distance,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And all the people observed the thunderings and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw all of this, they were afraid and they stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all the people saw the voices and lamps lightnings and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, and the people saw and they were afraid and they stood at a distance.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the horn, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And all the people perceived the thundering, and the flashes, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and all the people feared and stood afar off,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/20-18.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=5063" 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">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">When all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">witnessed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: haq·qō·w·lōṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">the thunder</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3940.htm" title="3940: hal·lap·pî·ḏim (Art:: N-mp) -- A torch. Or lappid; from an unused root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame.">and lightning,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·wl (N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">the sounding</a> <a href="/hebrew/7782.htm" title="7782: haš·šō·p̄ār (Art:: N-ms) -- A horn (for blowing). Or shophar; from shaphar in the original sense of incising; a cornet or curved horn.">of the ram’s horn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: hā·hār (Art:: N-ms) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">and the mountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/6226.htm" title="6226: ‘ā·šên (Adj-ms) -- Smoking. From ashan; smoky.">enveloped in smoke,</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/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5128.htm" title="5128: way·yā·nu·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively.">they trembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘am·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/7350.htm" title="7350: mê·rā·ḥōq (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Or rachoq; from rachaq; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially.">at a distance.</a> </span><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.”…<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/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22-27</a></span><br />The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. / And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, / and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Hebrews 12:18-21</a></span><br />For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11-12</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. / And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7-9</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, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5-6</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” / When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10-17</a></span><br />On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, / saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” / Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-8.htm">Psalm 68:8</a></span><br />the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">1 Kings 19:11-13</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / 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="/ezekiel/1-24.htm">Ezekiel 1:24</a></span><br />When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/37-1.htm">Job 37:1-5</a></span><br />“At this my heart also pounds and leaps from its place. / Listen closely to the thunder of His voice and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. / He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole sky and sends it to the ends of the earth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-4.htm">Isaiah 6:4-5</a></span><br />At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. / Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-6.htm">Mark 9:6</a></span><br />For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-34.htm">Luke 9:34-35</a></span><br />While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. / And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And all the people saw the thunder, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.</p><p class="hdg">and all</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-18</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that <i>was</i> in the camp trembled… </p><p class="hdg">they removed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-7.htm">Psalm 139:7,8</a></b></br> Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-23.htm">Jeremiah 23:23</a></b></br> <i>Am</i> I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/exodus/8-28.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/19-19.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/revelation/9-9.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/genesis/19-35.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/exodus/19-19.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/19-19.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/exodus/9-28.htm">Thunderings</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/exodus/19-19.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/exodus/19-19.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm">Voices</a> <a href="/exodus/12-42.htm">Watching</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Far</a> <a href="/job/37-4.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/21-29.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/job/37-4.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/exodus/32-17.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/judges/6-22.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/exodus/25-15.htm">Removed</a> <a href="/exodus/29-13.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Smoking</a> <a href="/exodus/28-35.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-10.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/job/36-29.htm">Thunderings</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-24.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/exodus/20-19.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/exodus/32-17.htm">Voices</a> <a href="/exodus/32-9.htm">Watching</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 />  <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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning</b><br>The phenomena of thunder and lightning are often associated with the presence and power of God in the Bible. In this context, they signify God's majesty and the seriousness of the covenant being established. The Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. This event parallels other biblical instances where God's presence is accompanied by natural phenomena, such as in <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Psalm 18:13-14</a> and <a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5</a>, emphasizing His sovereignty and might.<p><b>the sounding of the ram’s horn</b><br>The ram's horn, or shofar, is a significant instrument in Jewish tradition, often used to signal important events or divine interventions. Its sound here marks the solemnity of the occasion and the divine authority of the law being given. The shofar is also used in other biblical contexts, such as the fall of Jericho in <a href="/joshua/6-4.htm">Joshua 6:4-5</a> and the call to repentance in <a href="/joel/2.htm">Joel 2:1</a>, symbolizing both judgment and redemption.<p><b>and the mountain enveloped in smoke</b><br>The smoke enveloping the mountain is reminiscent of God's presence in the form of a cloud or smoke, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as the pillar of cloud in <a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>. This imagery conveys the holiness and unapproachability of God, as well as His role as a consuming fire (<a href="/deuteronomy/4-24.htm">Deuteronomy 4:24</a>). The smoke also serves as a barrier, emphasizing the separation between the divine and the human.<p><b>they trembled and stood at a distance</b><br>The people's reaction of trembling and standing at a distance reflects their fear and reverence for God's overwhelming presence. This fear is a common response to divine encounters, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a> and <a href="/luke/5-8.htm">Luke 5:8</a>, where individuals recognize their own sinfulness in the presence of a holy God. The distance they maintain underscores the need for a mediator, a role that Moses fulfills here and that ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel who had been led out of Egypt by Moses and were now at Mount Sinai to receive God's commandments.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses. It is a significant place of divine revelation and covenant.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_manifestation.htm">God's Manifestation</a></b><br>The thunder, lightning, trumpet sound, and smoke represent God's powerful and awe-inspiring presence on Mount Sinai.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>The event marks the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, where God gives His law to the people of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>The Israelites' reaction to God's presence teaches us about the reverence and awe due to God. We should approach Him with humility and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_holiness.htm">God's Holiness</a></b><br>The manifestations at Sinai remind us of God's holiness and the seriousness of His commandments. We are called to live in obedience to His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mediator_role.htm">Mediator Role</a></b><br>Just as Moses acted as a mediator between God and the people, Jesus is our mediator in the New Covenant, providing us direct access to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_presence.htm">The Power of God's Presence</a></b><br>God's presence is both awe-inspiring and transformative. We should seek His presence in our lives, knowing it can change us profoundly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/distance_and_relationship.htm">Distance and Relationship</a></b><br>The Israelites stood at a distance out of fear, but through Christ, we are invited to draw near to God with confidence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_fearing_god_mean.htm">What does fearing God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_jesus_mediating_mean.htm">What does it mean that Jesus mediates for us?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_deut._18_15-18_contradict_other_prophecies.htm">Does Deuteronomy 18:15-18 contradict other prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures claiming their own supreme prophetic authority? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_john_12_28_align_with_other_audible_god_voices.htm">How does John 12:28 reconcile with other biblical portrayals of God’s voice supposedly heard audibly by crowds? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>AT THE PEOPLE'S REQUEST, MOSES BECOMES THEIR INTERMEDIARY.</span><p>(18-21) The delivery of the Ten Commandments by <span class= "bld">a </span>voice manifestly superhuman impressed the people with an awful fear. They felt the near contact with God to be more than they could bear. Even Moses was so deeply moved that he exclaimed, "I exceedingly fear and quake" (<a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm" title="And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)">Hebrews 12:21</a>). The people were still more afraid, and felt compelled to withdraw to a distance, beyond the sound of the terrible voice. From Deuteronomy we learn that they retired within their tents (<a href="/deuteronomy/5-30.htm" title="Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.">Deuteronomy 5:30</a>), having first sent a deputation to Moses, with a request that he would thenceforth act as their intermediary. It pleased God to assent to this proposal; and the remainder of the Law was communicated by God to Moses, and by Moses to the Israelites.<p>(18) <span class= "bld">And all the people saw the thunderings</span><p>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>Perceived them. On the true character of the Sinaitic manifestation, see Note on <a href="/context/exodus/19-16.htm" title="And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.">Exodus 19:16-20</a>.<p><span class= "bld">They removed.</span>--Moses had brought the representatives of the people as near to Sinai as possible--close to the foot of the great precipice of Ras Sufsafeh (<a href="/exodus/19-17.htm" title="And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.">Exodus 19:17</a>). The wide plain of Er-Rahah allowed of a removal to a considerable distance. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18-21.</span> - WITHDRAWAL OF THE PEOPLE, AND NEARER APPROACH OF MOSES TO GOD. The effect produced upon the people by the accumulated terrors of Sinai - "the thunderings and the lightnings, the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking" - the cloud, and the voice out of the cloud - was an awful and terrible fear. They could not bear the manifestation of the near presence of God; and therefore "they removed and stood afar off." It seemed to them as if, on hearing the voice of God, speaking out of the thick darkness, they must die (ver. 19). Moses, upon their expressing these feelings, comforted them with an assurance that God had shown his terrors, not for their injury, but to put his fear in their hearts (ver. 20), and allowed them to retire to a distance from the mount, while he himself "drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (ver. 21). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The people saw the thunderings</span>. The use of a specific verb for a generic one, with terms to all of which it is not, strictly speaking, applicable, is common to many writers, and is known to grammarians as zengma. "Saw" here means "perceived, witnessed." <span class="cmt_word">The mountain smoking</span>. Compare <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>. In <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Deuteronomy 5:23</a> it is said that "the mountain did burn with fire." <span class="cmt_word">When the people saw it, they removed</span>. It appears, from <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Deuteronomy 5:23</a>, that. before retiring, the people sent a deputation of heads of tribes and elders up to Moses in the mount, to convey to him their wishes, and suggest that he should be their intermediary with God. Moses laid their wishes before God, and was directed to give them his sanction, <span class="accented">whereupon they withdrew to their tents</span> (<span class="accented">ib</span>, 30). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/20-18.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">All</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָם֩</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">witnessed</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאִ֨ים</span> <span class="translit">(rō·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the thunder</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקּוֹלֹ֜ת</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qō·w·lōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lightning,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלַּפִּידִ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(hal·lap·pî·ḏim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3940.htm">Strong's 3940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flambeau, lamp, flame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sound</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the trumpet,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šō·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7782.htm">Strong's 7782: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cornet, curved horn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the mountain</span><br /><span class="heb">הָהָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in smoke.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשֵׁ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·šên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6226.htm">Strong's 6226: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smoking</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And when the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw [this],</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֤רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they trembled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּנֻ֔עוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·nu·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5128.htm">Strong's 5128: </a> </span><span class="str2">To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘am·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">at a distance.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽרָחֹֽק׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remote, of place, time, precious</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 20:18 All the people perceived the thunderings (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:19" /></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>