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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>Deuteronomy 4:11 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/05_Deu_04_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 4:11 - An Exhortation to Obedience" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/deuteronomy/4-11.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/deuteronomy/4-11.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="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 11</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="/ad11.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="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:10">◄</a> Deuteronomy 4:11 <a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:12">►</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/deuteronomy/4.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/deuteronomy/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while flames from the mountain shot into the sky. The mountain was shrouded in black clouds and deep darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Then you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You came forward and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire to the heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud, and thick gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the <i>very</i> heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the <i>very</i> heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud, and dense gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You approached and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the [very] heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire into the heavens and enveloped in a totally black cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire into the heavens and enveloped in a dense, black cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the heart of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Mount Sinai was surrounded by deep dark clouds, and fire went up to the sky. You came to the foot of the mountain, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the heart of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So you came and stood at the foot of the mountain, which was on fire with flames shooting into the sky. It was dark, cloudy, and gloomy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Tell your children how you went and stood at the foot of the mountain which was covered with thick clouds of dark smoke and fire blazing up to the sky. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When you approached and stood at the foot of the mountain—a mountain that was blazing with fire at its core while the sky was covered with thick, dark clouds— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You approached and stood at the foot of the mountain, a mountain ablaze to the sky above it and yet dark with a thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the heart of the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You came near and stood under the mountain. The mountain burned with fire to the heart of the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you draw near and stand under the mountain, and the mountain is burning with fire to the heart of the heavens, [with] darkness, cloud, and thick darkness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and ye draw near and stand under the mountain, and the mountain is burning with fire unto the heart of the heavens -- darkness, cloud, yea, thick darkness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye shall come near and shall stand under the mountain; and the mountain burnt with fire even to the heart of the heavens, darkness, cloud, and gloom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And you came to the foot of the mount, which burned even unto heaven: and there was darkness, and a cloud and obscurity in it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you approached the base of the mountain, which was burning even toward heaven. And there was a darkness upon it, and a cloud, and a mist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while the mountain blazed to the heart of the heavens with fire and was enveloped in a dense black cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />you approached and stood at the foot of the mountain while the mountain was blazing up to the very heavens, shrouded in dark clouds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And you came near and you stood on the outskirts of the mountain, and the mountain was set ablaze in fire unto the heart of Heaven, and there was darkness and cloud and thick darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the heart of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And ye drew nigh and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire up to heaven: <i>there was</i> darkness, blackness, <i>and</i> tempest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-11.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/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1219" 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/deuteronomy/4.htm">An Exhortation to Obedience</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: wat·tiq·rə·ḇūn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">You came near</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: wat·ta·‘am·ḏūn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">at the base</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.">of the mountain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: wə·hā·hār (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">a mountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/1197.htm" title="1197: bō·‘êr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To kindle, consume, to be, brutish. A primitive root; to kindle, i.e. Consume; also to be(-come) brutish.">blazing</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: bā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">with fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">the heavens,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: ‘ā·nān (N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">with black clouds</a> <a href="/hebrew/6205.htm" title="6205: wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Cloud, heavy cloud. Probably from araph; gloom.">and deep</a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ḥō·šeḵ (N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">darkness.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a></span><br />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="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18</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="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/24-17.htm">Exodus 24:17</a></span><br />And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2-5</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. / Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. / His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a></span><br />The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.” And Moses relayed to the LORD what the people had said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-15.htm">Exodus 24:15-16</a></span><br />When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, / and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-32.htm">Psalm 104:32</a></span><br />He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smolder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/15-8.htm">Revelation 15:8</a></span><br />And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></span><br />Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5</a></span><br />From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the middle of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.</p><p class="hdg">stood</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Deuteronomy 5:23</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, <i>even</i> all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;</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="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18,19</a></b></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… </p><p class="hdg">midst [heb] heart </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/13-37.htm">Black</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Blazed</a> <a href="/numbers/32-13.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/numbers/32-14.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-33.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-37.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-24.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-25.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-40.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-29.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Wrapped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/14-12.htm">Black</a> <a href="/judges/13-20.htm">Blazed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/judges/5-4.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-27.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-17.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-4.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/job/10-22.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-17.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-31.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Wrapped</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</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/deuteronomy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You came near and stood at the base of the mountain</b><br>This phrase refers to the Israelites approaching Mount Sinai, a significant event in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The mountain is traditionally identified as Jebel Musa in the Sinai Peninsula. This moment is pivotal as it marks the giving of the Law, establishing the covenant between God and Israel. The act of coming near signifies the people's willingness to enter into a relationship with God, yet they remain at the base, indicating the holiness and separateness of God. This scene is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God’s presence is approached with reverence, such as Moses at the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5</a>).<p><b>a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens</b><br>The imagery of fire is often associated with God's presence and holiness, as seen in other biblical accounts like the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>) and the pillar of fire (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21</a>). Fire symbolizes purification, judgment, and the divine presence. The fire reaching "to the heavens" emphasizes the majesty and power of God, suggesting that His presence is overwhelming and transcendent. This event foreshadows the New Testament depiction of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire at Pentecost (<a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3</a>), indicating God's presence among His people.<p><b>with black clouds and deep darkness</b><br>The black clouds and deep darkness signify the mystery and awe of God's presence. In biblical literature, darkness often accompanies divine revelation, as seen in the thick cloud on Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>) and the darkness over the land during the crucifixion of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/27-45.htm">Matthew 27:45</a>). This darkness underscores the seriousness of the covenant being established and the need for reverence. It also highlights the contrast between God's holiness and human sinfulness, pointing to the need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who is recounting the events at Mount Sinai to the new generation of Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now being reminded of their covenant with God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai (Horeb)</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites experienced God's presence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The divine presence that manifested in fire and darkness, signifying His holiness and power.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/theophany.htm">Theophany</a></b><br>The event where God visibly manifested His presence to the Israelites, emphasizing His majesty and authority.<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>The imagery of fire and darkness at Mount Sinai serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. Believers are called to approach God with awe and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>The Israelites' experience at Mount Sinai underscores the importance of obeying God's commandments. Christians are encouraged to live in obedience to God's Word as a response to His covenant love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_our_lives.htm">God's Presence in Our Lives</a></b><br>Just as God was present with the Israelites, He is present with us today. Believers can find comfort and guidance in knowing that God is with them in all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the Lord</a></b><br>The fear experienced by the Israelites is a healthy reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. It involves recognizing God's power and authority in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship.htm">Covenant Relationship</a></b><br>The event at Mount Sinai was foundational for the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Christians are reminded of their covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/exodus_19_16-19__can_these_events_be_verified.htm">Exodus 19:16–19: How can the thunder, lightning, thick cloud, and loud trumpet blast be scientifically or historically verified if there is no external record of such phenomena?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_dwell_in_darkness_and_light.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1-2: If God is said to dwell in 'thick darkness,' how does this align with other passages presenting God as light?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'jealous_fire'_fit_god.htm">Deuteronomy 4:24 describes God as a 'consuming fire' and 'jealous'--how does this anthropomorphic language fit with the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent deity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_deut._5_4_be_verified_historically.htm">Deuteronomy 5:4 states God spoke 'face to face' with Israel; how can this be verified historically or scientifically?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.</span>--The "blackness, and darkness, and tempest" of <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm" title="For you are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and darkness, and tempest,">Hebrews 12:18</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The mountain burned with fire unto the midst</span> [unto the heart] <span class="cmt_word">of heaven</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. up to the Very skies; a rhetorical description of the mighty pillar of fire that blazed on Sinai, and betokened the presence of him whose symbol is fire. With darkness, clouds [cloud], and thick darkness; underneath the fire was a cloud of deep darkness, out of which it blazed, the "thick cloud" of <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9, 16</a>, and the "smoke" out of which the lightnings flashed, and over which the glory of the Lord, like devouring fire, rested on the top of the mountain (<a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>; <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18</a>; <a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Exodus 24:16, 17</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-11.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">You came near</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּקְרְב֥וּן</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiq·rə·ḇūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<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">and stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתַּֽעַמְד֖וּן</span> <span class="translit">(wat·ta·‘am·ḏūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<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 the foot</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the mountain,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָהָ֑ר</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">a mountain</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָהָ֞ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, 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">blazing</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּעֵ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(bō·‘êr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1197.htm">Strong's 1197: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kindle, consume, to be, brutish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with fire</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאֵשׁ֙</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heavens,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with black clouds</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנָ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deep</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲרָפֶֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6205.htm">Strong's 6205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cloud, heavy cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">darkness.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֖שֶׁךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:11 You came near and stood under (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:12" /></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>