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Exodus 19:21 and the LORD said to him, "Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.
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href="/bsb/exodus/19.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/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the LORD and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the LORD, or they will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to look and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the LORD, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to Moses: “Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through to the LORD to stare, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to see, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through [the barriers around the mountain] to the LORD to see [Me], and many of them perish [as a result].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD directed Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD; otherwise many of them will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The LORD directed Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD; otherwise many of them will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto Jehovah to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then he said, "Moses, go and warn the people not to cross the boundary that you set at the foot of the mountain. They must not cross it to come and look at me, because if they do, many of them will die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said to him, "Go down and warn the people not to force their way through [the boundary] to see the LORD, or many of them will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and the LORD said to him, "Go down and warn the people not to cross the boundary to come and look at me; if they do, many of them will die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD told Moses, "Go down and warn the people so they don't break through to look at the LORD, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the LORD said to him, ?Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Go down and solemnly warn the people, lest they force their way through to the LORD to look, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God said to Moses, "Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to God to look, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH says to Moses, “Go down, protest to the people, lest they break through to YHWH to see, and many of them have fallen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Go down, protest to the people, lest they break through unto Jehovah to see, and many of them have fallen;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will say to Moses, Go down: protest to the people lest they shall break in to Jehovah to see, and a multitude fall from them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He said unto him: Go down, and charge the people: lest they should have a mind to pass the limits to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them should perish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />he said to him: “Descend, and call the people to witness, lest they might be willing to transgress the limits, so as to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them might perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD told Moses: Go down and warn the people not to break through to the LORD in order to see him; otherwise many of them will be struck down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to the LORD to look; otherwise many of them will perish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, warn the people, test they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe, “Go down; testify among the people that they do not go too far before LORD JEHOVAH to see, or many of them will fall.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God spoke to Moses, saying, Go down, and solemnly charge the people, lest at any time they draw nigh to God to gaze, and a multitude of them fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/19-21.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=4899" 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/19.htm">The LORD Visits Sinai</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up, <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: rêḏ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">“Go down</a> <a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: hā·‘êḏ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">and warn</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: bā·‘ām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6435.htm" title="6435: pen- (Conj) -- Lest. From panah; properly, removal; used only adverb as conjunction, lest.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: ye·her·sū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">to break through</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">lest many</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">of them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: wə·nā·p̄al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">perish.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”…<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="/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="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a></span><br />At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a></span><br />Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/4-15.htm">Numbers 4:15</a></span><br />When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19</a></span><br />But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/6-6.htm">2 Samuel 6:6-7</a></span><br />When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. / And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/13-9.htm">1 Chronicles 13:9-10</a></span><br />When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled. / And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/26-16.htm">2 Chronicles 26:16-21</a></span><br />But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ...<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="/ezekiel/44-19.htm">Ezekiel 44:19</a></span><br />When they go out to the outer court, to the people, they are to take off the garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people with their garments.<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="/mark/9-7.htm">Mark 9:7</a></span><br />Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”<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!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a></span><br />Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-32.htm">Acts 7:32-33</a></span><br />‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. / Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.</p><p class="hdg">charge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">Exodus 19:12,13</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="hdg">break</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/3-3.htm">Exodus 3:3,5</a></b></br> And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a></b></br> And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19</a></b></br> And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten <i>many</i> of the people with a great slaughter.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/13-13.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/16-34.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/exodus/9-18.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/15-4.htm">Force</a> <a href="/exodus/12-33.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/revelation/11-9.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Great</a> <a href="/exodus/19-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/19-7.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/genesis/41-36.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/genesis/30-33.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/revelation/22-18.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/exodus/21-26.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/exodus/19-22.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/exodus/19-24.htm">Force</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/exodus/33-8.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/exodus/22-27.htm">Great</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/exodus/21-26.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Warn</a> <a href="/exodus/19-24.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-1.htm">The people arrive at Sinai</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-3.htm">God's message by Moses unto the people out of the mount</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-8.htm">The people are prepared against the third day, for the giving of the law</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-12.htm">The mountain must not be touched</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">The fearful presence of God upon the mount</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'; 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In the context of Exodus, God frequently speaks to Moses, establishing him as a prophet and leader. This divine communication underscores the seriousness of the instructions that follow.<p><b>Go down and warn the people</b><br>God instructs Moses to descend from Mount Sinai to deliver a warning to the Israelites. This highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching God. The mountain is a sacred space, and the people must be prepared to encounter the divine presence. This command reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for human beings to approach Him with respect and caution.<p><b>not to break through to see the LORD</b><br>The Israelites are cautioned against attempting to penetrate the boundary set around the mountain to catch a glimpse of God. This reflects the biblical understanding of God's holiness and the danger of approaching Him in an unworthy manner. The concept of boundaries is significant in the Old Testament, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the profane. This also foreshadows the veil in the temple, which separates the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwells.<p><b>lest many of them perish</b><br>The warning concludes with a grave consequence: death for those who disobey. This underscores the seriousness of God's holiness and the need for reverence. The idea that seeing God could lead to death is consistent with other biblical passages, such as when God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live (<a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a>). This also points to the need for a mediator, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is holy and requires reverence and obedience from His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader and prophet of Israel, chosen by God to mediate between Him and the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are camped at Mount Sinai and are about to receive the Law.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The holy mountain where God reveals Himself to Moses and gives the Ten Commandments to the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_warning.htm">The Warning</a></b><br>A divine command given to Moses to prevent the people from approaching the mountain, emphasizing God's holiness and the need for boundaries.<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 holiness demands our reverence and respect. We must approach Him with a heart of humility and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mediators.htm">The Role of Mediators</a></b><br>Moses serves as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing Christ as our ultimate mediator who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>God's instructions are not arbitrary; they are for our protection and well-being. Obedience to His commands is crucial for a right relationship with Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/boundaries_in_worship.htm">Boundaries in Worship</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were given boundaries at Mount Sinai, we must recognize the boundaries God sets in our worship and lives, ensuring we honor Him appropriately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>A healthy fear of the LORD is foundational to wisdom and understanding. It leads us to live in a way that honors God and acknowledges His authority.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_jehu's_judgment_fit_divine_mercy.htm">How do we reconcile the harsh judgment carried out by Jehu in 2 Kings 9 with biblical themes of mercy and divine justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_events_are_in_wars_of_the_lord.htm">Why did Elijah write to King Jehoram?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'let_your_yes_be_yes'_mean.htm">What does 'We will serve the Lord' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_84_11_align_with_no_sun_worship.htm">If the Lord is described as 'a sun' in Psalm 84:11, how does this symbolism align with the biblical prohibition against sun worship?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>GOD'S WARNING TO THE PEOPLE AGAINST A TOO NEAR APPROACH.</span><p>(21-25) Warning was given, as soon as God announced His intention of descending upon Sinai, that the people must not approach too near. "Bounds" were set, and the people required to keep within them. Actual contact with the mountain was forbidden under penalty of death (<a href="/exodus/19-12.htm" title="And you shall set bounds to the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that you go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whoever touches the mount shall be surely put to death:">Exodus 19:12</a>). It is evident from <a href="/exodus/19-23.htm" title="And Moses said to the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for you charged us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.">Exodus 19:23</a> that the command to "set bounds" had been obeyed, and a fence erected which it would have required some force to "break through;" nor can there be any doubt that Moses had promulgated the directions, which he had received from God, forbidding any approach to the mount, and threatening death to those who should "touch" it. Yet still it is evident from this concluding paragraph of the chapter (<a href="/context/exodus/19-21.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.">Exodus 19:21-25</a>) that the first warning was insufficient. An intention to "break through, to gaze," must have been entertained by many. To this intention the existing priesthood, whatever it was, were parties (<a href="/exodus/19-22.htm" title="And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth on them.">Exodus 19:22</a>). It always grates upon men's feelings to be told that they are less holy than others; and we can easily understand that those who had hitherto acted as priests to the nation would resent their exclusion from "holy ground" to which the sons of Amram were about to be admitted. Even of the people there may have been many who participated in the feeling, and thought that Moses and Aaron were "taking too much upon them, seeing that the whole congregation" was holy. Hence, a further very stringent command was requisite, and Moses, having reached the summit, was sent down again from the top to the bottom in order to enjoin upon priests and people alike, in the most solemn possible way, the necessity of their observing the bounds set.<p>(21) <span class= "bld">Lest they break through</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, <span class= "ital">force their way through the barrier which Moses had erected.</span><p><span class= "bld">To gaze, and many of them perish.</span>--Some might have perished by the execution of the orders given in <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm" title="There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mount.">Exodus 19:13</a>. But the allusion is perhaps rather to such a heaven-sent plague as destroyed the men of Beth-shemesh to the number of 50,070 (<a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm" title="And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and three score and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.">1Samuel 6:19</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21-25.</span> - <span class="accented">The further warning to the people and the priests</span>. It is very remarkable that, after all the directions given (vers. 10-13), and all the pains taken by Moses and the Israelites themselves (vers. 14, 15, 23), God should still have thought it necessary to interpose with a fresh warning, and to send Moses back from the top of the mount to the bottom, in order to communicate the renewed warning to the people. We can only suppose that, in spite of the instructions previously given and the precautions taken, there were those among the people who were prepared to "break through" the fence, and invade the mount, and who would have done so, to their own destruction (ver. 21), but for this second warning. The special mention of the "priests" (vers. 22, 24) raises the suspicion, that this proud and rebellious spirit was particularly developed among them. Accustomed to the exercise of sacred functions, they may have been inclined to regard their own purity as equal to that of Moses and Aaron; and they may even have resented their exclusion from a sacred spot to which the two sons of Amram were admitted. Apparently, they had conceived that the injunction to go through the recognised ceremonies of purification (ver. 10) did not apply to them, and had neglected to do so, on which account a special command had to be issued, addressed to them only (ver. 22). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Charge the people lest they break through</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, "lest they force a passage through the barrier made by Moses" in accordance with the command given in ver. 12. <span class="cmt_word">And many of them perish</span>. Irreverent gazing on holy things was forbidden by the law (<a href="/numbers/4-20.htm">Numbers 4:20</a>), and on one occasion (<a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19</a>) was actually punished with death. It did not, however, require a law to make it an offence, natural reason being quite sufficient to teach the duty of reverence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/19-21.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">and the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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">to [him],</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Go down</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(rêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and warn</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> </span><span class="str2">To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, 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">not</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(pen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6435.htm">Strong's 6435: </a> </span><span class="str2">Removal, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to break through</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶהֶרְס֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ye·her·sū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְא֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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 LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[lest] many</span><br /><span class="heb">רָֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(rāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of them</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֖נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perish.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנָפַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nā·p̄al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 19:21 Yahweh said to Moses Go down warn (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/19-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 19:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 19:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/19-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 19:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 19:22" /></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>