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Deuteronomy 4:12 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.
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You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but saw no form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only <i>ye heard</i> a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of the words, but saw no form; <i>you</i> only <i>heard</i> a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—<i>there was</i> only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form— only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of the words, but you saw no form—there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the fire. You kept hearing the sound of the words, but didn’t see a form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the fire. You kept hearing the sound of the words, but didn’t see a form; there was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only ye heard a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and the LORD spoke to you from the fire. You could hear him and understand what he was saying, but you couldn't see him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only ye heard a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD spoke to you from the fire. You heard a voice speaking but saw no one. There was only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Tell them how the LORD spoke to you from the fire, how you heard him speaking but did not see him in any form at all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />the LORD your God spoke from the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of words, but you saw no form; there was only a voice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the middle of the fire; you heard speech but you could not see anything--only a voice was heard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; you only heard a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh spoke to you out of the middle of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; you only heard a voice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and YHWH speaks to you out of the midst of the fire; you are hearing a voice of words, but you are seeing no likeness, only a voice;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And Jehovah speaketh unto you out of the midst of the fire; a voice of words ye are hearing and a similitude ye are not seeing, only a voice;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will speak to you from the midst of the fire, ye hearing a voice of words, and ye seeing not an appearance, except a voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to you from the midst of the fire. You heard the voice of his words, but you saw not any form at all. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to you from the midst of fire. You heard the voice of his words, but you did not see any form at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst 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="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke to you on the mountain out of the midst 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="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH spoke with you in the mountain from within the fire; the voice that spoke you were hearing and you were not seeing a form, except the voice only.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke unto you out of the midst of the fire; ye heard the voice of words, but ye saw no form; only a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to you out of the midst of the fire a voice of words, which ye heard: and ye saw no likeness, only <i>ye heard</i> a voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-12.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=1229" 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">11</span>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="reftext">12</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/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">spoke</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to you</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: mit·tō·wḵ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">out of</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: hā·’êš (Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">the fire.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mə·‘îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</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 sound</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·rîm (N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">of the words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">but saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nə·ḵem (Adv:: 2mp) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/8544.htm" title="8544: ū·ṯə·mū·nāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Likeness, form. Or tmunah; from miyn; something portioned out, as a shape, i.e. phantom, or embodiment, or manifestation.">form;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2108.htm" title="2108: zū·lā·ṯî (Prep) -- Except, only. From zuwl; probably scattering, i.e. Removal; used adverbially, except.">there was only</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·wl (N-ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">a voice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.…<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/20-1.htm">Exodus 20:1-22</a></span><br />And God spoke all these words: / “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. / You shall have no other gods before Me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9-19</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. / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes / and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. ...<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="/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="/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="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a></span><br />Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a></span><br />No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a></span><br />He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Exodus 24:16-17</a></span><br />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. / 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="/psalms/81-7.htm">Psalm 81:7</a></span><br />You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the cloud of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-12.htm">1 John 4:12</a></span><br />No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2-6</a></span><br />There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. / So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” / When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<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="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</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!”</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 spoke to you out of the middle of the fire: you heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only you heard a voice.</p><p class="hdg">the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-4.htm">Deuteronomy 5:4,22</a></b></br> The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, … </p><p class="hdg">no similitude</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15</a></b></br> Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day <i>that</i> the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8</a></b></br> With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">Isaiah 40:18</a></b></br> To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-33.htm">Deuteronomy 4:33,36</a></b></br> Did <i>ever</i> people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-22.htm">Exodus 20:22</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12,13</a></b></br> And after the earthquake a fire; <i>but</i> the LORD <i>was</i> not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/24-4.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-34.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-34.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-17.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-45.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-32.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-28.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/joshua/6-5.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-27.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm">Words</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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>And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire.</b><br>This phrase refers to the theophany at Mount Sinai, where God revealed Himself to the Israelites. The fire symbolizes God's holiness and power, often associated with His presence (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2, 19</a>:18). The fire also signifies purification and judgment, themes prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The Israelites' experience at Sinai was unique, as God directly communicated His covenant and commandments, emphasizing His desire for a relationship with His people. This event foreshadows the New Testament Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended as tongues of fire (<a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3</a>), indicating God's continued presence and communication with His people.<p><b>You heard the sound of the words but saw no form;</b><br>This highlights the transcendence and invisibility of God, contrasting with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations that worshipped visible images. The absence of a form underscores the prohibition against idolatry (<a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15-19</a>) and emphasizes faith in the unseen God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that God is spirit (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>) and must be worshipped in spirit and truth. The emphasis on hearing rather than seeing points to the importance of God's word and the faith that comes from hearing (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>).<p><b>there was only a voice.</b><br>The voice of God is central to the covenant relationship, as it conveys His will and commandments. This auditory revelation underscores the authority and power of God's word, which is living and active (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>). The voice of God at Sinai is a precursor to the prophetic tradition, where God speaks through His prophets, and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). The focus on the voice rather than a physical form points to the ultimate revelation of God in Christ, who, though visible, perfectly communicates the invisible God (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>).<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 reveals Himself to His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who recounts the events at Mount Sinai.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai (Horeb)</a></b><br>The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, recipients of the Law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fire.htm">The Fire</a></b><br>A manifestation of God's presence and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_unseen_god.htm">The Unseen God</a></b><br>God’s nature is spiritual and transcendent, emphasizing faith over sight.<br><br>Application: Trust in God's presence and guidance even when He is not visibly seen.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_voice.htm">The Power of God's Voice</a></b><br>God's voice is authoritative and life-giving, deserving our attention and obedience.<br><br>Application: Prioritize listening to God's Word in Scripture and prayer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_and_awe.htm">Reverence and Awe</a></b><br>The Israelites' experience at Sinai teaches us to approach God with reverence.<br><br>Application: Cultivate a heart of worship and respect for God's holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Hearing God's voice calls for a response of obedience to His commands.<br><br>Application: Reflect on areas of life where obedience to God’s Word is needed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_covenant_relationship.htm">God's Covenant Relationship</a></b><br>God’s communication with Israel signifies His desire for a covenant relationship.<br><br>Application: Embrace and nurture your relationship with God through 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/how_does_1_kings_19_fit_with_elijah's_story.htm">How does 1 Kings 19 fit with other biblical accounts of Elijah and the broader historical context, considering potential timeline or narrative discrepancies? (1 Kings 19)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_fearsome_in_exodus_19.htm">Why is God depicted as a physical, fearsome presence in Exodus 19, but more abstractly and intimately in other biblical passages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_'consuming_fire'_fit_science.htm">In Hebrews 12:29, how does describing God as a 'consuming fire' fit with modern scientific understanding of fire and energy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'god_is_a_consuming_fire'.htm">What does 'God is a consuming fire' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - On this occasion the people <span class="cmt_word">heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude</span>; there was no form or shape apparent to the eye. No man can see God's face (<a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20, 23</a>); "no man hath <span class="accented">seen</span> God at any time" (<a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>); and though the nobles or elders of Israel who went up with Moses into the mount are said to have seen God, it is evident that what they saw was only some luminous manifestation of his glory, and not a form or shape of which a similitude could be made (<a href="/exodus/24-9.htm">Exodus 24:9-17</a>). Even Moses, with whom God said that he would speak mouth to month, and who should behold the similitude of God (<a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8</a>), was told that he could not see his face, his essential personality, but only his back, the reflection of his glory (<a href="/exodus/33-18.htm">Exodus 33:18-23</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-12.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">יְהוָ֛ה</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">spoke</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">out of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִתּ֣וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mit·tō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the fire.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמְעִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mə·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the sound</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֤וֹל</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 words,</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבָרִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but saw</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאִ֖ים</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">no</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵינְכֶ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·nə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">form;</span><br /><span class="heb">וּתְמוּנָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·mū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8544.htm">Strong's 8544: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there was only</span><br /><span class="heb">זוּלָתִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(zū·lā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2108.htm">Strong's 2108: </a> </span><span class="str2">Scattering, removal, except</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a voice.</span><br /><span class="heb">קֽוֹל׃</span> <span class="translit">(qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Deuteronomy 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:12 Yahweh spoke to you out (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:13" /></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>