Deuteronomy 4:11
Deuteronomy 4:11 in Multiple Translations
You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
And 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.
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.
And you came near, waiting at the foot of the mountain; and flames of fire went up from the mountain to the heart of heaven, with dark clouds, and all was black as night.
You gathered and stood at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was on fire, shooting out flames into the sky and producing thick dark clouds.
Then came you neere and stoode vnder the mountaine, and the mountaine burnt with fire vnto the mids of heauen, and there was darkenesse, cloudes and mist.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Tell them that your ancestors came near the bottom of the mountain, while the mountain burned with a fire that went up to the sky, and the mountain was covered with dark clouds and black smoke.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקְרְב֥וּ/ן
וַ/תַּֽעַמְד֖וּ/ן
תַּ֣חַת
הָ/הָ֑ר
וְ/הָ/הָ֞ר
בֹּעֵ֤ר
בָּ/אֵשׁ֙
עַד
לֵ֣ב
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
עָנָ֥ן
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
וַ/תִּקְרְב֥וּ/ן
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff
וַ/תַּֽעַמְד֖וּ/ן
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
הָ/הָ֑ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ/הָ֞ר
har
H2022
mountain
Conj | Art | N-ms
בֹּעֵ֤ר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal
בָּ/אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
עָנָ֥ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
ʻărâphel
H6205
cloud
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:11
וַ/תִּקְרְב֥וּ/ן
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
וַ/תַּֽעַמְד֖וּ/ן
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הָ/הָ֑ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
וְ/הָ/הָ֞ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
בֹּעֵ֤ר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
בָּ/אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
חֹ֖שֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
עָנָ֥ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
וַ/עֲרָפֶֽל
ʻărâphel
H6205
"cloud"
Conj | N-ms
A cloud or dark cloud symbolizes gloom or thick darkness, often used to describe a heavy or ominous sky.
Definition: cloud, heavy or dark cloud, darkness, gross darkness, thick darkness
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (gross, thick) dark (cloud, -ness). See also: Exodus 20:21; Job 38:9; Psalms 18:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:11
Context — An Exhortation to Obedience
9Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.
10The 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.”
11You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
12And 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. 13He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 5:23 | And when you heard the voice out of the darkness while the mountain was blazing with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your elders approached me, |
| 2 | Exodus 19:16–18 | On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. |
| 3 | Hebrews 12:18–19 | 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. |
| 4 | Exodus 20:18–19 | 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. “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” |
Deuteronomy 4:11 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 4:11, describes the amazing scene when the Israelites stood at the base of a mountain that was blazing with fire, with black clouds and deep darkness all around. This experience was meant to inspire fear and reverence for God in the hearts of the people, as they recognized His power and holiness. Just like the Israelites, we are called to approach God with reverence and awe, remembering that He is a God of great power and love, as seen in scriptures like Exodus 24:17 and Hebrews 12:28-29. By reflecting on this verse, we can deepen our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the mountain blazing with fire in Deuteronomy 4:11?
The mountain blazing with fire represents God's presence and power, as seen in other scriptures like Exodus 24:17, where the mountain is also described as burning with fire, symbolizing God's holy and awe-inspiring nature.
Why does the verse mention black clouds and deep darkness?
The black clouds and deep darkness in Deuteronomy 4:11 signify the fear and reverence that the people felt in the presence of God, much like the darkness that fell when Jesus was crucified, as described in Matthew 27:45, which also represents a moment of profound spiritual significance.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience at the base of the mountain?
The Israelites' experience at the base of the mountain teaches us about the importance of reverence and obedience to God, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 4:10, where God instructs the people to gather and hear His words, that they may learn to fear Him and teach their children to do the same.
How does this verse relate to our own relationship with God?
This verse reminds us that, like the Israelites, we are called to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His power and holiness, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are exhorted to worship God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the mountain blazing with fire evoke in my heart, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God in my daily life?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, 'stand at the base of the mountain' and acknowledge God's presence and power in my life?
- How can I balance the fear of God with the love and intimacy that He desires to have with me, as described in Deuteronomy 4:10 and other scriptures?
- What are some ways that I can, like the Israelites, 'hear the sound of the words' of God and respond in obedience, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 4:12?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:11
And ye came near and stood under the mountain,.... At the foot of it, in the lower part of the mountain, as the Targum of Jonathan, and agrees with Exodus 19:17 and the mountain burnt with fire unto
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:11
And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
Flaming up into the air, which is oft called heaven; and the midst or the heart of it is not only that which is strictly and properly the middle part, but that which is within it, though but a little way, in which sense places or persons or things are said to be in the heart of the sea, ; and Christ in the heart of the earth, .
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
(11) Darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.—The “blackness, and darkness, and tempest” of Hebrews 12:18.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:11
11. ye came near and stood under the mountain] E, Exodus 19:17, took station in the nether part of the mount. burned with fire] J, Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai was all on smoke … as the smoke of a furnace, and … quaked greatly, E, Exodus 20:18, thunder, lightning, and mount smoking. unto the heart of heaven] A characteristic deuteronomic addition; cp. Deuteronomy 1:28. with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness] The accumulation is characteristic; cp. E, Exodus 19:16, thick cloud; Exodus 20:21, thick darkness; P, Exodus 24:15 b, Exodus 24:18 a, cloud.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:11
10-12. The day that thou stoodest before the Lord — Here should commence a new sentence. Our translators have incorrectly brought into the text the word specially.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example |
|
A Missional Encounter by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. Howeve |
|
The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b |
|
|
(Worship - Part 3): Worship the Lord in Glory and Meekness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of humanity and the loss of the vision of God's glory. He highlights that despite our fallen nature, God desired us because |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 19:9-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that it was a terrifying event, not a beautiful one. The people were warned not to approac |
|
Today's Gospel (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker quotes Martin Luther's statement expressing his concern about a sect that teaches the removal of the Ten Commandments from the church and the lack of fe |
|
Hebrews 12:18-29 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who is being chased by a man from an insane asylum. The boy is terrified and running for his life, but eventually, the |