Deuteronomy 4:33
Deuteronomy 4:33 in Multiple Translations
Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived?
Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
Has any people ever gone on living after hearing the voice of God out of the heart of the fire as you did?
Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, like you have, and survived?
Did euer people heare the voyce of God speaking out of the middes of a fire, as thou hast heard, and liued?
Hath a people heard the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, thou — and doth live?
Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the middle of the fire, as you have heard, and live?
Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?
That a people should hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of fire, as thou hast heard, and lived:
◄Has any group ever remained alive after they heard a god speak to them from the middle of a fire, like we did?/Certainly no group has ever remained alive after they heard a god speak to them from the middle of a fire, like we did.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:33
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 4:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/שָׁ֣מַֽע
עָם֩
ק֨וֹל
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
מִ/תּוֹךְ
הָ/אֵ֛שׁ
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ
אַתָּ֖ה
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
הֲ/שָׁ֣מַֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Part | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָם֩
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
ק֨וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel
מִ/תּוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֵ֛שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:33
הֲ/שָׁ֣מַֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Part | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
עָם֩
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
ק֨וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אֱלֹהִ֜ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
מִ/תּוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/אֵ֛שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | 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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:33
Context — The LORD Alone Is God
31For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath.
32Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported?
33Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived?
34Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? 35You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 6:22 | When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:24 | and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. |
| 3 | Exodus 33:20 | But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” |
| 4 | Exodus 24:11 | But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 5:26 | For who of all flesh has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire, as we have, and survived? |
| 6 | Exodus 19:18–19 | 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. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:24–26 | For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. After you have children and grandchildren and you have been in the land a long time, if you then act corruptly and make an idol of any form—doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God and provoking Him to anger— I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. |
| 8 | 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.” |
| 9 | Exodus 20:22 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “This is what you are to tell the Israelites: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 9:10 | Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, inscribed by the finger of God with the exact words that the LORD spoke to you out of the fire on the mountain on the day of the assembly. |
Deuteronomy 4:33 Summary
In Deuteronomy 4:33, we see that the Israelites had a unique experience of hearing God's voice speaking out of the fire, and they lived to tell about it. This event shows us that God is a personal and powerful God who desires to communicate with His people, as seen in Exodus 19:18-19 and Deuteronomy 5:24. Just like the Israelites, we can experience God's presence and power in our lives when we listen to His voice and obey His commands (John 10:27, Psalm 119:105). By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and trust in His mercy and grace, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of hearing the voice of God speaking out of the fire?
Hearing the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:33, is a unique experience that highlights God's direct communication with His people, as seen in Exodus 19:18-19 and Deuteronomy 5:24, where God spoke to the Israelites from Mount Sinai.
Why is it emphasized that the people lived after hearing God's voice?
The emphasis on the people living after hearing God's voice, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:33, underscores the extraordinary nature of this event, as it is a demonstration of God's mercy and grace, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:31, where it says that God is a merciful God who will not abandon His people.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence and power?
This verse, Deuteronomy 4:33, showcases God's presence and power, as He speaks directly to His people from the fire, demonstrating His ability to communicate with humanity and guide them, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 15:1 and Exodus 3:2-4:17.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of hearing God's voice?
The Israelites' experience of hearing God's voice, as described in Deuteronomy 4:33, teaches us about the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 4:1 and Proverbs 1:7, where it is written that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Reflection Questions
- What would it be like to hear the voice of God speaking directly to me, and how would I respond?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence and power in my life?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's mercy and grace, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:31 and Deuteronomy 4:33, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways that God speaks to me today, and how can I become more attentive to His voice?
- How can I share the experience of God's presence and power with others, as the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 4:33?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:33
Did [ever] people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of fire,.... None ever heard the voice of God as they did, much less speaking such words as they heard, and still less out of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:33
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
i.e. And was not overwhelmed and consumed by such a glorious appearance. See 33:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
Verse 33. Did ever people hear the voice of God] It seems to have been a general belief that if God appeared to men, it was for the purpose of destroying them; and indeed most of the extraordinary manifestations of God were in the way of judgment; but here it was different; God did appear in a sovereign and extraordinary manner; but it was for the deliverance and support of the people. 1. They heard his voice speaking with them in a distinct, articulate manner. 2. They saw the fire, the symbol of his presence, the appearances of which demonstrated it to be supernatural. 3. Notwithstanding God appeared so terrible, yet no person was destroyed, for he came, not to destroy, but to save.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:33
33. voice of God] Rather, the voice of a god, and with Sam. and LXX add living. Cp. Deuteronomy 5:26. and live] Deuteronomy 5:23 ff. The well-known belief of ancient man that it meant death to come into close converse with the Deity.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:33
29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studying the Scriptures and Finding Jesus by Albert Mohler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having witnesses to the preaching of the good news. He mentions theologians like Gerhardes Vos, Richard Gaffin, and Edmund |
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Jehovah Shalom by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Judges and the cycle of sin and repentance that the Israelites went through. He highlights the stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Debo |
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Hidden in the Cleft of the Rock by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher begins by introducing the story of Manoa and his wife, emphasizing the significance of their encounter with God. He then transitions to discussing the |
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The Lord Our Peace by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of knowing God's character, particularly through His names, as a defense against spiritual attacks. He highlights the name Jehovah Shalo |
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The Fear Factor by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments. He warns against complacency and self-assurance, reminding the audience that eve |
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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The Holiness of God - Part 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the need for individuals to give account of their deeds before God. He highlights the urgency of seeking forg |