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Deuteronomy 5:23

Deuteronomy 5:23 in Multiple Translations

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,

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

And after hearing the voice which came out of the dark while the mountain was burning with fire, all the heads of your tribes and your chiefs came to me,

When you heard the voice that came from the darkness while the mountain was on fire, all your tribal leaders and elders came to me,

And when ye heard the voyce out of the middes of the darkenes, (for the mountaine did burne with fire) then ye came to me, all the chiefe of your tribes, and your Elders:

'And it cometh to pass as ye hear the voice out of the midst of the darkness, and of the mountain burning with fire, that ye come near unto me, all the heads of your tribes, and your elders,

When you heard the voice out of the middle of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, you came near to me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near to me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

But you, after you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, and saw the mountain burn, came to me, all the princes of the tribes and the elders, and you said:

After your ancestors heard Yahweh’s voice when he spoke to them out of the darkness, while there was a big fire burning on the mountain, their leaders and elders came to me,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 5:23

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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 5:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֗י כְּ/שָׁמְעֲ/כֶ֤ם אֶת הַ/קּוֹל֙ מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ וְ/הָ/הָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ וַ/תִּקְרְב֣וּ/ן אֵלַ֔/י כָּל רָאשֵׁ֥י שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם וְ/זִקְנֵי/כֶֽם
וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/שָׁמְעֲ/כֶ֤ם shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/קּוֹל֙ qôwl H6963 voice Art | N-ms
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms
הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness Art | N-ms
וְ/הָ/הָ֖ר har H2022 mountain Conj | Art | N-ms
בֹּעֵ֣ר bâʻar H1197 to burn V-Qal
בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire Prep | N-cs
וַ/תִּקְרְב֣וּ/ן qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp | Suff
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp
שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-mp | Suff
וְ/זִקְנֵי/כֶֽם zâqên H2205 old Conj | Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 5:23

וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/שָׁמְעֲ/כֶ֤ם shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קּוֹל֙ qôwl H6963 "voice" Art | 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.
מִ/תּ֣וֹךְ 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.
הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" Art | 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.
וְ/הָ/הָ֖ר 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.
בֹּעֵ֣ר 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/אֵ֑שׁ 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.
וַ/תִּקְרְב֣וּ/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.
אֵלַ֔/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
רָאשֵׁ֥י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/זִקְנֵי/כֶֽם zâqên H2205 "old" Conj | Adj | Suff
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 5:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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.”
2 Hebrews 12:18–21 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.” The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

Deuteronomy 5:23 Summary

Deuteronomy 5:23 describes a moment when the Israelites heard God's voice out of the darkness while the mountain was on fire, and they were so afraid that they asked Moses to speak to God on their behalf. This event shows how God's presence can be both powerful and intimidating, as seen in Exodus 19:16-19. The Israelites recognized their limitations and need for a mediator, which is a pattern seen throughout the Bible, including in Romans 3:23-24, where Jesus serves as our mediator between God and humanity. By understanding this verse, we can learn to approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging His greatness and our need for His guidance and salvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the voice out of the darkness in Deuteronomy 5:23?

The voice out of the darkness symbolized God's presence and power, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:22, where the LORD spoke in a loud voice to the assembly, and in Exodus 19:16-19, where the mountain was covered in smoke and fire, demonstrating God's holiness and majesty.

Why did the heads of the tribes and elders approach Moses in Deuteronomy 5:23?

The leaders approached Moses because they were afraid to hear God's voice directly, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:24-25, and they recognized Moses as their mediator and leader, similar to Exodus 20:18-21, where the people asked Moses to speak to God on their behalf.

How does Deuteronomy 5:23 relate to the concept of God's glory and greatness?

Deuteronomy 5:23 sets the stage for the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's glory and greatness in Deuteronomy 5:24, where they say, 'Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire.' This highlights God's majestic presence and the people's humble response.

What can we learn from the Israelites' reaction to God's voice in Deuteronomy 5:23-25?

The Israelites' fear and humility in response to God's voice serve as a reminder of the importance of reverence and obedience, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which states, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good understanding.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life?
  2. How do I respond to God's voice and guidance, and what role do I allow Him to play in my decision-making process?
  3. In what ways can I, like Moses, be a mediator and leader for those around me, pointing them to God's Word and wisdom?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's glory and greatness, and how can I practically apply this recognition?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:23

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness,.... The thick darkness, where God was, and with which the mountain was covered, Exodus 20:21 for the mountain did burn

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:23

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:23

Deuteronomy 5:23 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, [even] all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;Ver. 23. Even all the heads of your tribes.] These are called "all Israel," as being their representatives.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:23

(23-27) The speech of the elders to Moses is more fully and exactly described here than in Exodus 20, where it is briefly summarised as expressing the mind of the whole people. (25) Why should we die?—The instinctive dread of death awakened by the Divine presence, and especially by the declaration of the Divine law, bears eloquent testimony to the truth that man was made to bear the Divine likeness, and to live a holy life. (26) For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard.—A famous passage in the Talmud makes all nations hear the words of the Law, every people in its own language. The thought is remarkable as bringing out a further analogy between the revelation at Sinai and the revelation on the Day of Pentecost, when every man heard in his own language the wonderful works of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:23

Verse 23. - &c. And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice] See Clarke on Exodus 20:18, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:23

23–27. The people, fearing the fatal effect of hearing God’s voice directly, request Moses to act as mediator. See Exodus 20:19-21, E, a much simpler form of the narrative, but containing in Deuteronomy 5:20 a saying of Moses not repeated here.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 5:23

These verses contain a much fuller narrative of the events briefly described in Exodus 20:18-21.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:23

23-33. The Lord… hath showed us his glory — The entire passage gives a more detailed account of the events related in Exodus 20:18-21.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:23

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (1 Corinthians) ch.14:1-15:19 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 1 Corinthians 14:1, which encourages Christians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts. The aim in life should be to have the ty
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 20:18-24 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the giving of the law to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that the giving of the law was not a beautiful or pleasant event, but r
Leonard Ravenhill No Two Saints Are Alike by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to the Christian faith. He mentions spending time in the water for about 25 minutes out of a total of four hours. He a
John Piper A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t
Michael L. Brown (Revival) Revival Sets Things Right - Part 2 by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of believers in the United States, noting that there are more believers now than ever before. However, despite the abundanc
Brian Brodersen (John) When God Became One of Us by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the speaker begins by providing an introduction to the Gospel of John and its purpose. The focus then shifts to the study of the text, specifically verses 1 and 14.
Glenn Meldrum Come Up by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, the speaker discusses various events and experiences related to the Exodus. He mentions a story about missionaries who risked their lives to bring the Gospel to a h

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