Deuteronomy 5:26
Deuteronomy 5:26 in Multiple Translations
For who of all flesh has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire, as we have, and survived?
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
For what man is there in all the earth, who, hearing the voice of the living God as we have, out of the heart of the fire, has been kept from death?
Has anybody else ever heard the living God speak from the fire and survived, as we have?
For what flesh was there euer, that heard the voyce of the liuing God speaking out of the middes of the fire as we haue, and liued?
For who of all flesh [is] he who hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire like us — and doth live?
For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the middle of the fire, as we have, and lived?
For who is there of all flesh that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have , and lived?
What is all flesh, that it should hear the voice of the living God, who speaketh out of the midst of the fire, as we have heard, and be able to live?
◄Who has/Certainly no human has► remained alive after hearing the all-powerful God speak [MTY] to them from a fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 5:26
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 5:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
מִ֣י
כָל
בָּשָׂ֡ר
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
שָׁמַ֣ע
קוֹל֩
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
חַיִּ֜ים
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
מִ/תּוֹךְ
הָ/אֵ֛שׁ
כָּמֹ֖/נוּ
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בָּשָׂ֡ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קוֹל֩
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
חַיִּ֜ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
מְדַבֵּ֧ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel
מִ/תּוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֵ֛שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
כָּמֹ֖/נוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
וַ/יֶּֽחִי
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 5:26
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
כָל
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.
בָּשָׂ֡ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
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.
קוֹל֩
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.
אֱלֹהִ֨ים
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.
חַיִּ֜ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
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.
כָּמֹ֖/נוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
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 5:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 5:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 5:26
Context — Moses Intercedes for the People
24and 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.
25But now, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us, and we will die, if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer.
26For who of all flesh has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire, as we have, and survived?
27Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.” 28And the LORD heard the words you spoke to me, and He said to me, “I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:33 | Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived? |
| 2 | Romans 3:20 | Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. |
| 3 | Matthew 26:63 | But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 6:16 | What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” |
| 5 | Daniel 6:26 | I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. |
| 6 | Acts 14:15 | “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. |
| 7 | Isaiah 40:6 | A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. |
| 8 | Genesis 6:12 | And God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways. |
| 9 | Psalms 42:2 | My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? |
| 10 | Psalms 84:2 | My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
Deuteronomy 5:26 Summary
This verse is saying that the people who heard God's voice were very lucky to be alive because God is so powerful. It's like when Moses said that God showed them His glory and greatness, and they heard His voice out of the fire, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:24. When we hear God's voice, we should be amazed and grateful, just like the people in this verse, and we should remember that God speaks to us through His word, as seen in Romans 10:17. By listening to God's voice, we can experience new life and a deeper relationship with Him, just like the psalmist in Psalm 119:50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of hearing the voice of the living God in Deuteronomy 5:26?
Hearing the voice of the living God signifies a direct, personal encounter with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:24, where the people acknowledge that they have heard His voice out of the fire and lived to tell about it, a miracle that is also referenced in Exodus 20:19.
Why were the people afraid to hear the voice of God again in Deuteronomy 5:25-26?
The people were afraid because they recognized the power and majesty of God, and they knew that they were sinful and could not withstand His presence, as expressed in Isaiah 6:5 where the prophet Isaiah says he is undone because he has seen the Lord.
What does it mean to survive after hearing the voice of the living God?
To survive after hearing the voice of the living God means to be spared from judgment and to be given new life, as seen in Psalm 119:50 where the psalmist says that God's word has revived him, and in Ezekiel 37:1-14 where the prophet Ezekiel sees a vision of dry bones coming to life.
How does Deuteronomy 5:26 relate to the rest of the Bible?
Deuteronomy 5:26 is part of a larger narrative about God's relationship with His people, and it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would speak on behalf of God to humanity, as seen in Hebrews 1:1-2 where it says that God has spoken to us through His Son.
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, like the people in Deuteronomy 5:26, acknowledge the power and majesty of God in my life?
- How can I, like Moses, be a mediator between God and others, and what role does prayer play in this process?
- What are some ways that I can 'survive' and even thrive after hearing the voice of God, and what does this look like in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 5:26
For who [is there] of all flesh,.... What man was there in any age, that was ever heard of or can be named: that hath heard the voice of the living God; who lives in and of himself, and is the author
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 5:26
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;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
Flesh is here put for man in his frail, corruptible, and mortal state, as .
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 5:26
26. flesh] Emphatic; it cannot endure immediate contact with spirit (Isaiah 31:3). the living God] Rather, a living God, cp. Deuteronomy 4:33. The phrase always occurs in the O.T. without the article even when as in 1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 17:36, and Jeremiah 23:36 it is the living God who is meant. In Jeremiah 10:10 it is indefinite as here. These are all the instances of this form. Kindred forms in Joshua 3:10 indefinite; Hosea 2:1, 2 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 19:16 definite.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 5:26
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 5:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi |
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Faith to Leave the Gas Station by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he came to have faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of mixing the truth of God's word with faith in order to exper |
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(So Great a Salvation) Conviction and Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals when they become aware of them. He prays for God's guidance in reaching out |
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The Right Use of the Law by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being challenged by professors in college who tried to brainwash him against the Bible. Despite their efforts, he deci |
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Becoming the Christian You Are by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the content of the gospel is Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that Jesus gave Himself for redemption and continues to give Himself for |