Deuteronomy 9:15

Deuteronomy 9:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So I went back down the mountain while it was blazing with fire, with the two tablets of the covenant in my hands.

King James Version KJV

So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

American Standard Version ASV

So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount was burning with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So turning round I came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire; and the two stones of the agreement were in my hands.

Free Bible Version FBV

I went back down the mountain while it was still on fire, carrying the two tablets of the agreement.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So I returned, and came downe from the Mount (and the Mount burnt with fire, and ye two Tables of the couenant were in my two handes)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And I turn, and come down from the mount, and the mount is burning with fire, and the two tables of the covenant on my two hands,

World English Bible WEB

So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. The two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when I came down from the burning mount, and held the two tables of the covenant with both hands,

Translation for Translators T4T

So I turned and went down the mountain, carrying in my hands the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written. Fire was burning all over the mountain.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 9:15

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 9:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אֵ֗פֶן וָֽ/אֵרֵד֙ מִן הָ/הָ֔ר וְ/הָ/הָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּ/אֵ֑שׁ וּ/שְׁנֵי֙ לֻחֹ֣ת הַ/בְּרִ֔ית עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽ/י

וָ/אֵ֗פֶן pânâh H6437 Corner (Gate) Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

וָֽ/אֵרֵד֙ yârad H3381 to go down Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/הָ֔ר har H2022 mountain 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

וּ/שְׁנֵי֙ shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Adj

לֻחֹ֣ת lûwach H3871 tablet N-mp

הַ/בְּרִ֔ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Art | N-fs

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שְׁתֵּ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj

יָדָֽ/י yâd H3027 hand N-cd | Suff

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 9:15

וָ/אֵ֗פֶן pânâh H6437 "Corner (Gate)" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.

Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)

Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.

וָֽ/אֵרֵד֙ yârad H3381 "to go down" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/הָ֔ר 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/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.

וּ/שְׁנֵי֙ shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

לֻחֹ֣ת lûwach H3871 "tablet" N-mp

This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.

Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.

הַ/בְּרִ֔ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Art | N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שְׁתֵּ֥י shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

יָדָֽ/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 9:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 9:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 9:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 9:15
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:15
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:15
Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:15

Context — The Golden Calf

13The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. 14Leave Me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. Then I will make you into a nation mightier and greater than they are.”

15So I went back down the mountain while it was blazing with fire, with the two tablets of the covenant in my hands.

16And I saw how you had sinned against the LORD your God; you had made for yourselves a molten calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the LORD had commanded you. 17So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, shattering them before your eyes.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 19:18	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.
2	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,
3	Deuteronomy 4:11	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.
4	Hebrews 12:18	For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
5	Exodus 9:23	So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt.
6	Exodus 32:14–35	So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people. Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp.” But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!” As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain. Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it. “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?” “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’ So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!” Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.” And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they had done with the calf that Aaron had made.

Deuteronomy 9:15 Summary

[Moses went back down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant, which represented God's agreement with the Israelites, and this act showed his commitment to standing in the gap for his people, even when they had sinned against God, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:16. The mountain was still blazing with fire, which was a reminder of God's powerful presence, as seen in Exodus 24:17. This verse reminds us that, like Moses, we can play a role in helping others return to God when they have strayed, and that we should always hold fast to God's promises and covenant, as seen in Psalm 119:57-58 and Hebrews 8:6-13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses go back down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hands?

Moses went back down the mountain to intervene on behalf of the Israelites, who had sinned against the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:16, and to plead for their forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 32:11-14 and Deuteronomy 9:18-20.

What was the significance of the two tablets of the covenant?

The two tablets of the covenant represented the agreement between God and the Israelites, with the Ten Commandments written on them, as seen in Exodus 31:18 and Deuteronomy 9:10, and they symbolized God's covenant with His people.

Why was the mountain blazing with fire?

The mountain was blazing with fire because of God's presence, as seen in Exodus 24:17 and Deuteronomy 5:4, which was a manifestation of His power and glory, and it served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Deuteronomy 9?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it marks Moses' descent from the mountain, where he had been receiving the covenant from God, and his return to the Israelites, who had rebelled against God, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:12-14 and 16-17.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to stand in the gap for others, as Moses did for the Israelites, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
How do we respond when we see others sinning against God, and what role should we play in helping them return to Him?
What does the image of the mountain blazing with fire evoke in our minds, and how can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in our lives?
In what ways can we, like Moses, hold fast to the promises and covenant of God, even when those around us are rebelling or turning away from Him?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 9:15

So I turned and came down from the mount,.... As the Lord commanded: and the mount burned with fire; as it had for six weeks past, ever since the Lord's descent upon it; and so it continued, for the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 9:15

Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:15

Deuteronomy 9:15 So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant [were] in my two hands.Ver. 15. So I returned.] Yet not till he had first prayed and prevailed.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:15

(15) So I turned . . .—This verse nearly repeats Exodus 32:15.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:15

15. So I turned and came down, etc.] Exodus 32:15. and the mount burned with fire] A circumstantial clause: the mount all the time burning with fire: not in Ex. In the next clause D adds two to hands. 16a. Substantially the same as Exodus 32:19 a. 16b. Purely deuteronomic tradition: see Deuteronomy 9:12 b.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:15

	Sermon	Description
	Si Interview of Ray Comfort by Ray Comfort	In this video, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share and discuss their ministry. They then share their personal journey of being led by God into p
	The Preaching of George Whitefield by E.A. Johnston	The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of George Whitefield, a renowned preacher in the 18th century. Whitefield had a powerful and captivating preaching style that k
	The Leading of the Lord by George Warnock	In this sermon, the preacher discusses God's dealings with the saints and the importance of being a holy and cleansed people. He references the book of Job and the sayings of Elihu
	Christian Freedom: The Logic of Law by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are no longer under the law but living by the promise of God. He compares the way children understand punishment and
	A New Israel by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the introductory words, "The Lord help us this morning," as they encompass the entire letter and truth being conveyed. Th
	The Awesome Voice of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and heeding the voice of God. He highlights the story of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God spoke to them in
	Christ, Our High Priest by F.J. Huegel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the perfect standing that believers have before God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He uses an illustration of a special event in Mex