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Exodus 19:11

Exodus 19:11 in Multiple Translations

and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

and be ready against the third day; for the third day Jehovah will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

And by the third day let them be ready: for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai, before the eyes of all the people.

and be ready on the third day because that is when the Lord will descend upon Mount Sinai in the full view of everyone.

And let them be ready on the third day: for the thirde day the Lord will come downe in the sight of all the people vpon mount Sinai:

and have been prepared for the third day; for on the third day doth Jehovah come down before the eyes of all the people, on mount Sinai.

and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.

And be ready against the third day: for on the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

And let them be ready against the third day: for on the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

They must do that to be ready on the day after tomorrow. On that day I will come down to Sinai Mountain to where all the people can see me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 19:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 19:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הָי֥וּ נְכֹנִ֖ים לַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֑י כִּ֣י בַּ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י יֵרֵ֧ד יְהוָ֛ה לְ/עֵינֵ֥י כָל הָ/עָ֖ם עַל הַ֥ר סִינָֽי
וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp
נְכֹנִ֖ים kûwn H3559 to establish V-Niphal
לַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֑י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 third Art | Adj
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 third Art | Adj
יֵרֵ֧ד yârad H3381 to go down V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לְ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd
כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ֥ר har H2022 mountain N-ms
סִינָֽי Çîynay H5514 Sinai N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 19:11

וְ/הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
נְכֹנִ֖ים kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֑י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 "third" Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
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.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 "third" Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
יֵרֵ֧ד yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/עֵינֵ֥י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | 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.
עַל 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.
הַ֥ר har H2022 "mountain" 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.
סִינָֽי Çîynay H5514 "Sinai" N-proper
Sinai refers to a mountain where Moses received the Law from God, located at the southern end of the Sinai peninsula. It is also known as the mountain of Arabia. This site is significant in the Bible as a place of revelation and covenant.
Definition: § Sinai = "thorny" the mountain where Moses received the Law from Jehovah; located at the southern end of the Sinai peninsula between the horns of the Red Sea; exact
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Sinai. See also: Exodus 16:1; Numbers 1:1; Psalms 68:9.

Study Notes — Exodus 19:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 19:16 On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.
2 Exodus 34:5 And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD.
3 Deuteronomy 33:2 He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.
4 Exodus 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
5 Exodus 19:20 The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up,
6 Isaiah 64:1–2 If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!
7 Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
8 Psalms 18:9 He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.
9 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.
10 John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.

Exodus 19:11 Summary

[In Exodus 19:11, God tells the people to be prepared by the third day because He is going to come down on Mount Sinai in a visible and powerful way, similar to the experience of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12. This shows us that God is a holy and mighty God who deserves our reverence and respect. As we approach God, we should remember to prepare ourselves spiritually and physically, just like the Israelites did, and prioritize our relationship with Him, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Psalm 95:6-7. By doing so, we can have a deeper and more meaningful encounter with God's presence in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell the people to prepare themselves for the third day?

God wanted the people to be spiritually and physically prepared to meet with Him, as seen in Exodus 19:11, and to understand the importance of reverence and obedience, similar to the instructions given in Leviticus 11:44-45.

What does it mean for God to come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people?

This means that God's presence would be visibly manifest to the people, demonstrating His power and glory, much like the experience of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12, where God's presence was accompanied by wind, earthquake, and fire.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sanctification?

The command to consecrate themselves in Exodus 19:10 and be prepared by the third day in Exodus 19:11 shows that God requires His people to be set apart and holy, as also taught in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of preparing to meet God?

We can learn the importance of preparation and reverence in our approach to God, as seen in Exodus 19:11, and the need to prioritize our relationship with Him, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Psalm 95:6-7.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can prepare myself to meet with God, just as the Israelites were instructed to do?
  2. How can I demonstrate reverence and obedience to God in my daily life, as seen in the instructions given to the Israelites in Exodus 19:12-13?
  3. What are some things that might be hindering my ability to encounter God's presence, and how can I address them?
  4. How can I balance the desire for a personal experience of God's presence with the need to respect His holiness and power, as seen in Exodus 19:11 and Isaiah 6:1-5?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:11

And be ready against the third day,.... Not the third day of the month, but the third day from hence, this being the fourth, and the morrow the fifth, and the third day, the day following that, the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:11

And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:11

For the third day from this time, and the fiftieth day from the passover, as was noted before, the Lord will come down in a visible and glorious manifestation of his presence.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:11

Exodus 19:11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.Ver. 11. Against the third day.] That is, three days hence, on the day of Pentecost.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:11

(11) Against the third day.—There is no special “significance” in this mention of “the third day.” The important point is, that the purification was to continue through two entire days—one day not being sufficient. This taught the lesson that man’s defilement is, in the sight of God, very great. The Lord will come down in the sight of all the people.—See the comment on Exodus 19:9.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:11

10–13. Preparations to be made in view of the approaching theophany. The people are to be sanctified (E), and (J) barriers set about the mountain, to prevent its being desecrated by idle intruders.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 19:11

11. Be ready against the third day — Ceremonial purifications, made with expectations of some sublime theophany about to take place, prepared the hearts of the people to receive the deepest possible impressions from the scene.

Sermons on Exodus 19:11

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example
Jackie Pullinger A Missional Encounter by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. Howeve
A.W. Tozer The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b
A.W. Tozer (Worship - Part 3): Worship the Lord in Glory and Meekness by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of humanity and the loss of the vision of God's glory. He highlights that despite our fallen nature, God desired us because
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 19:9-25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that it was a terrifying event, not a beautiful one. The people were warned not to approac
Compilations Today's Gospel (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the speaker quotes Martin Luther's statement expressing his concern about a sect that teaches the removal of the Ten Commandments from the church and the lack of fe
Don McClure Hebrews 12:18-29 by Don McClure In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who is being chased by a man from an insane asylum. The boy is terrified and running for his life, but eventually, the

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