Exodus 19:15
Exodus 19:15 in Multiple Translations
“Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.”
And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not near a woman.
And he said to the people, Be ready by the third day: do not come near a woman.
He instructed the people, “Get ready for the third day, and don't be intimate with a woman.”
And he said vnto the people, Be ready on the third day, and come not at your wiues.
and he saith unto the people, 'Be ye prepared for the third day, come not nigh unto a woman.'
He said to the people, “Be ready by the third day. Don’t have sexual relations with a woman.”
And he said to the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
He said to them: Be ready against the third day, and come not near your wives.
Then Moses/I said to the people, “Be ready on the day after tomorrow. And you men must not have sex with [EUP] your wives until after then.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 19:15
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.
Exodus 19:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
הָ/עָ֔ם
הֱי֥וּ
נְכֹנִ֖ים
לִ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
יָמִ֑ים
אַֽל
תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ
אֶל
אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הֱי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נְכֹנִ֖ים
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
לִ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Prep | Adj
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 19:15
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הָ/עָ֔ם
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.
הֱי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
לִ/שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֑ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
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.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Exodus 19:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 19:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:15
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:15
- Sermons on Exodus 19:15
Context — Israel at Mount Sinai
13No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain. ”
14When Moses came down from the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
15“Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.”
16On 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. 17Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 7:5 | Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 21:4–5 | “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the equipment of the young men is holy, as it is even on common missions, and all the more at this time.” |
| 3 | Exodus 19:11 | 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. |
| 4 | Joel 2:16 | Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. |
| 5 | Amos 4:12 | “Therefore, that is what I will do to you, O Israel, and since I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel! |
| 6 | Zechariah 6:3 | the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. |
| 7 | Matthew 3:10–12 | The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” |
| 8 | Zechariah 7:3 | by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” |
| 9 | 2 Peter 3:11–12 | Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. |
| 10 | Malachi 3:2 | But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. |
Exodus 19:15 Summary
In Exodus 19:15, Moses tells the people to get ready for the third day, when God will come down to Mount Sinai. This means they need to prepare themselves spiritually, which includes not being intimate with their spouses, as a way of showing respect and reverence for God (see also Exodus 19:14 and Joshua 3:5). This is similar to how we might prepare ourselves for a special meeting or event, by cleaning up and making sure we are presentable. By following Moses' instructions, the people are showing that they are serious about their relationship with God and want to honor Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses instruct the people to prepare for the third day?
Moses instructed the people to prepare for the third day because God was going to come down to Mount Sinai, and the people needed to be spiritually prepared for this encounter, as seen in Exodus 19:15 and Exodus 19:16. This preparation involved consecrating themselves and washing their clothes, as mentioned in Exodus 19:14.
What does it mean to 'not draw near to a woman' in Exodus 19:15?
The instruction to 'not draw near to a woman' in Exodus 19:15 is a call to abstain from marital relations, as a way of consecrating and purifying themselves for their encounter with God, similar to the instructions given to the priests in Leviticus 15:18.
Is this verse related to the concept of spiritual purity in the Bible?
Yes, Exodus 19:15 is related to the concept of spiritual purity in the Bible, as seen in other passages such as Joshua 3:5, where the people were instructed to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan River, and 1 Corinthians 7:5, where couples are instructed to abstain from marital relations for a time to devote themselves to prayer.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Exodus?
This verse relates to the broader theme of Exodus, which is the redemption of God's people and their covenant relationship with Him, as seen in Exodus 6:7, where God says 'I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prepare myself to meet with God, just like the Israelites prepared to meet with Him on Mount Sinai?
- How can I apply the principle of consecrating myself for a special encounter with God in my own life?
- What are some things in my life that might be hindering my ability to draw near to God, and how can I 'consecrate' myself to remove those hindrances?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my reverence and respect for God, just like the Israelites did by following Moses' instructions in Exodus 19:15?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:15
And he said unto the people, be ready against the third day,.... The third day from thence, the sixth of the month Sivan, against which day they were to prepare themselves, by washing their garments,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:15
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 19:15
Abstain from the use of the marriage-bed, partly because your wives may haply have their uncleanness upon them, though unknown to themselves, at least to you, whereby you may be legally defiled; see ; and partly that your minds may be abstracted from all sensual delights, and wholly employed about this great and holy work and service. There is a like command ; but both this and that do indifferently concern both ministers and people, and are limited to a certain time, and therefore are very impertinently alleged for the perpetual celibacy of ministers. See also .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:15
Exodus 19:15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.Ver. 15. Be ready against the third day.] If the word of a command expected such readiness, what shall the word of promise? &c. Come not at your wives.] For the legal uncleanness that was in it, figuring the filth of original sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:15
(15) Come not at your wives.—Comp. 1 Samuel 21:4-5 :1 Corinthians 7:5. It was the general sentiment of antiquity that a ceremonial uncleanness attached even to the chastest sexual connection. (Herod. I. 189, ii. 64; Hesiod. Op. et D., 11. 733-4: Tibull, Carni. ii. 1, 11. 11, 12; Porphyr., De Abstinentia, 4:7.) The Levitical law took the same view (Leviticus 15:18), as did the Indian law (Menu, v. 63), the Persian (Zendavesta, quoted by Bähr, Symbolik, vol. ii., p. 466), and the Mahometan (Koran, iv. 5).
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:15
14–15. The sequel in E to vv. 10, 11a. Moses comes down from the mountain, and sanctifies the people as instructed in vv. 10, 11a. 15b. Cf. 1 Samuel 21:4; and the Minaean inscr. cited in ATLAO. p. 433.
Sermons on Exodus 19:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th |
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Supplement to Tract Xviii; on the Benefits of the System of Fasting Prescribed by Our Church by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of fasting in the Christian life, addressing various questions and misconceptions surrounding the practice. He emphasizes the significance of |
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Homily 13 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome shares the journey to Laodicea, where a family is reunited after many years of separation. The family's history is revealed, leading to emotional recognitions and a |
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Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems |
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Part 4: Amillenniallism From Augustine to Modern Times by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord delves into the significant impact of Augustine on theology, particularly in shaping Catholic and Protestant doctrines. Augustine's contributions to the areas of c |
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Miracles After Forty - Hope Does Not Die With Aging by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges that people face as they get older and how they can become stagnant in their Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of p |
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Why Pray for Revival by Manley Beasley | Manley Beasley emphasizes the necessity of praying for spiritual revival, highlighting that such awakenings are acts of God that restore His glory and lead to the salvation of many |