Exodus 19:21

Exodus 19:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto Jehovah to gaze, and many of them perish.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses, Go down and give the people orders to keep back, for fear that a great number of them, forcing their way through to see the Lord, may come to destruction.

Free Bible Version FBV

and the Lord told him, “Go back down, and warn the people not to force their way across the boundary to try to come to the Lord or they will die.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Lord said vnto Moses, Go down, charge the people, that they breake not their boundes, to go vp to the Lord to gaze, least many of them perish.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Go down, protest to the people, lest they break through unto Jehovah to see, and many of them have fallen;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He said unto him: Go down, and charge the people: lest they should have a mind to pass the limits to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them should perish.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Go down again and warn the people not to cross the boundary in order to look at me. If they do that, many of them will die.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 19:21

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 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה רֵ֖ד הָעֵ֣ד בָּ/עָ֑ם פֶּן יֶהֶרְס֤וּ אֶל יְהוָה֙ לִ/רְא֔וֹת וְ/נָפַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ רָֽב

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

רֵ֖ד yârad H3381 to go down V-Qal-Impv-2ms

הָעֵ֣ד ʻûwd H5749 to uphold V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

בָּ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

יֶהֶרְס֤וּ hâraç H2040 to overthrow V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לִ/רְא֔וֹת râʼâh H7200 Provider Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/נָפַ֥ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-3ms

מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

רָֽב rab H7227 many Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 19:21

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.

יְהוָה֙ 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.

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.

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

רֵ֖ד yârad H3381 "to go down" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

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.

הָעֵ֣ד ʻûwd H5749 "to uphold" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms

To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.

Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.

בָּ/עָ֑ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | 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.

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

יֶהֶרְס֤וּ hâraç H2040 "to overthrow" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.

Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

יְהוָה֙ 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.

לִ/רְא֔וֹת râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/נָפַ֥ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

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.

רָֽב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

Study Notes — Exodus 19:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 19:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:21
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:21
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:21
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 19:21
Sermons on Exodus 19:21

Context — The LORD Visits Sinai

19And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. 20The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up,

21and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.

22Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” 23But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 6:19	But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.
2	Exodus 3:5	“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
3	Hebrews 12:28–29	Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. “For our God is a consuming fire.”
4	Exodus 19:12–13	And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No 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. ”
5	Exodus 33:20	But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.”
6	Ecclesiastes 5:1	Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
7	Exodus 3:3	So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?”

Exodus 19:21 Summary

This verse is telling us that God is a very powerful and holy God, and we need to be careful when we try to get close to Him. He told Moses to warn the people not to try to see Him, or they might get hurt, as we see in Exodus 19:21. This is similar to when Moses had to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5, because he was standing on holy ground. We can learn from this verse that we should always approach God with respect and humility, like it says in Hebrews 12:28-29, and ask for His guidance and protection as we try to get closer to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell Moses to warn the people not to break through to see Him?

God told Moses to warn the people because He is a holy and powerful God, and the people's sinful nature made it dangerous for them to approach Him without proper warning and preparation, as seen in Exodus 19:21 and also in Leviticus 10:1-3 where God's judgment fell on Nadab and Abihu for their irreverent approach to Him.

What would happen if the people broke through to see the Lord?

If the people broke through to see the Lord, many of them would perish, as stated in Exodus 19:21, because of God's holy and righteous nature, which is also reflected in Isaiah 6:1-5 where the prophet Isaiah was overwhelmed by God's glory and holiness.

Is this warning only for the Israelites, or is it relevant for us today?

While this specific warning was for the Israelites, the principle of approaching God with reverence and humility is still relevant for us today, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are encouraged to worship God with reverence and awe.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's holiness?

This verse highlights God's holiness and the need for people to approach Him with caution and reverence, as also seen in Exodus 3:5, where Moses was told to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting God's holy nature.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can 'break through' to try to see or experience God in my own life, and how can I approach Him in a way that is reverent and humble?
How does the fact that God is a holy and powerful God affect my daily life and my relationship with Him?
In what ways can I prepare myself to 'see' or experience God's presence in my life, and what precautions can I take to ensure that I am approaching Him in a way that is pleasing to Him?
What are some potential consequences of approaching God without proper reverence and humility, and how can I avoid these dangers in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:21

And the Lord said unto Moses, go down,.... As soon as he was got to the top of the mount he was bid to go down again to the bottom, with a message to the people: charge the people, lest they break

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. Lord said unto Moses, Go down.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:21

Through curiosity to know in what form or manner I appear to thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:21

Exodus 19:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.Ver. 21. And many of them perish.] As the men of Bethshemesh did for prying into the ark. Arcana Dei, sunt Arca Dei: God’ s secrets are his ark. Eorum quae scire nec datur, nec fas est, docta est ignorantia; scientiae appetentia, insaniae species. Not to know what is not fit to know, is a learned ignorance; to desire to know in that case is a kind of madness. He that curiously searcheth into God’ s majesty, shall be oppressed of his glory. Calvin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:21

GOD’S WARNING TO THE PEOPLE AGAINST A TOO NEAR .(21-25) Warning was given, as soon as God announced His intention of descending upon Sinai, that the people must not approach too near. “Bounds” were set, and the people required to keep within them. Actual contact with the mountain was forbidden under penalty of death (Exodus 19:12). It is evident from Exodus 19:23 that the command to “set bounds” had been obeyed, and a fence erected which it would have required some force to “break through;” nor can there be any doubt that Moses had promulgated the directions, which he had received from God, forbidding any approach to the mount, and threatening death to those who should “touch” it. Yet still it is evident from this concluding paragraph of the chapter (Exodus 19:21-25) that the first warning was insufficient. An intention to “break through, to gaze,” must have been entertained by many. To this intention the existing priesthood, whatever it was, were parties (Exodus 19:22). It always grates upon men’s feelings to be told that they are less holy than others; and we can easily understand that those who had hitherto acted as priests to the nation would resent their exclusion from “holy ground” to which the sons of Amram were about to be admitted. Even of the people there may have been many who participated in the feeling, and thought that Moses and Aaron were “taking too much upon them, seeing that the whole congregation” was holy. Hence, a further very stringent command was requisite, and Moses, having reached the summit, was sent down again from the top to the bottom in order to enjoin upon priests and people alike, in the most solemn possible way, the necessity of their observing the bounds set.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:21

21. break through] viz. the barriers that had been erected (v. 12). Lit. pull or tear down (Judges 6:25 al.). So v. 24. perish] lit. fall, i.e. be struck down suddenly by the lightning.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 19:21

CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE, Exodus 19:21-25. 21. Go down, charge the people — We here observe how Israel had to be admonished and taught by repeated commands.

Sermons on Exodus 19:21

	Sermon	Description
	Praise and Fear the Lord by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, David delivers a psalm to thank the Lord, emphasizing the importance of worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness. He encourages the people to declare God's glory am
	God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo
	Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transforma
	(1 Samuel) the Holiness of God by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human fascination with the supernatural and the desire to know something beyond our earthly existence. He relates this to the modern fasc
	Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with
	A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou
	Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w