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Exodus 20:18

Exodus 20:18 in Multiple Translations

When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance.

¶ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they trembled, and stood afar off.

And all the people were watching the thunderings and the flames and the sound of the horn and the mountain smoking; and when they saw it, they kept far off, shaking with fear.

When all the people heard the thunder and the sound of the trumpet, and saw the lightning and the smoke from the mountain, they trembled with fear and stood a long way off.

And all the people sawe the thunders, and the lightnings, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountaine smoking and when the people saw it they fled and stoode afare off,

And all the people are seeing the voices, and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mount smoking; and the people see, and move, and stand afar off,

All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

And all the people saw the voices and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mount smoking: and being terrified and struck with fear, they stood afar off,

When the people heard the thunder and saw the lightning, and when they heard the sound of the trumpet and saw the smoke on the mountain, they were afraid and trembled. They stood at a distance,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 20:18

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 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כָל הָ/עָם֩ רֹאִ֨ים אֶת הַ/קּוֹלֹ֜ת וְ/אֶת הַ/לַּפִּידִ֗ם וְ/אֵת֙ ק֣וֹל הַ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר וְ/אֶת הָ/הָ֖ר עָשֵׁ֑ן וַ/יַּ֤רְא הָ/עָם֙ וַ/יָּנֻ֔עוּ וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ מֵֽ/רָחֹֽק
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָם֩ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
רֹאִ֨ים râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/קּוֹלֹ֜ת qôwl H6963 voice Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הַ/לַּפִּידִ֗ם lappîyd H3940 torch Art | N-mp
וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice N-ms
הַ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר shôwphâr H7782 trumpet Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הָ/הָ֖ר har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms
עָשֵׁ֑ן ʻâshên H6226 smoking Adj
וַ/יַּ֤רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
וַ/יָּנֻ֔עוּ nûwaʻ H5128 to shake Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵֽ/רָחֹֽק râchôwq H7350 distant Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 20:18

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | 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/עָם֩ 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.
רֹאִ֨ים râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal
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.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קּוֹלֹ֜ת qôwl H6963 "voice" Art | N-mp
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/לַּפִּידִ֗ם lappîyd H3940 "torch" Art | N-mp
A torch or lamp, this word refers to a burning flame or fire. In the Bible, it describes a light source or a symbol of God's power.
Definition: torch
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (fire-) brand, (burning) lamp, lightning, torch. See also: Genesis 15:17; Job 12:5; Isaiah 62:1.
וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הַ/שֹּׁפָ֔ר shôwphâr H7782 "trumpet" Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a trumpet or cornet, often made from a ram's horn. It was used in the Bible to signal important events or to sound an alarm, and is still used today in some Jewish traditions.
Definition: horn, ram's horn
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: cornet, trumpet. See also: Exodus 19:16; 1 Chronicles 15:28; Psalms 47:6.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/הָ֖ר 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.
עָשֵׁ֑ן ʻâshên H6226 "smoking" Adj
This word describes something that is smoky, giving off vapor or fumes. It is used to picture a place or situation that is filled with smoke, like a burning city in Isaiah. The smoke is often a sign of destruction or judgment.
Definition: smoking
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: smoking. See also: Exodus 20:18; Isaiah 7:4.
וַ/יַּ֤רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָ/עָם֙ 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.
וַ/יָּנֻ֔עוּ nûwaʻ H5128 "to shake" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
וַ/יַּֽעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מֵֽ/רָחֹֽק râchôwq H7350 "distant" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.

Study Notes — Exodus 20:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 19:16–18 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. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 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 Jeremiah 23:23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?”
3 Psalms 139:7–8 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
4 Hebrews 12:18–19 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken.

Exodus 20:18 Summary

This verse, Exodus 20:18, describes the people's reaction to witnessing the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram's horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, which caused them to tremble and stand at a distance. They were in awe of God's power and presence, and this fear is a natural response to encountering the living God, as described in Psalms 111:10. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and humility in our own relationship with God, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29. By acknowledging God's holiness and power, we can develop a healthier fear of Him, which will help us to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as described in Proverbs 1:7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people tremble and stand at a distance when they witnessed the thunder and lightning?

The people trembled and stood at a distance because they were in awe of God's power and presence, as seen in Exodus 20:18, and this fear is a natural response to encountering the living God, as described in Psalms 111:10, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

What was the significance of the ram's horn sounding in this context?

The sounding of the ram's horn, also known as a shofar, was a call to attention and assembly, signaling the importance of the moment, as seen in Exodus 20:18, and is also mentioned in Leviticus 25:9, where it is used to signal the start of the Year of Jubilee.

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

This verse highlights God's holiness and the people's awareness of their own sinfulness, as seen in Exodus 20:18, and is reminiscent of Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God's holiness and is convicted of his own sinfulness.

What can we learn from the people's reaction to God's presence?

We can learn that a genuine encounter with God should evoke a sense of reverence and humility, as seen in Exodus 20:18, and as described in Hebrews 12:28-29, where it says that we should worship God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would be my response if I were to experience the same manifestation of God's power and presence as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in my daily life, as seen in Exodus 20:18?
  3. What are some ways that I can apply the principle of fearing God, as mentioned in Exodus 20:18 and Proverbs 1:7, to my own life and relationships?
  4. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, acknowledge my own limitations and weaknesses in the presence of a holy and powerful God, as described in Exodus 20:18 and Isaiah 6:1-5?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 20:18

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings,.... That is, they heard the one, and saw the other; they heard the dreadful volleys of thunder, and saw the amazing flashes of lightning,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 20:18

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 20:18

Saw the thunderings, i.e. heard them. One sense is oft put for another, as seeing, , for hearing, . They removed from the bottom of the mountain, where it seems they stood.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 20:18

Exodus 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.Ver. 18. They removed, &c., ] viz., From the hill foot, where they stood and trembled. They feared and fled. Man is ζωονφιλοζωον, a creature that would fain live. Aristot.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 20:18

AT THE PEOPLE’S REQUEST, MOSES BECOMES THEIR .(18-21) The delivery of the Ten Commandments by a voice manifestly superhuman impressed the people with an awful fear. They felt the near contact with God to be more than they could bear. Even Moses was so deeply moved that he exclaimed, “I exceedingly fear and quake” (Hebrews 12:21). The people were still more afraid, and felt compelled to withdraw to a distance, beyond the sound of the terrible voice. From Deuteronomy we learn that they retired within their tents (Deuteronomy 5:30), having first sent a deputation to Moses, with a request that he would thenceforth act as their intermediary. It pleased God to assent to this proposal; and the remainder of the Law was communicated by God to Moses, and by Moses to the Israelites.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 20:18

Verse 18. And all the people saw the thunderings, c.] They had witnessed all these awful things before, (see Exodus 19:16), but here they seem to have been repeated probably at the end of each command, there was a peal of thunder, a blast of the trumpet, and a gleam of lightning, to impress their hearts the more deeply with a due sense of the Divine Majesty, of the holiness of the law which was now delivered, and of the fearful consequences of disobedience. This had the desired effect; the people were impressed with a deep religious fear and a terror of God's judgments; acknowledged themselves perfectly satisfied with the discoveries God had made of himself; and requested that Moses might be constituted the mediator between God and them, as they were not able to bear these tremendous discoveries of the Divine Majesty. "Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die;" Exodus 20:19. This teaches us the absolute necessity of that great Mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus, as no man can come unto the Father but by him.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 20:18

18–21. The people, alarmed by the terrible accompaniments of the theophany, express a desire that in future Moses may speak to them instead of God. Their wish is implicitly granted. Cf. Deuteronomy 5:22-31.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 20:18

Compare Deuteronomy 5:22-31. Aaron Exodus 19:24 on this occasion accompanied Moses in drawing near to the thick darkness.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 20:18

18. The people saw the thunderings — Hebraic mode of expression. Comp. Revelation 1:12 : “I turned to see the voice that spake with me.” On the sublime scenes here described see notes on Exodus 19:16-20.

Sermons on Exodus 20:18

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (1 Corinthians) ch.14:1-15:19 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 1 Corinthians 14:1, which encourages Christians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts. The aim in life should be to have the ty
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 20:18-24 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the giving of the law to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that the giving of the law was not a beautiful or pleasant event, but r
Leonard Ravenhill No Two Saints Are Alike by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to the Christian faith. He mentions spending time in the water for about 25 minutes out of a total of four hours. He a
John Piper A Woman Who Fears the Lord Is to Be Praised by John Piper In this sermon, the preacher uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the fear of God. He describes a situation where a dog chases after someone who runs away from it, comparing it t
Michael L. Brown (Revival) Revival Sets Things Right - Part 2 by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of believers in the United States, noting that there are more believers now than ever before. However, despite the abundanc
Brian Brodersen (John) When God Became One of Us by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the speaker begins by providing an introduction to the Gospel of John and its purpose. The focus then shifts to the study of the text, specifically verses 1 and 14.
Glenn Meldrum Come Up by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, the speaker discusses various events and experiences related to the Exodus. He mentions a story about missionaries who risked their lives to bring the Gospel to a h

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