Exodus 24:17
Exodus 24:17 in Multiple Translations
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And the appearance of the glory of Jehovah was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And the glory of the Lord was like a flame on the top of the mountain before the eyes of the children of Israel.
To the Israelites the Lord's glory looked like a burning fire on the top of the mountain.
And the sight of the glorie of the Lord was like consuming fire on the top of the moutaine, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And the appearance of the honour of Jehovah [is] as a consuming fire on the top of the mount, before the eyes of the sons of Israel;
The appearance of the LORD’s glory was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire upon the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
When the Israeli people looked at the top of the mountain, the glory of Yahweh was like a big fire that was burning there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 24:17
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 24:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַרְאֵה֙
כְּב֣וֹד
יְהוָ֔ה
כְּ/אֵ֥שׁ
אֹכֶ֖לֶת
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
הָ/הָ֑ר
לְ/עֵינֵ֖י
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וּ/מַרְאֵה֙
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Conj | N-ms
כְּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כְּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
אֹכֶ֖לֶת
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הָ/הָ֑ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
לְ/עֵינֵ֖י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 24:17
וּ/מַרְאֵה֙
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
כְּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
כְּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
אֹכֶ֖לֶת
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/הָ֑ר
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.
לְ/עֵינֵ֖י
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.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Exodus 24:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 24:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 24:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 24:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 24:17
- Sermons on Exodus 24:17
Context — Moses on the Mountain
15When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,
16and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.
17And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.
18Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 12:29 | “For our God is a consuming fire.” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 4:24 | For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. |
| 3 | Exodus 3:2 | There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:18 | For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:36 | He let you hear His voice from heaven to discipline you, and on earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the fire. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 3:4–5 | His radiance was like the sunlight; rays flashed from His hand, where His power is hidden. Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 1:27 | From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. |
| 9 | Nahum 1:6 | Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. |
Exodus 24:17 Summary
The verse Exodus 24:17 describes the amazing sight of God's glory on Mount Sinai, which appeared as a consuming fire to the Israelites. This fire represents God's powerful and holy presence, which is also described in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29. Just like the Israelites, we can experience God's glory and presence in our lives, and it's a reminder to approach Him with reverence and humility, as seen in Exodus 19:18 and Isaiah 6:1-5. By focusing on God's glory and holiness, we can deepen our understanding of His character and cultivate a heart of worship and obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'consuming fire' mean in Exodus 24:17?
The phrase 'consuming fire' is a metaphor for God's holy and powerful presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, where God is described as a consuming fire who purifies and refines His people.
Why did the Israelites see the glory of the LORD as a consuming fire?
The Israelites saw the glory of the LORD as a consuming fire because it was a visible representation of God's awesome power and holiness, as described in Exodus 19:18 and Isaiah 6:1-5, where God's presence is accompanied by fire and smoke.
Is the fire in Exodus 24:17 a literal fire or a symbolic one?
While the Bible doesn't explicitly state whether the fire is literal or symbolic, it's likely a combination of both, as seen in Exodus 3:2, where the burning bush is a literal fire that symbolizes God's presence and power.
How does Exodus 24:17 relate to other Bible verses that describe God's glory?
Exodus 24:17 is connected to other verses like Ezekiel 1:4-28 and Revelation 4:1-11, which describe God's glory as a dazzling light and a consuming fire, emphasizing His holiness, power, and majesty.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of a consuming fire evoke in my heart and mind, and how does it relate to my understanding of God's character?
- In what ways can I apply the concept of God's refining fire to my own life, allowing Him to purify and transform me?
- How does the Israelites' experience of seeing God's glory as a consuming fire challenge or encourage my own faith and worship?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's holy presence in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 24:17
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount,.... For when God spoke out of the cloud, the glory of the Lord flashed out like devouring fire; it was not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 24:17
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
He saith like it, for it was not devouring fire, as appears by Moses’ s long abode in it. Note here, whatsoever the elders of Israel saw before, the people saw no similitude of God, as Moses observes, .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
Exodus 24:17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.Ver. 17. Was like devouring fire.] So it is still; which so terrifieth the sinners in Zion, that they run away with these words in their mouths, "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
(17) The sight of the glory of the Lord.—To the Israelites in the plain below, the appearance on the top of the Ras Sufsafeh was “like devouring fire.” A light like that of a conflagration rested on the top of the Ras Sufsafeh all the time that Moses was away.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 24:17
Verse 17. The glory of the Lord was like devouring fire] This appearance was well calculated to inspire the people with the deepest reverence and godly rear; and this is the use the apostle makes or it, Hebrews 12:28-29, where he evidently refers to this place, saying, Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a CONSUMING FIRE. Seeing the glory of the Lord upon the mount like a devouring fire, Moses having tarried long, the Israelites probably supposed that he had been devoured or consumed by it, and therefore the more easily fell into idolatry. But how could they do this, with this tremendous sight of God's glory before their eyes?
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 24:17
15b–18a (P). Moses is summoned up into the cloud on the top of the mount. The verses are P’s parallel to the narrative of JE in ch. 19. 15b. The sequel in P to Exodus 19:1-2 a. the cloud] the one which in P regularly enshrouds the ‘glory’ of Jehovah (cf. on the tabernacle, Exodus 40:34 f.; and the note on Exodus 13:21-22, at the end). Here it covers the mount, immediately upon Israel’s arrival at Sinai: contrast Exodus 19:16. 16. the glory of Jehovah] see on Exodus 16:10. abode] or dwelt: a word often used in P of Jehovah, the cloud, or the glory. Cf. Exodus 25:8, Exodus 29:45-46, Exodus 40:35; Numbers 5:3; Numbers 9:17-18; Numbers 9:22; Numbers 10:12; Numbers 35:34; and on Exodus 25:8-9. 17. The brilliance of the ‘glory’ broke through the cloud in which it was enveloped, and became visible to the people. devouring fire] i.e. blazing fire. Cf. Isaiah 29:6; Isaiah 30:27; Isaiah 30:30. 18b (E).
The sequel (with the original connecting words omitted) follows in Exodus 31:18 b. That Moses, according to E, was some time to the mount, is evident from the terms of Exo 32:1 : the ‘forty days’ are alluded to in Deuteronomy 9:9; Deuteronomy 9:11.
Sermons on Exodus 24:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Divine Attributes) 01 Visions of the Glory of God by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of four living creatures that he saw coming out of a glowing storm cloud. These creatures had the appearance of a man, but with four |
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Addressing the Curse of Poverty - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the kindness of God and its impact on our lives. He refers to the story of Moses in Exodus 24, where Moses enters into a fiery encounter with |
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Exodus 24:1 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consecration service in Exodus 24, where Moses sprinkled blood on the people. He describes the awe-inspiring sight of the God of Israel, w |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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Getting Alone - Abandonment (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgetting and never doing certain things. He criticizes the idea that preaching alone can reach the nations, pointing out |
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Washed With Fire by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and |
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Alone - Abandonment by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival in the church. He describes the current state of the church as weak and powerless, comparing it to people in Africa l |