Menu

Hebrews 12:20

Hebrews 12:20 in Multiple Translations

For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;

For the order which said, If the mountain is touched even by a beast, the beast is to be stoned, seemed hard to them;

For they couldn't take what they were told to do, such as, “Even if a farm animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”

(For they were not able to abide that which was commanded, yea, though a beast touche the mountaine, it shalbe stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

for they were not bearing that which is commanded, 'And if a beast may touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or with an arrow shot through,'

for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”.

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

For they did not endure that which was said: And if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned.

When God commanded them saying, “If a person or even an animal touches this mountain, you must kill him/it by throwing stones at him/it,” they were terrified.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 12:20

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.

Hebrews 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ουκ εφερον γαρ το διαστελλομενον καν θηριον θιγη του ορους λιθοβοληθησεται
ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N
εφερον pherō G5342 to bear/lead Verb-IAI-3P
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN
διαστελλομενον diastellō G1291 to give orders Verb-PPP-ASN
καν kan G2579 and/even if COND-K
θηριον thērion G2342 wild animal Noun-NSN
θιγη thinganō G2345 to touch Verb-2AAS-3S
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN
ορους oros G3735 mountain Noun-GSN
λιθοβοληθησεται lithoboleō G3036 to stone Verb-FPI-3S
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 12:20

ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
εφερον pherō G5342 "to bear/lead" Verb-IAI-3P
To bear or lead, meaning to carry or support something or someone, as seen in Luke 23:26 and Hebrews 1:3. It can also mean to endure or bring something forward. This word is used in various contexts, including physical and mental support.
Definition: φέρω [in LXX chiefly for בּוֹא. hi., also for נָשָׂא, etc. ;] to bear; __1. to bear, carry: with accusative, Luk.23:26 24:1, Jhn.19:39, Heb.1:3 (see Westc., in l); pass., Act.2:2 27:15, 17 Heb.6:1, 2Pe.1:17-18; of the mind, 2Pe.1:21. __2. to bear, endure: with accusative of thing(s), Heb.12:20 13:13; with accusative of person(s), Rom.9:22. __3. to bring, bring forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.5:16; id. before πρός, Mrk.1:32 2:3 9:17, 19-20; ἐπί, Luk.5:18; with dative, Mrk.7:32 8:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.6:27 11:2 12:15, Luk.15:23, Act.4:34, 37 5:2, 2Ti.4:13; id. before πρός, Mrk.11:7; εἰς, Rev.21:24, 26; ἐπί, Mat.14:11, Mrk.6:28; ἀπό, Jhn.21:10; with dative, Mrk.12:15, Jhn.2:8; id. before ὧδε, Mat.14:18 17:17; before φαγεῖν (sc. τι), Jhn.4:33; τ. δάκτυλον (χεῖρα), Jhn.20:27; pass., ἡ χάρις, 1Pe.1:13; διδαχήν, II Jn 10; θάνατον (cf. Field, Notes, 230), Heb.9:16; κρίσιν, 2Pe.2:11; κατηγορίαν, Jhn.18:29; αἰτίαν, Act.25:18; αἰτιώματα, Act.25:7, Rec. __4. to bear, produce, bring forth: καρπόν, Mat.7:18, Mrk.4:8, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16. __5. to bring, lead: Mrk.15:22, Jhn.21:18, Act.14:13; metaphorically, of a gate (ὁδός, cl.), Seq. εἰς, Act.12:10 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, δια-, εἰσ-, παρ-εισ-, ἐκ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, -παρα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπο-φέρω).† SYN: φορέω, which expresses habitual and continuous bearing as distinct from (φέρω) that which is accidental and temporary (cf. Mat.11:8, al., see word φορέω, and see Tr., Syn., § lviii) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold See also: 1 Peter 1:13; John 15:16; Hebrews 1:3.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
διαστελλομενον diastellō G1291 "to give orders" Verb-PPP-ASN
This word means to give orders or commands, like when Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone about his miracles in Matthew 16:20. It can also mean to set something apart or distinguish it. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's commands to his people.
Definition: δια-στελλω [in LXX for בָּדַל hi. (Deu.10:8, al.), זְהַר hi. (Eze.3:18-19, al.), and 19 other words] __1. to divide, distinguish, define. __2. to command, charge expressly: pass., τὸ διαστελλόμενον, Heb.12:20. Mid., in late Gk. with same sense (so Ez, l.with; and al. in LXX; MM, see word); a. dative of person(s), Mrk.8:15, Act.15:24; before ἵνα, Mat.16:20, Mrk.5:43 7:36 9:9.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: charge, that which was (give) commanded(-ment) See also: Acts 15:24; Mark 7:36; Hebrews 12:20.
καν kan G2579 "and/even if" COND-K
This word means 'and if' or 'even if', used in phrases like 'and if' or 'even though' in the Bible, such as in Matthew 21:21 and John 8:55. It shows a condition or a concession. It's used to connect ideas or show a contrast.
Definition: κἄν by crasis for καὶ ἄν (= ἐάν; WH, App., 145b; Thayer, see word), with subjunc., __1. and if: Mrk.16:18 Luk.12:38, Jhn.8:55, 1Co.13:2-3, Jas.5:15; with ellips., Luk.13:9. __2. Concessive, even if: Mat.21:21 26:35, Jhn.8:14 10:38 11:25, Heb.12:20. __3. As intensive of simple καί (M, Pr., 167; WM, 730; Jannaris, Gr., 598), even, at least: Mrk.5:28 6:56, Act.5:15, 2Co.11:16.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: and (also) if (so much as), if but, at the least, though, yet See also: 2 Corinthians 11:16; John 11:25; Hebrews 12:20.
θηριον thērion G2342 "wild animal" Noun-NSN
A wild or dangerous animal is what this word refers to, used in Mark 1:13 and Revelation 6:8. It can also symbolize the Antichrist.
Definition: θηρίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of θήρ), [in LXX chiefly for חַי ;] a wild beast, beast: Mrk.1:13, Act.11:6 28:4-5, Tit.1:12, Heb.12:20, Jas.3:7, Rev.6:8; of Antichrist, Rev.11:7, 13-19.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (venomous, wild) beast See also: Acts 10:12; Revelation 14:9; Hebrews 12:20.
θιγη thinganō G2345 "to touch" Verb-2AAS-3S
To touch or handle something, like in Colossians 2:21, where it means to manipulate or have to do with. It can also mean to injure, as in Hebrews 11:28, where the Israelites were instructed not to touch Mount Sinai.
Definition: θιγγάνω [in LXX for נָגַע, Exo.19:12 * ;] __1. to touch, handle: Col.2:21, Heb.12:20" (LXX) . __2. to injure (like Heb. נָגַע, and as in Eur., Iph. Aul., 1351): with genitive, Heb.11:28.† SYN.: see: ἅπτω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: handle, touch See also: Colossians 2:21; Hebrews 11:28; Hebrews 12:20.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ορους oros G3735 "mountain" Noun-GSN
This word means a mountain, a high elevation of land, as mentioned in Matthew 4:8 and Mark 9:2. It is often used in the New Testament to describe a specific location or setting. The word is also used to symbolize a place of spiritual significance.
Definition: ὄρος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly, and very freq., for הַר ;] a mountain: Mat.4:8 17:1, Mrk.9:2, Jhn.4:20, 2Pe.1:18, al.; opposite to βουνός, Luk.3:5 (LXX); ὄ. τ. ἐλαιῶν, Mat.21:1 24:3, al. (see: ἐ.); ὄ. Σιών (Σ., prob. in gem appos.), Heb.12:22, Rev.14:1; ὄ. Σινά, Act.7:30, 38 Gal.4:24-25; τὸ ὄ., of the hill district as distinct from the lowlands, esp. the hills above the Sea of Galilee, Mat.5:1 8:1, Mrk.3:13 6:46, al.; τὰ ὄ., Mat.18:12, Mrk.5:5, Heb.11:38, Rev.6:14, al.; proverbially (cf. Rabbinic, הדים עקר), of overcoming difficulties, accomplishing marvels, ὄρη μεθιστάνειν, 1Co.13:2, cf. Mat.17:20 21:21, Mrk.11:23 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 65 NT verses. KJV: hill, mount(-ain) See also: 1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 5:11; Hebrews 8:5.
λιθοβοληθησεται lithoboleō G3036 "to stone" Verb-FPI-3S
To stone means to throw stones at someone, often until they die. In the Bible, Stephen was stoned in Acts 7:58-59, and Jesus talks about stoning in Matthew 21:35.
Definition: λιθο-βολέω, -ῶ (λίθος, βάλλω), [in LXX for סָקַל, רָגַם, Exo.19:13, Lev.20:2, al. ;] to pelt with stones, to kill by stoning, to stone (cf. λιθάζω): with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:35 23:37, Luk.13:34 Act.7:58-59 14:5; pass., Heb.12:20 (LXX).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: stone, cast stones See also: Acts 7:58; John 8:5; Hebrews 12:20.

Study Notes — Hebrews 12:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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. ”
2 Exodus 19:16 On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.
3 Galatians 3:10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
4 Deuteronomy 33:2 He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.
5 Galatians 2:19 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God.
6 Romans 3:19–20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

Hebrews 12:20 Summary

Hebrews 12:20 reminds us of the immense holiness of God by referencing the command that even animals touching Mount Sinai had to be stoned, showing how seriously God takes sin and disobedience (as seen in Exodus 19:12-13). This teaches us to approach God with reverence and respect. In contrast to the fear and distance of the Old Covenant, we now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:22-24, Ephesians 3:12). This should inspire us to live holy lives, remembering that God is our loving Father who desires our closeness but also demands our respect and obedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the mountain in Hebrews 12:20?

The mountain refers to Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to the Israelites, as described in Exodus 19:12-13 and Exodus 20:18-19. This mountain was a symbol of God's holy presence and the fear it inspired in those who approached it.

Why was it commanded that even an animal touching the mountain must be stoned?

This command, as seen in Exodus 19:12-13, emphasizes the sacredness and the untouchable nature of the mountain, representing God's holiness and the gravity of approaching Him without proper reverence and preparation.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Hebrews 12?

Hebrews 12:20 highlights the contrast between the fear-inspiring, inaccessible mountain of the Old Covenant and the accessible, loving God of the New Covenant, as further explained in Hebrews 12:22-24, where believers are said to have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God.

What does this teach us about God's character?

This verse teaches us about God's holiness and the importance of reverence and respect in our approach to Him, as also seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, where God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the ways in which I approach God with the reverence and respect that His holiness demands?
  2. How does the contrast between the Old and New Covenants, as highlighted in Hebrews 12:18-24, affect my understanding of God's love and accessibility?
  3. In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in my daily life, considering the lessons from Hebrews 12:20?
  4. How does the command regarding the mountain in Exodus 19:12-13 reflect the broader theme of God's desire for a holy and separate people, as seen in verses like Leviticus 20:26?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:20

For they could not endure that which was commanded,.... In the law; not that they disliked and despised the law, as unregenerate men do; but they could not endure it, or bear it, as a yoke, it being

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:20

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: That which was commanded , [ to (G3588)

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20

The reason of the foregoing deprecation, and which adds to the terribleness of this covenant dispensation; for the voice surpassed their strength and capacity, that they must die if they heard it any more, so dreadful was the sound and matter of it; for the commandment and threatening was: That if any man or beast did but so much as touch the mountain, they should die for it, ,13,21,23,24. Therefore was Moses so strictly charged to look to it, and to provide against it, showing the dreadfulness of that covenant dispensation, that if men did not keep their beasts from coming near, they should be stoned or darted to death; how much more themselves, if they should transgress the law, which, though it was designed to lead them unto Christ, yet was not generally so discerned or used by them! So that if the publication of it be so terrible, how much more the punishment for breaking it! .

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20

20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: Ver. 20. For they could not endure] This shows the nature and use of the law, contrary to that of the gospel. It is a killing letter, written in blood, holding forth justice only, and no mercy.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20

(20) There is no sufficient reason for enclosing this verse and the next in a parenthesis. And if so much as.—Better, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned (Exodus 19:12-13). The next clause, “or thrust through with a dart,” is absent from our best authorities; and has accidentally found its way into the text from Exodus 19:13.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:20

20. they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast …] Rather, “they endured not the injunction, If even a beast …” (Exodus 19:12-13). This injunction seemed to them to indicate an awful terror and sanctity in the environment of the mountain. It filled them with alarm. The Jewish Hagadah said that at the utterance of each commandment the Israelites recoiled twelve miles, and were only brought forward again by the ministering angels. St Paul, in different style, contrasts “the Mount Sinai which gendereth to bondage” with “the Jerusalem which is free and the mother of us all” (Galatians 4:24-26).or thrust through with a dart] This clause is a gloss added from Exodus 19:13. Any man who touched the mountain was to be stoned, any beast to be transfixed (Exodus 19:13): but the quotation is here abbreviated, and the allusion is summary as in Hebrews 7:5; Acts 7:16.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:20

For they could not endure that which was commanded - They could not sustain the awe produced by the fact that God uttered his commands himself.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20

20. While 18 and 19 give the essential particulars of the Sinaitic scene, 20 and 21 are added as the aggravations of the fearfulness of the whole.

Sermons on Hebrews 12:20

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 19:9-25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. He emphasizes that it was a terrifying event, not a beautiful one. The people were warned not to approac
William MacDonald The Lord's Supper by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared and reverent when gathering together as the people of God. He reminds the audience that they stand in the pr
Danny Bond The Perfect Father Everyday by Danny Bond In this sermon, I. Packer emphasizes the importance of understanding Christianity as a revelation of the fatherhood of God. He states that the knowledge of God as one's holy father
Leonard Verduin (Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Sacramentschwarmer! - Part 2 by Leonard Verduin Leonard Verduin delves into the historical context of Sacramentarians and Restitutionists, highlighting the anti-Sacramentalism present in Europe before the Reformation. He explore
David Wilkerson The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example
Jackie Pullinger A Missional Encounter by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. Howeve

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate