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.
Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 12:20
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)
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
Study Notes — Hebrews 12:20
- Context
- Cross References
- Hebrews 12:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
- Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:20
- Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
- Sermons on Hebrews 12:20
Context — An Unshakable Kingdom
20For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”
21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angelsCross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are the ways in which I approach God with the reverence and respect that His holiness demands?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:20
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:20
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:20
Sermons on Hebrews 12:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |







