Exodus 19:12
And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:
Original Language Analysis
וְהִגְבַּלְתָּ֤
And thou shalt set bounds
H1379
וְהִגְבַּלְתָּ֤
And thou shalt set bounds
Strong's:
H1379
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to twist as a rope; to bound (as by a line)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָם֙
unto the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
סָבִ֣יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֣יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
הִשָּֽׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
H8104
הִשָּֽׁמְר֥וּ
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עֲל֥וֹת
to yourselves that ye go not up
H5927
עֲל֥וֹת
to yourselves that ye go not up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 16
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
H2022
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
9 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
H5060
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
H5060
הַנֹּגֵ֥עַ
of it whosoever toucheth
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
H2022
בָּהָ֖ר
into the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
14 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern holy sites often had restricted zones, but Sinai's boundaries are uniquely severe—death for violation. This reflects God's transcendent holiness surpassing all earthly sanctuaries.
Questions for Reflection
- What do the Sinai boundaries teach about the nature of God's holiness?
- How does Hebrews 12:18-24 contrast Sinai's 'do not touch' with Mount Zion's invitation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:
Boundaries (הִגְבַּלְתָּ, higbalta) protect God's holiness and human life—approaching holy God presumptuously brings death. The doubled verb 'shall surely die' (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) emphasizes certainty. This isn't divine capriciousness but ontological reality: unholy flesh cannot survive contact with holy fire. The barriers teach reverence—God is not their buddy but their sovereign LORD. Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Sinai's 'do not touch' with Zion's accessibility through Christ's blood. What was forbidden at Sinai (approach to God) becomes invitation in Christ—yet even Christian access requires consecration through the Mediator.