Exodus 19:15
And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֔ם
unto the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֱי֥וּ
Be
H1961
הֱי֥וּ
Be
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נְכֹנִ֖ים
ready
H3559
נְכֹנִ֖ים
ready
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
against the third
H7969
לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת
against the third
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
יָמִ֑ים
day
H3117
יָמִ֑ים
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Exodus 19:11And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.1 Corinthians 7:5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Historical Context
Temporary sexual abstinence for religious purposes appears in various ancient cultures, but Israel's practice is distinct—rooted in covenant preparation, not dualistic rejection of the body. The third day arrives with dramatic divine manifestation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does temporary abstinence teach about preparing to meet with God?
- How does the principle of consecration before divine encounter apply to Christian worship and prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
Sexual abstinence prepares for divine encounter—not because sexuality is evil but because it's consuming and would distract from single-minded focus on God. The command 'come not at your wives' (אַל תִּגְּשׁוּ אֶל אִשָּׁה, al tiggeshu el ishah) imposes temporary continence for consecration. Similar restrictions appear before battle (1 Samuel 21:4-5) and priestly service—times requiring undivided attention. Paul echoes this principle in 1 Corinthians 7:5 regarding prayer. The third-day emphasis recurs—preparation has a deadline. God's timing is sovereign; we must be ready when He comes. The principle extends spiritually: we prepare for Christ's return by holiness and watchfulness.