Exodus 19:21
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רֵ֖ד
Go down
H3381
רֵ֖ד
Go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
5 of 15
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הָעֵ֣ד
charge
H5749
הָעֵ֣ד
charge
Strong's:
H5749
Word #:
6 of 15
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
בָּעָ֑ם
the people
H5971
בָּעָ֑ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יֶֽהֶרְס֤וּ
lest they break through
H2040
יֶֽהֶרְס֤וּ
lest they break through
Strong's:
H2040
Word #:
9 of 15
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִרְא֔וֹת
to gaze
H7200
לִרְא֔וֹת
to gaze
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
12 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְנָפַ֥ל
of them perish
H5307
וְנָפַ֥ל
of them perish
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
13 of 15
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
1 Samuel 6:19And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of the people with a great slaughter.Exodus 3:5And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
Historical Context
The repeated warnings about boundaries reflect God's holiness and the lethal danger of presumptuous approach. Ancient Israelites, unlike modern readers, would instinctively understand the death penalty for sanctuary violation.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between reverent approach to God and presumptuous 'gazing'?
- Why does familiarity with God's presence sometimes breed contempt rather than deeper reverence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
God sends Moses back down with urgent warning—presumptuous curiosity kills. 'Break through' (יֶהֶרְסוּ, yehersu) implies forced breach of boundaries, treating God casually. 'To gaze' (לִרְאוֹת, lir'ot) means to stare, gawk—approaching God as spectacle rather than sovereign. Uzzah's death for touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7) illustrates this principle: familiarity breeds contempt, contempt brings death. The warning 'many perish' (וְנָפַל מִמֶּנּוּ רָב, venafal mimmennu rav) shows God's mercy—He warns before judging, providing opportunity to obey. The people's initial fear (v. 16) might wear off, replaced by dangerous curiosity. Reverence must be maintained.