Exodus 19:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

רֵ֖ד

H3381

Go down

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

H5749

charge

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָּעָ֑ם

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֶֽהֶרְס֤וּ

H2040

lest they break through

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

יְהוָה֙

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

לִרְא֔וֹת

H7200

to gaze

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#13

וְנָפַ֥ל

H5307

of them perish

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#14

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#15

רָֽב׃

H7227

and many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 19 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Moses