Exodus 19:23
And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֣ל
cannot
H3201
יוּכַ֣ל
cannot
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
6 of 20
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
הָעָ֔ם
The people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לַֽעֲלֹ֖ת
come up
H5927
לַֽעֲלֹ֖ת
come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 20
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָהָ֖ר
about the mount
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
about the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
10 of 20
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַֽעֵדֹ֤תָה
for thou chargedst
H5749
הַֽעֵדֹ֤תָה
for thou chargedst
Strong's:
H5749
Word #:
14 of 20
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
הַגְבֵּ֥ל
Set bounds
H1379
הַגְבֵּ֥ל
Set bounds
Strong's:
H1379
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to twist as a rope; to bound (as by a line)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Moses' response demonstrates the prophetic role—speaking both to people on God's behalf and to God on people's behalf. His reminder to God is not irreverent but reflects covenant dialogue between LORD and mediator.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses' reminder to God about His own commands teach about faithful leadership?
- Why does God repeat warnings that have already been given and obeyed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.
Moses respectfully reminds God of His own command—modeling faithful leadership that implements divine directives. The phrase 'cannot come up' (לֹא יוּכְלוּ, lo yukhelu) means 'are unable'—not defiant refusal but appropriate restraint. Moses essentially says 'We've followed Your instructions; the boundaries are set.' This shows Moses as neither presumptuous (acting without orders) nor negligent (ignoring commands). The double imperative 'set bounds and sanctify' (הַגְבֵּל וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ, hagbel vequddashto) recalls Moses' faithful execution of God's will. This exchange reveals God's purpose: not providing new information but reinforcing crucial warnings. The repetition underscores life-or-death importance.