Exodus 20:1
And God spake all these words, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:22These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.Deuteronomy 5:4The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,Deuteronomy 4:36Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.
Historical Context
The Ten Commandments form the covenant core, the summary of God's moral will. Unlike the surrounding laws mediated through Moses, these words God spoke directly to all Israel—unique in biblical revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of God speaking directly to all Israel rather than through Moses alone?
- How does knowing these are God's direct words (not human wisdom) affect their authority over your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And God spake all these words, saying,
The simplicity is majestic—'God spake' (וַיְדַבֵּר אֱלֹהִים, vayedabber Elohim). Not Moses' interpretation, not human philosophy, but direct divine speech. The name 'Elohim' (God) emphasizes transcendent power—the Creator addresses His creatures. 'All these words' (כָּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, kol hadevarim ha'eleh) refers to the Decalogue about to be spoken—the Ten Words (not 'commandments' in Hebrew). These words have unmediated authority; they come directly from God's mouth to Israel's ears. Jesus later declares not one 'jot or tittle' shall pass from the law (Matthew 5:18)—the precision of divine speech demands corresponding precision in human obedience.