Exodus 20:18
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר
of the trumpet
H7782
הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר
of the trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
10 of 18
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָהָ֖ר
and the mountain
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
and the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
12 of 18
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
14 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיָּנֻ֔עוּ
it they removed
H5128
וַיָּנֻ֔עוּ
it they removed
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
16 of 18
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
Historical Context
The theophanic phenomena exceed anything Israel experienced in Egypt. The visible, audible manifestation of God's presence confirms the law's divine origin—these aren't Moses' ideas but God's commands.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Israel's fear at Sinai teach about proper reverence in worship?
- How do you balance confidence in approaching God (Hebrews 4:16) with fear of His holiness (Hebrews 12:28-29)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
Israel 'saw' (רֹאִים, ro'im) thunderings—synesthesia, senses overwhelmed. The phenomena (thunder, lightning, trumpet, smoke) terrify rather than attract. 'Removed and stood afar' (וַיָּנֻעוּ וַיַּעַמְדוּ, vayyanu'u vaya'amdu)—they trembled and retreated. The natural response to holy God is fear, not familiarity. They've glimpsed what Adam knew in Eden—God is dangerous (in the holy sense). Uzzah dies touching the ark; Nadab and Abihu die offering strange fire; this people would die approaching the mountain. Modern Christianity's chummy God 'who's there for me' is foreign to Scripture. God is consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29); approach requires reverence.