Exodus Chapter 20 · Verse 19
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Original Language Analysis
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
Speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִמָּ֖נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֖נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְנִשְׁמָ֑עָה
thou with us and we will hear
H8085
וְנִשְׁמָ֑עָה
thou with us and we will hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
7 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
8 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
Speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִמָּ֛נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֛נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 13
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
but let not God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
but let not God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:16According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.Acts 7:38This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:Exodus 33:20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.Galatians 3:19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Historical Context
Israel's request for mediation pleased God (Deuteronomy 5:28)—they rightly assessed their need. The mediatorial principle structures all subsequent revelation—prophets, priests, finally Christ, the perfect Mediator.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is mediation necessary—why can't people approach God directly on their own terms?
- How does Christ's mediation improve upon Moses' mediation (Hebrews 8:6, 9:15)?
Analysis & Commentary
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Israel requests mediation—'speak thou...let not God speak' (דַּבֵּר־אַתָּה...וְאַל־יְדַבֵּר, dabber-attah ve'al-yedabber). They cannot endure direct divine speech; Moses must intermediate. This establishes mediation's necessity—people need a go-between to approach holy God. Moses mediates the old covenant; Christ the new (1 Timothy 2:5). The phrase 'lest we die' (וְלֹא נָמוּת, velo namut) acknowledges their danger—God's voice kills unholy hearers. Deuteronomy 5:24-27 expands this: they rightly fear death from God's consuming glory. Hebrews contrasts Sinai's 'unbearable command' with Zion's gracious access (Hebrews 12:18-24). Christ endures God's wrath so we can hear God's voice without dying.