Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד
stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 10
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק
afar off
H7350
מֵֽרָחֹ֑ק
afar off
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
3 of 10
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
נִגַּ֣שׁ
drew near
H5066
נִגַּ֣שׁ
drew near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
5 of 10
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
1 Kings 8:12Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.Psalms 97:2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.Psalms 18:9He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.2 Chronicles 6:1Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
Historical Context
The darkness recalls creation's pre-light darkness (Genesis 1:2) and the Egyptian plague of darkness (Exodus 10:22). God's presence manifests as both light and darkness—light to reveal, darkness to veil consuming holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses entering the darkness alone teach about the nature of mediation?
- How does the torn veil at Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) fulfill what Moses' approach to darkness foreshadows?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Spatial positioning dramatizes spiritual reality: people 'afar off' (מֵרָחֹק, merachok), Moses 'drew near' (נִגַּשׁ, niggash). The 'thick darkness' (הָעֲרָפֶל, ha'araphel) is where God dwells—cloud and darkness surround Him (Psalm 97:2). Moses alone penetrates the darkness; the people remain distant. This prefigures the torn veil (Matthew 27:51)—what separated people from God's presence is removed in Christ. Moses entering darkness images Christ entering death to bring us to God. The darkness isn't absence but veiled presence—God dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16) that appears as darkness to human eyes. Only the Mediator endures the darkness to bring revelation.