Exodus 20:22
And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
רְאִיתֶ֔ם
Ye have seen
H7200
רְאִיתֶ֔ם
Ye have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
with you from heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
with you from heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
14 of 16
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:13Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: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
Ancient religions claimed divine origin for their laws, but Israel's claim is unique—600,000+ witnesses heard God speak. The public nature of Sinai revelation distinguishes it from private visions or angelic messages claimed by other religions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the public, witnessed nature of Sinai revelation strengthen the law's authority?
- Why do people demand signs yet often disbelieve even when they see them (compare Israel's later idolatry)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
God emphasizes empirical verification—'ye have seen' (אַתֶּם רְאִיתֶם, atem re'item). Israel's faith isn't blind; it's grounded in witnessed theophany. They saw God speak 'from heaven' (מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם, min-hashamayim)—not from idol, mountain, or Moses' imagination but from God's heavenly throne. This validates the law's divine origin. Faith rests on revelation, not speculation. Jesus performs signs so people might believe (John 20:30-31); Christianity is historical, not mythical. God 'talked with you' uses second person plural—He addressed the nation, not just Moses. The community witnessed divine speech. Modern skepticism says 'I'd believe if I saw a miracle'; Israel saw and still rebelled.