Exodus 34:27
And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כְּתָב
Write
H3789
כְּתָב
Write
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
5 of 19
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
of these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
of these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כִּ֞י
H3588
כִּ֞י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֣י׀
for after the tenor
H6310
פִּ֣י׀
for after the tenor
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
12 of 19
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
of these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
of these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
13 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כָּרַ֧תִּי
I have made
H3772
כָּרַ֧תִּי
I have made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
15 of 19
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אִתְּךָ֛
H854
אִתְּךָ֛
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּרִ֖ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֖ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
17 of 19
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Cross References
Exodus 24:4And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.Deuteronomy 31:9And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.Exodus 17:14And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.Deuteronomy 4:13And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
Historical Context
This warning proved prophetic—Israel's repeated rebellion in the wilderness (Num 14, 16, 20, 25) brought judgment. The generation that left Egypt (except Joshua and Caleb) died in the wilderness for unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the presence of God both bless and make demands on His people?
- What does it mean that Christ, God's final messenger, requires perfect obedience yet provides it on our behalf?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angel requires strict obedience—he 'will not pardon your transgressions' because God's name (authority and character) is in him. This is not contradicting God's mercy proclaimed in v. 6-7, but emphasizing that divine presence demands holiness. Rebellion against God's messenger is rebellion against God Himself. Obedience to the angel-guide ensures covenant blessing; disobedience brings judgment.