Exodus 34:3
And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֥ישׁ
And no man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
And no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲלֶ֣ה
shall come up
H5927
יַעֲלֶ֣ה
shall come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִמָּ֔ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 19
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אִ֥ישׁ
And no man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
And no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אַל
with thee neither
H408
אַל
with thee neither
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 19
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יֵרָ֖א
be seen
H7200
יֵרָ֖א
be seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָהָ֥ר
that mount
H2022
הָהָ֥ר
that mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
10 of 19
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הַצֹּ֤אן
neither let the flocks
H6629
הַצֹּ֤אן
neither let the flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
12 of 19
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וְהַבָּקָר֙
nor herds
H1241
וְהַבָּקָר֙
nor herds
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
13 of 19
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַל
with thee neither
H408
אַל
with thee neither
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִרְע֔וּ
feed
H7462
יִרְע֔וּ
feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
15 of 19
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
מ֖וּל
before
H4136
מ֖וּל
before
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
Historical Context
Mount Sinai (also called Horeb) had been declared holy ground earlier (3:5). The entire mountain served as God's earthly throne-room during the wilderness period.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the prohibition of even animals near the mountain teach about God's holiness?
- How should this affect our approach to worship and prayer today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition extends beyond humans to include flocks and herds—absolute solitude is required. Even throughout the mountain, nothing may approach. This underscores God's transcendent holiness and the danger of presumptuous approach to His presence. The severe restriction demonstrates that covenant renewal, like covenant-making, requires divine initiative and proper mediation.