King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:23 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:23 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

Deuteronomy 5:23 · KJV


Context

21

Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.

22

These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

23

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

24

And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

25

Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. hear: Heb. add to hear


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's response to God's voice—'when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness'—reveals appropriate fear before divine holiness. The people's terror demonstrates natural human awareness that sinners cannot stand before the holy God (Exodus 20:18-19). This reaction validates the need for mediation—Moses as type, ultimately Christ as superior Mediator. The phrase 'the mountain did burn with fire' emphasizes God's consuming holiness (Hebrews 12:29). Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), producing reverence and obedience. This theophany contrasts with New Covenant believers' approach through Christ to Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:18-24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sinai theophany (Exodus 19:16-19) included thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, smoke, fire, and earthquake. The mountain trembled violently; the people stood at a distance, terrified. This awesome display authenticated God's presence and Moses' prophetic authority. The people's fear was so intense they begged Moses to mediate all further revelation (Exodus 20:18-21, Deuteronomy 5:24-27). This event shaped Israel's understanding of God's holiness and unapproachability apart from proper mediation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's terror at Sinai demonstrate that sinful humanity cannot approach the holy God without mediation?
  2. What does the contrast between Sinai's terror and Mount Zion's grace (Hebrews 12:18-24) teach about approaching God through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶ֤ם2 of 15

And it came to pass when ye heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת3 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַקּוֹל֙4 of 15

the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

מִתּ֣וֹךְ5 of 15

out of the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ6 of 15

of the darkness

H2822

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

וְהָהָ֖ר7 of 15

for the mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בֹּעֵ֣ר8 of 15

did burn

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

בָּאֵ֑שׁ9 of 15

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן10 of 15

that ye came near

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלַ֔י11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל12 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רָאשֵׁ֥י13 of 15

unto me even all the heads

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖ם14 of 15

of your tribes

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

וְזִקְנֵיכֶֽם׃15 of 15

and your elders

H2205

old


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 5:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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