King James Version

What Does Exodus 19:21 Mean?

Exodus 19:21 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of the... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. charge: Heb. contest

Exodus 19:21 · KJV


Context

19

And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

20

And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. charge: Heb. contest

22

And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

23

And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

God sends Moses back down with urgent warning—presumptuous curiosity kills. 'Break through' (יֶהֶרְסוּ, yehersu) implies forced breach of boundaries, treating God casually. 'To gaze' (לִרְאוֹת, lir'ot) means to stare, gawk—approaching God as spectacle rather than sovereign. Uzzah's death for touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7) illustrates this principle: familiarity breeds contempt, contempt brings death. The warning 'many perish' (וְנָפַל מִמֶּנּוּ רָב, venafal mimmennu rav) shows God's mercy—He warns before judging, providing opportunity to obey. The people's initial fear (v. 16) might wear off, replaced by dangerous curiosity. Reverence must be maintained.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The repeated warnings about boundaries reflect God's holiness and the lethal danger of presumptuous approach. Ancient Israelites, unlike modern readers, would instinctively understand the death penalty for sanctuary violation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between reverent approach to God and presumptuous 'gazing'?
  2. Why does familiarity with God's presence sometimes breed contempt rather than deeper reverence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 15

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 15

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 15

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

רֵ֖ד5 of 15

Go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הָעֵ֣ד6 of 15

charge

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָּעָ֑ם7 of 15

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

פֶּן8 of 15
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֶֽהֶרְס֤וּ9 of 15

lest they break through

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

אֶל10 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙11 of 15

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לִרְא֔וֹת12 of 15

to gaze

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְנָפַ֥ל13 of 15

of them perish

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ14 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

רָֽב׃15 of 15

and many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 19:21 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 Exodus 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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