King James Version

What Does Exodus 19:3 Mean?

Exodus 19:3 in the King James Version says “And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house o... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

Exodus 19:3 · KJV


Context

1

In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

2

For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

3

And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

4

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

Moses ascends as mediator between God and people—foreshadowing Christ's superior mediation. The dual naming 'house of Jacob' and 'children of Israel' is deliberate: Jacob represents their natural descent from the trickster-turned-patriarch, while Israel recalls Jacob's wrestling and transformation. God addresses both their origins (Jacob) and their destiny (Israel). The mountain becomes the meeting point—Moses climbing up while God calls down, establishing the pattern of divine-human covenant engagement where God initiates and man responds.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is Moses' first of many ascents up Mount Sinai during the covenant-making process. Ancient Near Eastern treaties often involved mountain settings as witnesses, but here the mountain itself is the site of divine presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God use both 'Jacob' and 'Israel' to address the people, and what does this reveal about their identity?
  2. How does Moses' role as mediator prefigure Christ's superior priesthood (Hebrews 3:1-6)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמֹשֶׁ֥ה1 of 17

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עָלָ֖ה2 of 17

went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים4 of 17

unto God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיִּקְרָ֨א5 of 17

called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָ֤יו6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙7 of 17

and the LORD

H3068

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

מִן8 of 17
H4480

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

הָהָ֣ר9 of 17

unto him out of the mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

תֹאמַר֙10 of 17

Thus shalt thou say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּ֤ה11 of 17
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

תֹאמַר֙12 of 17

Thus shalt thou say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְבֵ֣ית13 of 17

to the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב14 of 17

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְתַגֵּ֖יד15 of 17

and tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִבְנֵ֥י16 of 17

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 19:3 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 19:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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