King James Version

What Does Exodus 20:18 Mean?

Exodus 20:18 in the King James Version says “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.”

Exodus 20:18 · KJV

Context

16

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

18

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Read Exodus 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

Israel 'saw' (רֹאִים, ro'im) thunderings—synesthesia, senses overwhelmed. The phenomena (thunder, lightning, trumpet, smoke) terrify rather than attract. 'Removed and stood afar' (וַיָּנֻעוּ וַיַּעַמְדוּ, vayyanu'u vaya'amdu)—they trembled and retreated. The natural response to holy God is fear, not familiarity. They've glimpsed what Adam knew in Eden—God is dangerous (in the holy sense). Uzzah dies touching the ark; Nadab and Abihu die offering strange fire; this people would die approaching the mountain. Modern Christianity's chummy God 'who's there for me' is foreign to Scripture. God is consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29); approach requires reverence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The theophanic phenomena exceed anything Israel experienced in Egypt. The visible, audible manifestation of God's presence confirms the law's divine origin—these aren't Moses' ideas but God's commands.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Israel's fear at Sinai teach about proper reverence in worship?
  2. How do you balance confidence in approaching God (Hebrews 4:16) with fear of His holiness (Hebrews 12:28-29)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְכָל1 of 18
H3605

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

הָעָם֙2 of 18

“And all the people”

H5971

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

וַיַּ֤רְא3 of 18

“saw”

H7200

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

אֶת4 of 18
H853

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

ק֣וֹל5 of 18

“and the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְאֶת6 of 18
H853

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

הַלַּפִּידִ֗ם7 of 18

“and the lightnings”

H3940

a flambeau, lamp or flame

וְאֵת֙8 of 18
H853

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

ק֣וֹל9 of 18

“and the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר10 of 18

“of the trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וְאֶת11 of 18
H853

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

הָהָ֖ר12 of 18

“and the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

עָשֵׁ֑ן13 of 18

“smoking”

H6226

smoky

וַיַּ֤רְא14 of 18

“saw”

H7200

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

הָעָם֙15 of 18

“And all the people”

H5971

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

וַיָּנֻ֔עוּ16 of 18

“it they removed”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ17 of 18

“and stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מֵֽרָחֹֽק׃18 of 18

“afar off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

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 20:18 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 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 19:16-18Jeremiah 23:23Psalms 139:7-8Hebrews 12:18-19

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