King James Version
Exodus 20:21 in the King James Version says “And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”
Exodus 20:21 · KJV
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
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.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“stood”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
“And the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“afar off”
H7350remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
“drew near”
H5066to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“where God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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.
Exodus 20:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 20:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge