King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:1 Mean?

Exodus 34:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the w... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

Exodus 34:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.

2

And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.

3

And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to hew two tablets (שְׁנֵי־לֻחֹת, shenei luchot) like the first, which Moses broke in righteous anger at Israel's idolatry (32:19). This second set demonstrates divine grace—God does not abandon His covenant despite Israel's sin. The phrase 'which thou brakest' carries no rebuke; God acknowledges Moses' appropriate response to apostasy while providing restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32-33), approximately 40 days after Moses descended with the first tablets. The new tablets will contain the same Decalogue, affirming covenant continuity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's willingness to provide new tablets after Israel's sin reveal His character?
  2. What does it mean that human failure does not nullify God's covenant promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 22

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 22

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 22

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

פְּסָל5 of 22

Hew

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

לְךָ֛6 of 22
H0
שְׁנֵֽי7 of 22

thee two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַלֻּחֹ֥ת8 of 22

tables

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

אֲבָנִ֖ים9 of 22

of stone

H68

a stone

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים10 of 22

like unto the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וְכָֽתַבְתִּי֙11 of 22

and I will write

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל12 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַלֻּחֹ֥ת13 of 22

tables

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

אֶת14 of 22
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים15 of 22

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָי֛וּ17 of 22
H1961

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

עַל18 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַלֻּחֹ֥ת19 of 22

tables

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים20 of 22

like unto the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר21 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שִׁבַּֽרְתָּ׃22 of 22

which thou brakest

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)


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 34:1 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 34:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study