King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:10 Mean?

Exodus 34:10 in the King James Version says “And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the e... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

Exodus 34:10 · KJV


Context

8

And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

9

And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

10

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

12

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God responds with 'Behold, I make a covenant' (בְּרִית אֲנִי כֹּרֵת, berit ani koret—literally 'I cut a covenant'). This covenant renewal includes promises of unprecedented wonders (נִפְלָאֹת, nifla'ot) before all nations. God emphasizes that these acts are 'terrible' (נוֹרָא, nora—awesome, fear-inspiring), designed to display His power to both Israel and surrounding nations. Covenant faithfulness demands covenant obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenant-cutting ceremonies involved animal sacrifice (Gen 15:9-18). This renewed covenant reaffirms Sinai while anticipating the conquest of Canaan.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'awesome' works of God have you witnessed in your life?
  2. How should God's covenant promises shape your obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 33 words
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר1 of 33

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֣ה2 of 33
H2009

lo!

אָֽנֹכִי֮3 of 33
H595

i

כֹּרֵ֣ת4 of 33

Behold I make

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

בְּרִית֒5 of 33

a covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

נֶ֤גֶד6 of 33
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כָּֽל7 of 33
H3605

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

הָ֠עָם8 of 33

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

עֹשֶׂ֥ה9 of 33

I will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

נִפְלָאֹ֔ת10 of 33

marvels

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

אֲשֶׁ֛ר11 of 33
H834

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

לֹֽא12 of 33
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִבְרְא֥וּ13 of 33

such as have not been done

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

בְכָל14 of 33
H3605

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

הָאָ֖רֶץ15 of 33

in all the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּבְכָל16 of 33
H3605

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

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם17 of 33

nor in any nation

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְרָאָ֣ה18 of 33

which thou art shall see

H7200

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

כָל19 of 33
H3605

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

הָ֠עָם20 of 33

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

אֲשֶׁר21 of 33
H834

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

אַתָּ֨ה22 of 33
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְקִרְבּ֜וֹ23 of 33

among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

אֶת24 of 33
H853

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

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֤ה25 of 33

the work

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְהוָה֙26 of 33

of the LORD

H3068

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

כִּֽי27 of 33
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נוֹרָ֣א28 of 33

for it is a terrible thing

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

ה֔וּא29 of 33
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֥ר30 of 33
H834

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

אֲנִ֖י31 of 33
H589

i

עֹשֶׂ֥ה32 of 33

I will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמָּֽךְ׃33 of 33
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 34:10 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 34:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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