King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:28 Mean?

Exodus 34:28 in the King James Version says “And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. commandments: Heb. words

Exodus 34:28 · KJV


Context

26

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

27

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.

28

And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. commandments: Heb. words

29

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

30

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Obedience to God's voice brings total victory over enemies—God Himself becomes Israel's enemy's enemy (אֹיֵב אֹיְבֶיךָ, oyev oyvekha). The angel-led conquest is comprehensive: Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, Jebusites (six nations) will be 'cut off' (כָּחַד, kachad—destroyed/made to perish). Covenant obedience activates covenant protection and blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These six nations (sometimes seven with Girgashites) inhabited various parts of Canaan. Their destruction was not ethnic hatred but divine judgment on societies thoroughly corrupted by idolatry and moral depravity (Lev 18:24-30).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God fight for those who obey His voice?
  2. What 'enemies' in your spiritual life will God vanquish if you fully trust and obey Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַֽיְהִי1 of 22
H1961

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

שָׁ֣ם2 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

עִם3 of 22
H5973

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

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 22

And he was there with the LORD

H3068

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

וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים5 of 22

and forty

H705

forty

יוֹם֙6 of 22

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים7 of 22

and forty

H705

forty

לַ֔יְלָה8 of 22

nights

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

לֶ֚חֶם9 of 22

bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לֹ֣א10 of 22
H3808

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

אָכַ֔ל11 of 22

he did neither eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמַ֖יִם12 of 22

water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לֹ֣א13 of 22
H3808

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

שָׁתָ֑ה14 of 22

nor drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב15 of 22

And he wrote

H3789

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

עַל16 of 22
H5921

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

הַלֻּחֹ֗ת17 of 22

upon the tables

H3871

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

אֵ֚ת18 of 22
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִֽים׃19 of 22

commandments

H1697

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

הַבְּרִ֔ית20 of 22

of the covenant

H1285

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

עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת21 of 22

the ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַדְּבָרִֽים׃22 of 22

commandments

H1697

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


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 34:28 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 34:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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