King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:29 Mean?

Exodus 34:29 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 34:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Prohibition against bowing to or serving (עָבַד, avad) foreign gods, or following their practices. Instead, Israel must 'utterly overthrow' (הָרֵס תְּהָרְסֵם, hares teharesem—intensive form) and 'quite break down' (שַׁבֵּר תְּשַׁבֵּר, shaber teshabber) their pillars. No syncretism, no cultural accommodation, no tolerance of idolatry—complete destruction is required. Half-measures lead to spiritual compromise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Standing pillars (matsevot) were sacred stones marking worship sites. Early patriarchs erected such stones (Gen 28:18, 35:14), but by the conquest period they were associated with Canaanite Baal worship and forbidden.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God require complete destruction of false worship rather than mere avoidance?
  2. What spiritual influences or practices in your life require total elimination rather than moderation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 22
H1961

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

בְּרִדְתּ֖וֹ2 of 22

came down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה3 of 22

And it came to pass when Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הָהָ֑ר4 of 22

from mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

סִינַ֔י5 of 22

Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

וּשְׁנֵ֨י6 of 22

with the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לֻחֹ֤ת7 of 22

tables

H3871

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

הָֽעֵדֻת֙8 of 22

of testimony

H5715

testimony

בְּיַד9 of 22

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה10 of 22

And it came to pass when Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּרִדְתּ֖וֹ11 of 22

came down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִן12 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָהָ֑ר13 of 22

from mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה14 of 22

And it came to pass when Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֹֽא15 of 22
H3808

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

יָדַ֗ע16 of 22

wist

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֥י17 of 22
H3588

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

קָרַ֛ן18 of 22

shone

H7160

to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays

ע֥וֹר19 of 22

not that the skin

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

פָּנָ֖יו20 of 22

of his face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּדַבְּר֥וֹ21 of 22

while he talked

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתּֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc


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 34:29 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 34:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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