King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:4 Mean?

Exodus 34:4 in the King James Version says “And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sin... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

Exodus 34:4 · KJV


Context

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.

4

And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.

5

And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.

6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering , and abundant in goodness and truth,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' obedience is immediate and complete—he hews the tablets himself, demonstrating that restoration requires both divine grace and human response. The phrase 'as the LORD had commanded' appears throughout Exodus, marking faithful covenant partnership. Moses rises early, showing eagerness for restored fellowship with God. The two tablets parallel the two parties of covenant: God and His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stone tablets were standard treaty documents in the ancient Near East. Having two copies (one for each party) was typical covenant practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' immediate obedience model proper response to God's commands?
  2. What spiritual preparations do you make before approaching God in prayer or worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּפְסֹ֡ל1 of 21

And he hewed

H6458

to carve, whether wood or stone

שְׁנֵ֖י2 of 21

the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לֻחֹ֥ת3 of 21

tables

H3871

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

אֲבָנִֽים׃4 of 21

of stone

H68

a stone

כָּרִֽאשֹׁנִ֗ים5 of 21

like unto the first

H7223

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

וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם6 of 21

rose up early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

מֹשֶׁ֤ה7 of 21

and Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙8 of 21

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיַּ֙עַל֙9 of 21

and went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל10 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֣ר11 of 21

unto mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

סִינַ֔י12 of 21

Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר13 of 21
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה14 of 21

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 21

as the LORD

H3068

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

אֹת֑וֹ16 of 21
H853

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

וַיִּקַּ֣ח17 of 21

him and took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּיָד֔וֹ18 of 21

in his 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

שְׁנֵ֖י19 of 21

the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לֻחֹ֥ת20 of 21

tables

H3871

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

אֲבָנִֽים׃21 of 21

of stone

H68

a stone


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 34:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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