Exodus 20:22
What does Exodus 20:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Exodus 20:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Exodus 20:22 means
God directly addresses Moses, commissioning him to relay His words to the people. He reminds the Israelites, through Moses, that they themselves witnessed His direct communication from heaven, affirming the divine origin and undeniable reality of His words. This re-establishes God's authority and the truthfulness of His revelation, ensuring there is no doubt that the instructions Moses is about to deliver originate from God Himself, spoken from the celestial realm.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jehovah said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jehovah said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the Lord said to Moses, Say to the children of Israel, You yourselves have seen that my voice has come to you from heaven
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Jehovah saith unto Moses, `Thus dost thou say unto the sons of Israel: Ye--ye have seen that from the heavens I have spoken with you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Lord said to Moses: Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel: You have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Jehovah said to Moses, Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel: Ye have seen that I have spoken with you from the heavens.
Context
This verse begins a new section of divine instruction delivered through Moses, immediately following the people's retreat and Moses's approach to God. It serves as an authoritative preface to the additional laws concerning worship and altars. This context emphasizes that even though the people requested mediation, the subsequent commands still carry God's direct authority and are to be understood as divine imperatives, building on the initial Ten Commandments.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 9:13
Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments,
- Deuteronomy 4:36
Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he made thee to see his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Exodus 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Exodus 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covetousness
Covetousness is an excessive desire for possessions or power, often leading to other sins and hindering one's relationship with God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Greed
The Bible consistently warns against greed, depicting it as a destructive force that hinders one’s relationship with God and others.
What the Bible says about…