Devine Scripture

Hebrews 12:20

What does Hebrews 12:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 12:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 12:20 means

At Sinai, even an animal that touched the mountain had to be stoned. This severe boundary taught Israel that God’s holy presence is not to be casually approached. The regulation dramatized separation: sinful creatures cannot draw near on their own terms. The verse reinforces the message that the old covenant’s arrangements highlighted distance and danger. The prohibition had a purpose—to teach reverence and to protect people from presuming upon God’s holiness. Seeing this severity helps us grasp the wonder of the access granted in the new covenant, where the boundary is not erased but crossed rightly through a sanctified approach provided by God Himself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the order which said, If the mountain is touched even by a beast, the beast is to be stoned, seemed hard to them;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for they were not bearing that which is commanded, `And if a beast may touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or with an arrow shot through,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For they did not endure that which was said: and if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(for they were not able to bear what was enjoined: And if a beast should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;

Context

This follows the people’s plea to stop the fearful voice (v. 19) by adding the strictness of Sinai’s boundaries. Verse 21 will then note even Moses’ fear, rounding out the picture of a scene that inspires trembling. All of this will be turned on its head in verse 22, as the writer declares what believers have come to in Christ. The contrast is essential to the chapter’s persuasive power: the new covenant offers real nearness, not mere terror.

v.19and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them;

v.20This passage

v.21and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 2:19

    For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.

  • Exodus 19:12

    And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

  • Galatians 3:10

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.

  • Deuteronomy 33:2

    And he said, Jehovah came from Sinai, And rose from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, And he came from the ten thousands of holy ones: At his right hand was a fiery law for them.

  • Exodus 19:16

    And it came to pass on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud; and all the people that were in the camp trembled.

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

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