Devine Scripture

Hebrews 12:21

What does Hebrews 12:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 12:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 12:21 means

The appearance at Sinai was so terrifying that even Moses confessed intense fear and trembling. If the mediator of that covenant quaked, how much more the people. This underlines the point: the old covenant revelation, though glorious and true, was marked by distance and dread. The verse is the final brushstroke on the Sinai portrait, ensuring the weight of holiness is felt before the contrast with Zion is announced. By remembering the scene’s awe, we are better able to value the extraordinary access, festal assembly, and mediating blood that characterize our approach to God under the new covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the vision was so overpowering that even Moses said, I am shaking and full of fear.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and, (so terrible was the sight,) Moses said, `I am fearful exceedingly, and trembling.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And so terrible was that which was seen, Moses said: I am frighted, and tremble.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and, so fearful was the sight, Moses said, I am exceedingly afraid and full of trembling;)

Context

Concluding the Sinai description (vv. 18–21), this verse highlights Moses’ fear to complete the image of overwhelming holiness. With Sinai’s terror fully displayed, the next section (vv. 22–24) will unveil the joyful, relational, and accessible realities of Zion. The rhetorical strategy is to maximize the contrast so that readers heed the following exhortation not to refuse God’s voice (vv. 25–29), recognizing both His mercy in Christ and His unchanging majesty.

v.20for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;

v.21This passage

v.22but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels,

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 9:19

    For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith Jehovah was wroth against you to destroy you. But Jehovah hearkened unto me that time also.

  • 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.

  • Daniel 10:8

    So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

  • Daniel 10:17

    For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.

  • Isaiah 6:3

    And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

  • Psalms 119:120

    My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. ע AYIN.

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