Keraia
Deuteronomy 4

Deuteronomy 4:11

An Exhortation to Obedience · Deuteronomy 4:1–14
Read Deuteronomy 4

Translations

Modern
You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
Traditional
And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.
Literal
And you came near and stood under the mountain, and the mountain burned with the fire to the heart of the heavens, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness,
Latin
Et accessistis ad radices montis, qui ardebat usque ad cælum: erantque in eo tenebræ, et nubes, et caligo.

Original

Hebrew
English
You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

Notes

Deuteronomy 4:11

black clouds and deep darkness: These contrasting displays of God's presence (theophanies; see study note on 1:33) show how he revealed himself while also remaining hidden (see Exodus 19:16–19).

Deuteronomy 4:1–40

Moses gave a long speech to the Israelites because of their recent failures and what he thought would happen in Canaan.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Darkness and Light

Parallels

Deuteronomy 11:1–7

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Congregation Darkness Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Dispensation of God Church of Israel: Established by God Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law God: Glory of God: Incomprehensible God: Invisible Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Divine Authority For Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Given at Sinai Mountain: Melted Obedience: Enjoined Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning