Keraia
Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:18

An Unshakable Kingdom · Hebrews 12:18–29
Read Hebrews 12

Translations

Modern
For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
Traditional
For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Literal
For you have not come to that being touched and having been kindled with fire, and to darkness and to gloom and to storm,
Latin
Non enim accessistis ad tractabilem montem, et accensibilem ignem, et turbinem, et caliginem, et procellam,

Original

Greek
English
For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;

Notes

Hebrews 12:18

The descriptions of Mount Sinai are based on God's meeting with Israel there (see Exodus 19:16–22; 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 4:11–12; 5:23–27). These images show separation from a holy God.

Hebrews 12:18–24

This passage compares the old covenant with the new one. The old covenant is represented by Mount Sinai (12:18–21). It was impersonal, frightening, and unapproachable. The mountain shook with loud sounds, flashes of light, and fearful power. The new covenant is represented by Mount Zion (12:22–24). It is personal, welcoming, and joyful.

Parallels

Exodus 20:18–21 Deuteronomy 5:22–33

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Zion

Topics

Covenant: The Second Covenant Darkness the Following Scriptures Darkness: Miraculous: At Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai Fear of God: Cultivated God: Glory of Law: Temporary Symbols and Similitudes: Darkness, of God's Inscrutability The Law of Moses: Darkness at Giving of, Illustrative of Obscurity of Thunder: On Mount Sinai Vision of the Israelites of the Manifestation of the Glory of God