Hebrews 12:21

Translations

Modern

The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

Traditional

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

Literal

And the thing appearing was so fearful that Moses said, “I am greatly afraid and trembling.”

Latin

Et ita terribile erat quod videbatur. Moyses dixit: Exterritus sum, et tremebundus.

Original

Greek

English

The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

Notes

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses God’s New Covenant The Church as God’s Temple The Law and the Spirit The New Order The Old Realm and the New Worship in Jerusalem

Related verses

Exodus 19:16
On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.
Deuteronomy 9:19
For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well.
Isaiah 6:3–5
And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”
Exodus 19:19
And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder.
Revelation 1:17
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
Psalm 119:120
My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
Daniel 10:17
How can I, your servant, speak with you, my lord? Now I have no strength, nor is any breath left in me.”
Daniel 10:8
So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.

Parallels

Exodus 20:18–21 Deuteronomy 5:22–33

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

Covenant: The Second Covenant Fear of God: Cultivated God: Glory of The Law of Moses: Darkness at Giving of, Illustrative of Obscurity of Vision of the Israelites of the Manifestation of the Glory of God

Hebrews 12:21

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