Exodus 19:16 kjv

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

Exodus 19:16 nkjv

Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:16 niv

On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:16 esv

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:16 nlt

On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram's horn, and all the people trembled.

Exodus 19 verses

Exodus 19 16 Meaning

Exodus 19:16 describes the majestic and terrifying commencement of God's covenant revelation at Mount Sinai. On the specified third morning, YHWH descended in an overwhelming display of divine power—manifested through powerful thunders, intense lightnings, a dense cloud covering the mountain, and an exceedingly loud trumpet sound. This formidable appearance instilled profound fear and trembling in all the Israelite people gathered in the camp below, underscoring the holiness and awesome might of God as He prepared to deliver His Law.

Exodus 19 16 Context

Exodus chapter 19 describes the prelude to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, three months after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. After delivering them from bondage, God brings them to His holy mountain to formalize their relationship as His covenant people. Verse 16 specifically marks the dramatic commencement of God's direct interaction with His people, serving as a tangible manifestation of His presence and power. Moses had already ascended the mountain to receive God's instructions regarding the people's consecration and the boundaries for their safety (Ex 19:10-13). The people were warned not to approach the mountain itself, as it was sanctified by God's imminent descent (Ex 19:12-13).

Historically and culturally, this theophany at Sinai would have sharply contrasted with the common worship practices and perceptions of deities in the ancient Near East. While other cultures envisioned their gods as residing in temples or being manipulated by rituals, YHWH here demonstrates absolute sovereignty, power over creation, and an inherent holiness that demands respect and separation. The thunders, lightnings, and cloud could be seen as a polemic against nature deities like Baal, who was associated with storm, rain, and fertility, asserting YHWH's ultimate control over such phenomena. The trumpet blast served not just as an auditory sign, but a summons to attention for a divine decree, much like human rulers used trumpets to gather armies or announce important edicts. This terrifying display was not for destruction, but for revelation, intended to impress upon Israel the absolute majesty and holiness of the God who had chosen them, compelling them to obedience born of awe and fear.

Exodus 19 16 Word analysis

• On the morning of the third day: The "third day" (בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, bay-yom ha-shelishi) holds theological significance in the Bible, often denoting a divine appointment, the culmination of a period of waiting, or a decisive turning point (e.g., resurrection of Christ, Jonah in the fish). Here, it marks the divinely ordained moment for God's majestic appearance.
• there were thunders: The Hebrew qolot (קֹלֹת) literally means "voices" or "sounds." In the context of a storm, it refers to thunder. This choice of word may hint at God's actual voice being embedded within, or manifesting as, the thunderous sounds, signifying that the physical phenomenon itself was a form of divine communication.
• and lightnings: The Hebrew u-bərāqīm (וּבְרָקִים) refers to flashes of lightning. These signify divine power, judgment, and the immediate presence of God, often associated with His glory and splendor (cf. Ps 18:13-14).
• and a thick cloud: The Hebrew wə-ʿānān kāvêd (וְעָנָן כָּבֵד) denotes a "heavy" or "dense" cloud. Clouds frequently symbolize the visible yet impenetrable presence of God, signifying both His hiddenness and His glory (the Shekinah). It conceals the divine form while revealing divine power, indicating God's transcendent nature that cannot be directly gazed upon.
• on the mountain: This refers specifically to Mount Sinai, also called Horeb, designated by God as the location for this revelation, emphasizing the sanctity and specific boundaries of this divine encounter.
• and a very loud trumpet blast: The Hebrew wə-qōl shôfār ḥāzāq mə’od (וְקֹל שׁוֹפָר חָזָק מְאֹד) combines "voice/sound of a shofar" and "very strong/loud." The shofar (ram's horn) was used for signaling, summoning, and announcing significant events. Here, its "very loud" sound is not human-made, but a direct manifestation of God's presence, signifying His solemn summons to His people and announcing His momentous arrival to deliver the Law.
• so that all the people in the camp trembled: The verb ḥarad (וַיֶּחֱרַד) signifies a deep, convulsive trembling or shaking, reflecting profound fear, awe, and dread. It conveys a reverential terror in the face of God's overwhelming majesty and holiness, underscoring the gap between human beings and the holy God. This reaction demonstrates the effectiveness of the display in instilling proper reverence.

Words-group analysis

• Thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud: These phenomena are common biblical descriptions of a theophany (a visible manifestation of God), often accompanied by storm imagery. They signify God's raw power, glory, and unapproachability, designed to impress His greatness upon a fallen humanity.
• A very loud trumpet blast: This distinct, divinely-generated sound acted as an alarming herald, emphasizing the solemnity and unparalleled nature of the moment. It was God's direct announcement, demanding absolute attention and reverence, akin to a royal fanfare announcing a king's entry.
• All the people in the camp trembled: This collective emotional and physical response was not merely fear of destruction but a profound, awe-filled reverence. It was the intended outcome, demonstrating God's majesty and holiness to prepare the people to receive His covenant and to impress upon them the severity and weight of His Law.

Exodus 19 16 Bonus section

The sensory overload described in this verse (auditory, visual, tactile implied by the trembling) serves to underscore the utter otherness and majesty of YHWH. It's a comprehensive assault on the senses designed to make an indelible impression. The choice of qolot for "thunders" also introduces a subtle nuance, hinting that the "voices" were more than just sounds; they carried divine pronouncements, likely intertwined with the subsequent Ten Commandments. This initial experience set the precedent for the nature of the Mosaic Covenant – one marked by conditional terms, demanding strict obedience under the threat of divine displeasure, thus highlighting the essential difference from the unconditional grace of the Abrahamic Covenant or the New Covenant. The trumpet blast could also be seen as an immediate precursor to the giving of the Law, functioning as God's sirena, declaring His presence and the commencement of His official proclamation.

Exodus 19 16 Commentary

Exodus 19:16 paints a vivid picture of a terrifying and glorious encounter between the infinite, holy God and His newly liberated, but sinful, people. The convergence of sensory experiences—aural (thunder, trumpet), visual (lightning, thick cloud), and palpable (shaking mountain, trembling people)—created an atmosphere of unparalleled awe and dread. This dramatic manifestation served multiple crucial purposes: It powerfully affirmed YHWH's supreme authority and presence, distinguished Him from any other deity, and validated Moses as His chosen mediator.

This display of overwhelming power instilled the foundational "fear of the Lord"—not mere terror, but a profound reverential awe that acknowledges God's absolute holiness, majesty, and unapproachability. It underscored the absolute separation between sinful humanity and a perfectly holy God, emphasizing the weight of the Law and the stringent requirements of the Old Covenant. The people's trembling response was a necessary prerequisite for understanding the covenant God was about to establish, impressing upon them the seriousness of their commitment. This moment stands in stark contrast to the New Covenant described in Hebrews 12:18-24, where believers approach God not through a terrifying display, but through the atoning blood of Jesus, who is the Mediator of a better covenant. Yet, even with this access, God's nature as "a consuming fire" (Heb 12:29) remains, demanding worship with reverence and godly fear.

Practical usage example: While believers under the New Covenant do not face the literal thunder and fire of Sinai, this verse reminds us that God's inherent holiness and awesome power remain. We are to approach Him with reverence and gratitude for the way made possible through Christ, understanding the immense privilege of drawing near to such a God, rather than taking His grace for granted.