Hebrews 12:18-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
18 You have not come to something[a] that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest,(A) 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them.(B) 20 (For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.”(C) 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”)(D)
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- 12.18 Other ancient authorities read a mountain
Hebrews 12:18-21
New English Translation
18 For you have not come to something that can be touched,[a] to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind 19 and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words[b] such that those who heard begged to hear no more.[c] 20 For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”[d] 21 In fact, the scene[e] was so terrifying that Moses said, “I shudder with fear.”[f]
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- Hebrews 12:18 tn This describes the nation of Israel approaching God on Mt. Sinai (Exod 19). There is a clear contrast with the reference to Mount Zion in v. 22, so this could be translated “a mountain that can be touched.” But the word “mountain” does not occur here and the more vague description seems to be deliberate.
- Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice of words.”
- Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice…from which those who heard begged that a word not be added to them.”
- Hebrews 12:20 sn A quotation from Exod 19:12-13.
- Hebrews 12:21 tn Grk “that which appeared.”
- Hebrews 12:21 tn Grk “I am terrified and trembling.”sn A quotation from Deut 9:19.
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