Exodus 20:18-21
Christian Standard Bible
The People’s Reaction
18 All the people witnessed[a] the thunder and lightning, the sound of the ram’s horn, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it[b] they trembled and stood at a distance.(A) 19 “You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”(B)
20 Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not[c] sin.”(C) 21 And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.(D)
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Exodus 20:18-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
18 When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking, they were afraid[a] and trembled and stood at a distance(A) 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.”(B) 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid, for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.”(C) 21 Then the people stood at a distance, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.(D)
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- 20.18 Sam Gk Syr Vg: MT they saw
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New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.