Exodus 20:20

KJV

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Fear {H3372} not: for God {H430} is come {H935} to {H5668} prove {H5254} you, and that his fear {H3374} may be before your faces {H6440}, that ye sin {H2398} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe answered the people, "Don't be afraid, because God has come only to test you and make you fear him, so that you won't commit sins."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 20:20 presents Moses' crucial clarification to the terrified Israelites following God's dramatic appearance at Mount Sinai. He reassures them that the awe-inspiring manifestation of divine power was not intended to consume them, but rather to test their fidelity, cultivate a profound and reverential awe of God, and instill a holy fear that would serve as a moral compass, preventing them from succumbing to sin and enabling them to live in faithful obedience within their covenant relationship. This verse masterfully distinguishes between paralyzing dread and a life-giving, worshipful reverence for the Most High.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the thunderous pronouncement of the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Giving of the Ten Commandments"). The preceding verses, [Exodus 20:18-19](/exodus/20-18-19 "Exodus 20:18-19 - Israel's Terror at Sinai"), vividly depict the people's overwhelming terror and dread in response to God's terrifying presence—the thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, and smoking mountain. Their fear was so intense that they pleaded with Moses to act as their sole intermediary, believing that direct interaction with God would result in their death. Moses' response in [Exodus 20:20](/exodus/20-20 "Exodus 20:20 - Moses Reassures Israel") serves as a crucial interpretative bridge, reorienting their understanding of the divine purpose behind this terrifying yet purposeful theophany, bridging the gap between God's unapproachable holiness and human frailty. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed laws and ordinances that would govern their covenant life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event at Mount Sinai marks a foundational moment in Israel's history—the formal establishment of the Mosaic Covenant. Having been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were now gathered at the foot of the mountain to receive God's law and formally enter into a covenant relationship with Him. The dramatic display of God's power and holiness was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern covenant ceremonies, where the suzerain (in this case, Yahweh) would demonstrate His absolute authority and majesty to His vassals (Israel). This public, overwhelming manifestation was designed to impress upon the nascent nation the absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power of the God who had redeemed them, setting the stage for a life of obedience rooted in profound reverence. It was a moment of divine encounter meant to shape their identity and future as God's chosen people, distinct from the idolatrous nations around them, as God had promised in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Kingdom of Priests"). The people's initial terror was a natural human reaction to such a display, but Moses' words redirect this raw emotion toward its intended, sanctifying purpose.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") is rich with theological themes that [Exodus 20:20](/exodus/20-20 "Exodus 20:20 - Moses Reassures Israel") significantly contributes to. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**. God's manifestation at Sinai underscores His absolute otherness and purity, demanding a proper human response. Another key theme is **Covenant Relationship**, where God initiates and defines the terms of His bond with Israel, emphasizing obedience as a core component. The verse also highlights **Divine Pedagogy**, revealing that God's actions, even terrifying ones, are purposeful and designed to teach His people and shape their character. Finally, the distinction between paralyzing fear and reverential awe introduces the crucial theme of **The Fear of the Lord**, which is consistently presented throughout Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for righteous living, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom"). This healthy fear is not about dread but about profound respect and recognition of God's majesty, leading to a desire to please Him and avoid sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** The root verb H3372 (_yârêʼ_) means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In Moses' exhortation "Fear not," he addresses the people's paralyzing dread. However, the subsequent phrase "that his fear (H3374, _yirʼâh'_) may be before your faces" refers to a different kind of fear—a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's majesty and holiness. This _yirʼâh_ is not a debilitating terror but a healthy, worshipful reverence that motivates obedience and prevents sin. It is the recognition of God's absolute power and moral purity that leads to humble submission and a desire to please Him, consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").
* **Prove (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** The verb H5254 (_nâçâh_) means "to test; by implication, to attempt; adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try." Here, it denotes a test designed to reveal the true condition of the people's hearts, strengthen their faith, and instruct them, rather than to entice them to evil. God's tests are always for the good of His people, to refine their character, deepen their trust, and demonstrate their faithfulness. This is akin to how God tested Abraham's faith [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - God Tests Abraham") or how He would test Israel throughout their wilderness journey [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel in the Wilderness"). The purpose is always redemptive and pedagogical, aimed at spiritual growth and the confirmation of their covenant commitment.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** The verb H2398 (_châṭâʼ_) is a primitive root meaning "properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin." In the context of "that ye sin not," it refers to missing the mark of God's holy standard, failing to live up to the covenant obligations, or transgressing His commands. The ultimate goal of cultivating reverential fear is to prevent this deviation from God's will. This fear acts as a powerful deterrent against moral transgression, fostering a life of integrity and obedience that aligns with God's character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the people, Fear not:"** Moses' opening words are a direct pastoral intervention, aimed at calming the people's paralyzing terror. This "fear not" is not a dismissal of their awe, but a reorientation of it. It distinguishes between the natural, overwhelming dread in the face of divine power and the intended outcome of a healthy, reverential fear. Moses, as the divinely appointed mediator, reassures them that God's display is not for their destruction but for their ultimate good and spiritual formation.
* **"for God is come to prove you,"** This clause reveals the divine purpose behind the terrifying manifestation at Sinai. God's arrival in such a powerful manner was a test (_nâçâh_). It was designed to reveal the true condition of their hearts, to solidify their understanding of His holiness and power, and to prepare them for a life of covenant obedience. It served as a proving ground for their faith and commitment, a moment of profound spiritual instruction intended to confirm their allegiance and deepen their trust.
* **"and that his fear may be before your faces,"** This is the immediate, intended outcome of the proving. The "fear" here is _yirʼâh_, the reverential awe. It implies a constant, conscious awareness of God's presence, holiness, and absolute authority. To have God's fear "before your faces" means to live with a perpetual consciousness of His majesty, guiding one's thoughts, words, and actions. It is an internal disposition that acknowledges God's rightful place as sovereign and worthy of all worship and obedience.
* **"that ye sin not."** This is the ultimate, practical goal of cultivating reverential fear. A deep and abiding awe of God's holiness naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands and avoid anything that would displease Him. The fear of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a powerful moral compass, motivating righteous living. It is God's desire for His people to walk in purity and obedience, and the cultivation of proper reverence is the means to that end, leading to a life free from the destructive consequences of sin and fostering a robust covenant relationship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 20:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God, which serves as the dramatic backdrop for Moses' words. God's appearance on Sinai, characterized by thunder, lightning, and smoke, is an overwhelming display of divine power and presence, designed to evoke awe and establish His absolute authority. Moses' speech then introduces a crucial **Contrast** between two distinct types of "fear": the paralyzing terror experienced by the people [Exodus 20:18](/exodus/20-18 "Exodus 20:18 - Israel's Terror") and the reverential awe that God intends to cultivate ("that his fear may be before your faces"). This distinction is vital for understanding God's pedagogical purpose. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Divine Pedagogy**, where God uses a powerful, even intimidating, display not for destruction but for instruction and character formation. The entire sequence is a profound lesson in God's holiness and the necessity of a proper, worshipful response from His people, culminating in the desire for them to "sin not" as a result of this cultivated reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 20:20 is foundational for understanding the nature of God's relationship with His people, particularly His use of testing and the transformative role of reverential fear. It reveals God as both awe-inspiringly powerful and deeply concerned for the moral purity and spiritual well-being of His covenant community. The divine display at Sinai, while initially terrifying, was ultimately a pedagogical act, designed to instill a proper understanding of God's holiness and to motivate obedience. This concept of "fear of the Lord" as a positive, life-giving principle is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true reverence for God is the wellspring of wisdom, knowledge, obedience, and a life lived in alignment with His will. It underscores that God's ultimate desire is not to condemn, but to refine, guide, and enable His people to live righteously in His presence.

* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - God's Commands for Our Good")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Jeremiah 32:39-40](/jeremiah/32-39-40 "Jeremiah 32:39-40 - God Gives a New Heart to Fear Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 20:20 invites us to profoundly re-evaluate our understanding of God's presence and purpose in our lives, especially when facing challenging, overwhelming, or even frightening circumstances. Just as God's powerful manifestation at Sinai was ultimately for Israel's good, so too are the trials, difficulties, and "tests" we encounter in our spiritual journey. These moments are not intended to break us, but rather to prove our faith, deepen our understanding of God's majestic character, and cultivate within us a profound, reverential awe that leads to genuine obedience and a desire to honor Him. This healthy fear of the Lord liberates us from the paralyzing fear of man and the insidious bondage of sin, guiding us toward a life of purity, purpose, and profound intimacy with our Creator. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for our flourishing and spiritual maturity, and that true freedom and blessedness are found in humbly submitting to His holy will, allowing His majestic presence to shape our every choice and action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I distinguish between a paralyzing fear of consequences and a healthy, reverential fear of God in my own life, and what are the practical implications of this distinction?**
* **In what specific ways has God "tested" or "proved" me throughout my life, and how have those experiences revealed the condition of my heart or strengthened my faith and trust in Him?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent "fear of the Lord" that actively motivates me to obey His commands and prevents me from succumbing to sin?**

### FAQ
**Is God's intention to make us afraid of Him, or is there a different kind of fear being discussed in Exodus 20:20?**

Answer: Exodus 20:20 clearly distinguishes between two types of "fear." The immediate reaction of the Israelites in [Exodus 20:18](/exodus/20-18 "Exodus 20:18 - People's Terror") was one of terror and dread in the face of God's overwhelming power and holiness. However, Moses clarifies that God's ultimate purpose was not to instill paralyzing fright, but to cultivate a profound, reverential awe—what the Bible consistently calls the "fear of the Lord" (_yirʼâh_). This is a positive, healthy respect for God's holiness, majesty, and absolute authority. It's the recognition of His supreme power and moral purity that leads to humble submission, willing obedience, and a sincere desire to avoid sin. This kind of fear is foundational to wisdom and a right relationship with God, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It's a fear that leads to life, not death or bondage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 20:20, with its emphasis on God's awe-inspiring presence, His purpose in testing His people, and the cultivation of reverential fear to prevent sin, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant revealed God's holiness through terrifying displays and a law that exposed sin, it also highlighted the people's inherent inability to perfectly keep it. Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, perfectly embodied the "fear of the Lord," living a life of complete and unwavering obedience and reverence to the Father [Isaiah 11:2-3](/isaiah/11-2-3 "Isaiah 11:2-3 - Spirit of the Fear of the Lord on Jesus"). He is the ultimate Mediator, far greater than Moses, who bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, not by terrifying displays that keep people at a distance, but by His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Christ takes away the sin that the law exposed, enabling believers to truly "sin not" by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises to put God's laws into our minds and write them on our hearts [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy that God would put His "fear" (reverence and desire to obey) in our hearts [Jeremiah 32:40](/jeremiah/32-40 "Jeremiah 32:40 - God Puts His Fear in Their Hearts"). Thus, the reverential fear that prevents sin is no longer merely an external command or a response to a terrifying display, but an internal reality empowered by Christ, leading to a life of worshipful obedience and intimate relationship with God, made possible through His abundant grace and the indwelling Spirit [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 13:3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Proverbs 3:7

¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

1 Samuel 12:20

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Isaiah 8:13

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread.

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].