Exodus 34:10

KJV

¶ And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD: for it [is] a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Behold, I make {H3772} a covenant {H1285}: before all thy people {H5971} I will do {H6213} marvels {H6381}, such as have not been done {H1254} in all the earth {H776}, nor in any nation {H1471}: and all the people {H5971} among {H7130} which thou art shall see {H7200} the work {H4639} of the LORD {H3068}: for it is a terrible thing {H3372} that I will do {H6213} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Here, I am making a covenant; in front of all your people I will do wonders such as have not been created anywhere on earth or in any nation. All the people around you will see the work of ADONAI. What I am going to do through you will be awesome!

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you.

American Standard Version

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been wrought in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of Jehovah; for it is a terrible thing that I do with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:10 records a profound declaration from God to Moses, signifying the renewal of His covenant with Israel after the devastating sin of the golden calf. This pivotal verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people, promising to perform unprecedented, awe-inspiring acts that will be undeniably visible to all nations. These divine "marvels" serve to establish His unique power, sovereignty, and faithfulness in the world, revealing a God who, despite human failure, remains steadfast in His redemptive purposes and inspires both reverence and wonder through His mighty deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of God's renewed covenant with Israel, following the profound breach caused by the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"). After Moses' impassioned intercession, detailed in [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel") and [Exodus 33:12-17](/exodus/33-12-17 "Moses' Continued Plea for God's Presence"), God relents from His initial judgment. Moses is subsequently commanded to hew two new tablets of stone, replacing the ones he shattered, and to ascend Mount Sinai once more, as described in [Exodus 34:1-4](/exodus/34-1-4 "New Tablets and Ascent to Sinai"). Crucially, prior to the declaration of the covenant terms in verse 10, God reveals His very character to Moses in a majestic theophany, proclaiming Himself as "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; by no means clearing the guilty" ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "The Lord Proclaims His Character")). Verse 10, therefore, serves as God's direct and powerful response to Moses' plea for continued divine presence and a re-establishment of the covenant, outlining the terms and promises of this renewed relationship, emphasizing divine action and a visible display of power before the world.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of the Israelites' egregious idolatry at Mount Sinai, a mere forty days after receiving the initial covenant law. This event threatened to nullify God's unique relationship with Israel, a relationship forged through their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recounted in [Exodus 12-15](/exodus/12-15 "The Exodus and Red Sea Crossing"). The covenant, established at Sinai, was intended to set Israel apart as God's treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). The golden calf incident represented a profound betrayal of this covenant, a return to the pagan practices of the nations from which they had been delivered. In the ancient Near East, covenants often involved reciprocal obligations and severe consequences for breach. God's decision to renew the covenant, despite Israel's profound failure, highlights His unique character of steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) and grace, distinguishing Him sharply from the capricious deities of surrounding cultures. The promise to do "marvels" before "all thy people" and "all the people among which thou art" emphasizes God's desire for His unique power and identity to be known, not only by Israel but also by the surrounding nations, serving as a powerful testimony to His singular sovereignty in a polytheistic world.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises despite human infidelity, a stark contrast to the conditional nature of human agreements. This verse also highlights God's **Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing His unique ability to perform unprecedented acts that transcend all human and natural limitations, setting Him apart from all other deities. Furthermore, the promise that "all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD" underscores the theme of **God's Universal Witness**, revealing His desire for His glory and power to be known not only by Israel but by all nations, fulfilling His redemptive purpose for humanity (cf. [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Blessing")). Finally, the description of God's work as "terrible" (awe-inspiring) reinforces the theme of **Divine Majesty and Holy Fear**, inviting a response of profound reverence and worship from all who witness His mighty deeds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This term (H1285) refers to a compact or agreement, often established by a solemn ritual involving the "cutting" of flesh (as implied by its root connection to H3772, _kârath_). It signifies a binding alliance, a solemn promise, or a league between two parties, in this case, God and Israel. The use of this word here underscores the re-establishment of a formal, sacred relationship, highlighting God's initiative in restoring the broken bond.
* **Marvels (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** Derived from the root H6381, this word signifies acts that are extraordinary, beyond human comprehension or ability, and are therefore astonishing or miraculous. It denotes deeds that are distinguished, great, or wonderful, clearly demonstrating divine intervention. In this context, it emphasizes the supernatural and unprecedented nature of God's intended actions, which would serve as undeniable proof of His unique presence and power among Israel and before the nations.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** While the KJV translates this as "terrible," the Hebrew word (H3372) carries a more profound meaning of "awesome," "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "fear-inspiring" in a reverential sense. It describes something that evokes profound reverence, wonder, and holy fear due to its immense power, majesty, or holiness. It is not about causing dread in a harmful or negative sense, but inspiring overwhelming respect and astonishment at God's greatness and might, signifying the overwhelming, majestic, and utterly unique nature of God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Behold, I make a covenant":** This opening phrase signifies a direct, authoritative divine declaration, a solemn pronouncement from God Himself. The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the gravity and significance of what is about to be stated. The phrase "I make a covenant" (Hebrew: *kārath bĕrît*) indicates the initiation or, in this context, the re-establishment of a binding agreement. Despite Israel's recent egregious breach, God, in His sovereign grace and steadfast love, chooses to renew His commitment, demonstrating His faithfulness beyond human merit.
* **"before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation":** This clause specifies both the immediate audience and the unparalleled nature of God's promised actions. The "marvels" (Hebrew: *pâlâʼ*) are not hidden acts but public displays, performed "before all thy people," meaning the entire nation of Israel. The hyperbolic language "such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation" emphasizes the utterly unique, unprecedented, and incomparable nature of these divine works. This highlights God's unique omnipotence and His ability to intervene in human history in ways that transcend natural explanation and human capability, setting Him apart from all other deities.
* **"and all the people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD":** This phrase extends the scope of the audience beyond Israel to include the surrounding nations. God's actions would not be confined to Israel alone but would be openly displayed and observable by "all the people among which thou art"—that is, the Gentile nations living near or interacting with Israel. This public demonstration serves as a powerful testimony to both Israel and the world of God's identity, authority, and active presence, fulfilling His desire to be known as the one true God among the polytheistic cultures of the ancient Near East.
* **"for it [is] a terrible thing that I will do with thee.":** This concluding statement provides the reason and character of God's promised actions. The "terrible thing" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*, awe-inspiring) refers to the majestic, fear-inducing, and utterly unique nature of God's work. It evokes a sense of holy dread and profound reverence, not of destructive terror, but of overwhelming respect and astonishment at God's immense power and might. It signifies that God's intervention will be so grand, powerful, and distinct that it will inspire deep reverence and recognition of His unparalleled majesty and singularity among all gods.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 34:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Declaration**, where God Himself speaks directly, lending absolute authority and unchallengeable weight to the pronouncement. The phrase "Behold, I make a covenant" functions as a **Covenant Formula**, signaling the formal establishment or, in this context, the solemn renewal of a sacred agreement. The promise to do "marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize the utterly unique and unprecedented nature of God's impending actions. This hyperbole serves to underscore God's incomparable power and sovereignty over all creation and all other nations. Furthermore, the entire verse, particularly the promise of visible "work of the LORD" and a "terrible thing," points towards a **Theophany** or divine manifestation, where God's presence and power are made evident through His actions. The use of the word "terrible" (Hebrew *yârêʼ*) also carries a strong sense of **Awe and Reverence**, emphasizing the proper human response of profound respect and holy fear in the face of such divine majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:10 profoundly articulates God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign power, even in the face of human infidelity. It reveals a God who, despite Israel's profound failure at the golden calf, chooses to re-establish His covenant, not out of Israel's merit, but out of His own steadfast love and grace. This renewal underscores the unshakeable nature of God's promises and His commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity. The promised "marvels" highlight God's unique ability to intervene in history with supernatural power, demonstrating His omnipotence and His desire for His glory to be known among all nations. This passage sets the stage for future divine interventions, reminding us that God is actively at work in the world, performing deeds that inspire awe and demand recognition of His supreme authority, ultimately for the purpose of revealing His true identity to all people.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "God's Mighty Hand in Egypt")
* [Psalm 78:12](/psalms/78-12 "God's Wonders in Egypt")
* [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "God Does a New Thing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 34:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's incredible grace and His willingness to restore even after our most significant failures. It calls us to a deeper understanding of God's character: His enduring faithfulness (hesed) means that even when we falter, He remains true to His promises and His nature, offering fresh starts rather than total abandonment. This verse also compels us to stand in awe of God's might. The "marvels" and "terrible" (awesome) works He performs should inspire deep reverence and trust, knowing that He is capable of doing things beyond our imagination, intervening in our lives and the world in ways that transcend human limitations. Just as God promised to do wonders for ancient Israel, He continues to work in powerful and visible ways today, inviting us to expect His active hand in extraordinary circumstances and to acknowledge His presence. Ultimately, God's intention was for "all the people" to see His work, highlighting His desire for His glory and power to be known and recognized by all humanity, urging us to participate in making His wondrous deeds known, both through our testimony and our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's willingness to renew the covenant after Israel's profound failure challenge my understanding of grace and forgiveness in my own life?**
* **In what ways have I personally witnessed God do "marvels" or "awesome things" that were clearly beyond human capability, and how did these experiences deepen my faith?**
* **How can recognizing God's "terrible" (awe-inspiring) power deepen my reverence and trust in Him during times of uncertainty or difficulty, prompting me to rely more fully on His sovereign might?**
* **What does God's desire for "all the people among which thou art" to see His work imply about my role as a believer in making His glory known to the world around me, and how can I actively participate in this mission?**

### FAQ

**What does "a terrible thing" mean in Exodus 34:10?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation of "terrible thing" can be misleading to modern readers. The original Hebrew word is *yârêʼ* (H3372), which more accurately conveys "awesome," "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "fear-inspiring" in a positive, reverential sense. It describes something that evokes profound reverence, wonder, and holy fear due to its immense power, majesty, or holiness. It is not about causing dread in a harmful way, but inspiring overwhelming respect and astonishment at God's greatness and might. This is the same root word used to describe the "awesome" (or "terrible") acts of God in [Psalm 66:3](/psalms/66-3 "God's Awesome Deeds") and [Psalm 68:35](/psalms/68-35 "God is Awesome in His Holy Places"), emphasizing His unparalleled majesty.

**What "marvels" is God referring to in this verse?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't specify particular events, the "marvels" (Hebrew: *pâlâʼ*, H6381) refer to a series of extraordinary, wondrous, and miraculous acts that God would perform on behalf of Israel, setting them apart and demonstrating His unique power. These would include continued divine provision in the wilderness (e.g., manna and water), supernatural victories over enemies (such as the detailed accounts in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Israel's Journey and Victories") and [Deuteronomy 2-3](/deuteronomy/2 "Conquests and Boundaries")), and the miraculous establishment of Israel in the Promised Land (as seen in [Joshua 3-11](/joshua/3 "Crossing the Jordan and Conquests")). These acts would serve as undeniable proof of His presence and power among Israel, visible to both His people and the surrounding nations, fulfilling His promise to distinguish Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 34:10, with its promise of unprecedented "marvels" and an "awe-inspiring" work of God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The covenant renewed with Moses, though gracious, was still a covenant of law that Israel consistently failed to uphold. The truly "new covenant" that God promised, and which surpasses all previous covenants in its scope and efficacy, is established through the blood of Jesus, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant"). The greatest "marvel" ever performed in all the earth, "such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation," is the incarnation of God in human flesh, the sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory over sin and death is the ultimate "work of the LORD" that "all the people" (Jew and Gentile alike) are invited to see and believe ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). The "terrible thing" (awe-inspiring work) God did "with thee" (Israel, and by extension, humanity) is the astonishing act of redemption, where God Himself bore the penalty for sin, demonstrating His justice and His mercy simultaneously ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). Through Christ, God has not just renewed a covenant, but has inaugurated an eternal one, offering forgiveness, transformation, and a direct relationship with Him, a work far more marvelous and awe-inspiring than any physical sign or wonder, culminating in the spiritual marvel of the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "A Superior Covenant Established by Christ")).

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 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Psalms 77:14

Thou [art] the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

Isaiah 64:3

When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

Jeremiah 32:21

And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

2 Samuel 7:23

And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?

Psalms 78:12

Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, [in] the field of Zoan.