Hebrews 12:21

And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

And {G2532} so {G3779} terrible {G5398} was {G2258} the sight {G5324}, that Moses {G3475} said {G2036}, I exceedingly fear {G1630}{G1510} and {G2532} quake {G1790}:)

and so terrifying was the sight that Moshe said, “I am quaking with dread.”

The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:

Hebrews 12:21 describes the profound awe and terror experienced at Mount Sinai when God delivered the Law to Israel. This verse, though not a direct quote from the Old Testament, encapsulates the overwhelming and frightening nature of God’s manifestation, so much so that even Moses, God’s chosen mediator, was filled with dread and trembling.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Hebrews 12 (verses 18-29) that contrasts the Old Covenant, represented by the terrifying events at Mount Sinai, with the New Covenant established through Christ. The writer reminds his audience of the palpable fear, fire, darkness, storm, trumpet blast, and audible voice that accompanied God’s descent upon the mountain (Hebrews 12:18-19). The people, and even Moses himself, could not bear the sight or the sound. Moses' statement, "I exceedingly fear and quake," reflects the sentiment expressed in passages like Deuteronomy 9:19, where he recalls being afraid because of God's anger and the intense display of divine power.

Key Themes

  • The Awesomeness and Holiness of God: The scene at Sinai underscores God's immense power, purity, and unapproachable holiness. His presence demanded reverence and instilled fear in a sinful people, highlighting the vast chasm between a holy God and fallen humanity.
  • The Terror of the Old Covenant: The Law was given amidst a display of divine majesty that was terrifying, signaling that humanity could not approach God on its own terms or through its own righteousness. This fear was intended to highlight humanity's desperate need for a mediator and a different, more gracious way to draw near to God.
  • Moses as a Mediator: Even the great prophet Moses, who had a unique relationship with God as a mediator of the Old Covenant, was overwhelmed. This emphasizes the inadequacy of any human mediator and the absolute necessity for a superior one, which the subsequent verses reveal to be Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:24).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "exceedingly fear and quake" vividly conveys a profound sense of dread and trembling. While not a direct quote, it accurately summarizes the Old Testament accounts of the experience at Sinai. The Greek word for "terrible" (phoberos) means dreadful, formidable, or inspiring awe. It points to something that causes intense fear or fright, underscoring the severity and overwhelming nature of God's manifested presence at the giving of the Law.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 12:21 serves as a stark reminder of the immense privilege we have under the New Covenant. Unlike the terrifying approach to Mount Sinai, we are invited to draw near to God's throne of grace with confidence through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 10:19-22). The fear and trembling associated with the Old Covenant's Law give way to a relationship of grace and peace, not because God's holiness has diminished, but because Christ has perfectly fulfilled the Law and atoned for our sins. This verse encourages us to appreciate the New Covenant's superiority and to approach God with reverent gratitude and boldness, knowing He is both holy and merciful.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 19:16

    ¶ 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.

  • Deuteronomy 9:19

    For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.

  • Isaiah 6:3

    And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

  • Isaiah 6:5

    ¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

  • Exodus 19:19

    And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

  • Psalms 119:120

    My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back