And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

DEUTERONOMY 5:24KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:24 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:24 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:24 records the Israelites' response after witnessing God's presence at Mount Sinai, saying that God has shown them his glory and greatness, spoken to them from the fire, and yet they have survived. The people are expressing awe that God has communicated directly with humans and that they are still alive after such an overwhelming encounter.

In this verse, Moses is recounting to the Israelites what they said after hearing God's voice from the midst of the fire on the mountain. The people recognize both the majesty ("glory" and "greatness") of the LORD (Yahweh) and the extraordinary fact that God (Elohim) has spoken to them directly, something they did not expect to survive. This moment highlights the unique relationship between God and Israel and the seriousness with which they regarded God's direct revelation.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:24

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship with Israel. The use of this name here stresses the closeness and faithfulness of God to his people.
  • "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means weight, honor, or splendor. Here, it points to the overwhelming majesty and visible presence of God that the people experienced.
  • "voice" (קוֹל, qol): This term means more than just sound; it often refers to a powerful, commanding presence. The people are not just hearing words, but experiencing the direct communication of God.
  • "man" (אָדָם, adam): This word refers to humanity in general. The verse stresses the wonder that God would speak with ordinary humans, not just prophets or special individuals.

Why Deuteronomy 5:24 matters

  • Deuteronomy 5:24 clarifies that the Israelites did not take their encounter with God lightly; they were deeply aware of the danger and privilege of hearing God's voice directly.
  • The verse emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel, showing that God chose to reveal himself in a way that was both terrifying and intimate.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by explaining why the people later ask Moses to speak to God on their behalf, fearing that another direct encounter might be too much for them to survive.

Where else these words appear

“greatness” Hebrew H1433 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
  • Deuteronomy 32:3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
  • Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

“liveth” Hebrew H2425 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
  • Leviticus 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.