In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

EXODUS 19:1KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 19:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 19:1 mean?

Exodus 19:1 marks the time when the Israelites, after leaving Egypt, arrive at the wilderness of Sinai in the third month of their journey. This verse sets the stage for what will happen at Mount Sinai, where God will give the Israelites important instructions and laws.

The verse is a historical note, describing the moment when the Israelites reach a key location in their journey. The writer is explaining to the reader that, after escaping slavery in Egypt, the people of Israel have now come to Sinai, which will be the setting for the next major events in the story.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 19:1

  • The word "third" (שְׁלִישִׁי, shelishi; H7992) refers to the third month, showing that some time has passed since the Exodus and highlighting the journey's progression.
  • "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar; H4057) means a desert or uninhabited land, emphasizing that the Israelites are not arriving at a city or settled area, but a remote and wild place.
  • "Sinai" (סִינַי, Sinai; H5514) is the specific name of the mountain and region, which is central to the next chapters, as it is where the covenant and the giving of the law will take place.

Why Exodus 19:1 matters

  • This verse helps the reader track the timeline and movement of the Israelites, clarifying that the events at Sinai did not happen immediately after leaving Egypt.
  • By naming the wilderness of Sinai, the verse signals a major turning point in the story, as this is where the Israelites will receive the Ten Commandments and enter into a covenant with God.
  • The verse clears up any confusion about the setting, making it clear that the Israelites are in a remote, challenging environment, not yet in the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Sinai” Hebrew H5514 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
  • Exodus 34:32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
  • Numbers 9:5 And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve: