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.

EXODUS 19:16KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 19:16 (KJV)

What does Exodus 19:16 mean?

Exodus 19:16 describes a dramatic scene on the morning of the third day, when thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud trumpet sound filled the area around Mount Sinai, causing everyone in the Israelite camp to tremble with fear. This verse sets the stage for God’s appearance to the people, showing the seriousness and awe of the moment.

The verse is part of the story where Moses leads the Israelites to Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt. God is about to give the Ten Commandments, and these powerful sights and sounds signal His presence and holiness. The people’s reaction—trembling—shows how overwhelming and real this encounter with God is for them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 19:16

  • The word for "thunders" is קוֹלֹת (qolot), which literally means "voices" or "sounds." In this context, it refers to thunder but also emphasizes the idea of powerful, commanding noises, not just a weather event.
  • The word for "trumpet" is שׁוֹפָר (shofar), a ram’s horn used for important announcements or warnings. Its "exceeding loud" sound (מְאֹד חָזָק, me’od chazaq) signals something extraordinary and commands attention.
  • The word for "trembled" is חָרַד (charad), which means to shake or be terrified. It shows that the people’s fear was intense and physical, not just a mild unease.

Why Exodus 19:16 matters

  • This verse helps clear up any idea that God’s appearance at Sinai was quiet or ordinary; it was marked by overwhelming sights and sounds that made a deep impression on everyone present.
  • The details about thunder, lightning, and the shofar connect this moment to other times in the Bible when God’s presence is revealed with power, helping readers see the seriousness of what is happening.
  • The reaction of the people—trembling—shows that encountering God is not casual or comfortable, but something that inspires awe and even fear, setting the tone for the giving of the law in the next chapter.

Where else these words appear

“lightnings” Hebrew H1300 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
  • Psalms 97:4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
  • Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

“thick” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • 2 Kings 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

“trembled” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 2 Samuel 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
  • Ezekiel 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

“loud” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 34:12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.
  • Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.