And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

EXODUS 20:18KJV
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Exodus 20:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 20:18 mean?

Exodus 20:18 describes how all the Israelites witnessed dramatic sights and sounds—thunder, lightning, the sound of a trumpet, and smoke rising from the mountain—after God spoke the Ten Commandments. The people were so overwhelmed and afraid by these powerful signs that they moved away and kept their distance from the mountain.

This verse takes place right after God gives the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The people are not just hearing words; they are experiencing a sensory display that shows the seriousness and holiness of the moment. The reaction of the people—stepping back in fear—shows how awe-inspiring and intimidating God’s presence was to them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 20:18

  • The word for "thunderings" is קֹלוֹת (qolot), which literally means "voices" or "sounds." In this context, it is often understood as thunder, but the word can also refer to powerful, overwhelming noises, highlighting the intensity of what the people experienced.
  • "Removed" is נוּעַ (nu'a), which means to shake, tremble, or move. This suggests not just a calm stepping back, but a reaction of fear or even trembling as the people withdraw.
  • "Stood afar off" uses the word רָחוֹק (rachok), meaning "far" or "distant." This emphasizes that the people put significant space between themselves and the mountain, underlining their fear and respect for what was happening.

Why Exodus 20:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the giving of the Ten Commandments was not a quiet or private event; it was marked by overwhelming sights and sounds that made a deep impression on everyone present.
  • The people's fearful reaction highlights the seriousness of God’s presence and the weight of the commandments, showing that this was not just another message, but a moment of direct encounter with the divine.
  • Exodus 20:18 sets up the following verses, where the people ask Moses to speak to God on their behalf, revealing their sense of unworthiness and fear in the face of God’s holiness.

Where else these words appear

“smoking” Hebrew H6226 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 7:4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

“lightnings” Hebrew H3940 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
  • Judges 15:5 And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives.
  • Ezekiel 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

“removed” Hebrew H5128 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
  • Isaiah 29:9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

“trumpet” Hebrew H7782 · used in 63 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Samuel 2:28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
  • Isaiah 27:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.