Exodus 19:10
ESV
the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments
NIV
And the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes
NASB
The Lord also said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their garments;
CSB
and the Lord told Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes
NLT
Then the Lord told Moses, 'Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing.
KJV
And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
NKJV
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.
What does Exodus 19:10 mean?
Before they can receive the words of God's covenant (Exodus 19:5–9), the Israelites must prepare. This begins with washing. Cleanliness is symbolic of spiritual purity (2 Kings 5:10; Hebrews 10:22); the Mosaic covenant will emphasize physical washing as an aspect of honoring the Lord (Exodus 30:18–19; Leviticus 16:4).Consecration (Exodus 13:2)—setting apart for special purposes—is also an important aspect of this covenant (Exodus 22:31; 29:1; 40:9–13; Leviticus 20:7). The ritual aspects of consecration can involve washing (Exodus 19:14), anointing (Exodus 30:30), or abstaining from foods or acts (Exodus 19:15; Numbers 6:1–4).
On the third day (Exodus 19:11), God will come to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–2) and meet Moses while covered in a thick cloud (Exodus 19:9). The scene will evoke a sense of fear and awe (Exodus 19:16–19). This highlights the Lord's holiness and the seriousness of these laws (Hebrews 12:18–21).
