Exodus 19:21

ESV And the Lord said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish.

NIV and the Lord said to him, "Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish.

NASB Then the Lord spoke to Moses: 'Go down, warn the people, so that they do not break through to the Lord to stare, and many of them perish.

CSB The Lord directed Moses, "Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the Lord; otherwise many of them will die.

NLT Then the Lord told Moses, 'Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die.

KJV And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.

NKJV And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish.

What does Exodus 19:21 mean?

Moses has been called to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) where he will meet with God (Exodus 19:9). There, he will receive the laws of the covenant between the Lord and Israel (Exodus 19:5–6). This will require Moses to be on Sinai for days at a time (Exodus 24:16), sometimes more than a month (Exodus 24:18; 32:1). The Israelites have already shown a lack of patience (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:2–3). So, the Lord gives a reminder that they are not to approach the mountain unless directly invited (Exodus 19:12–13). The concern is that they will "break through" caution and rules and come onto Sinai anyway. Such curiosity would disrespect God, at best, and result in instant death, at worst (Exodus 33:20).

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