Exodus 19:22
ESV
Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them."
NIV
Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them."
NASB
Also have the priests who approach the Lord consecrate themselves, or else the Lord will break out against them.'
CSB
Even the priests who come near the Lord must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out in anger against them."
NLT
Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.'
KJV
And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.
NKJV
Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”
What does Exodus 19:22 mean?
Those not invited on Sinai during the delivery of the covenant (Exodus 19:5–6) would be punished by death (Exodus 19:12–13). Even when Moses spends long periods on the mountain (Exodus 24:16, 18; 32:1), the people may not give in to curiosity (Exodus 19:21). This even applies to priests; in fact, they have an even more strict requirement.This covenant will establish priests from Aaron's line in the tribe of Levi (Exodus 28:1–3; Numbers 1:50–53). However, Israel already has some men acting as priests. God commands them to consecrate themselves—perhaps in a more determined and overt way than how the people were recently consecrated (Exodus 19:10, 14). The term "priest" generally means someone with special access to a deity. If these men presume to come close to God, they must do so with the right attitude (Exodus 19:24).
