Exodus 20:18
ESV
Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off
NIV
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance
NASB
And all the people were watching and hearing the thunder and the lightning flashes, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it all, they trembled and stood at a distance.
CSB
All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.
NLT
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.
KJV
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.
NKJV
Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.
What does Exodus 20:18 mean?
Unlike modern writing, ancient records are not always recorded in the exact order in which they occurred. In this case, the people may be responding to the declaration of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). Or this may be an aside referring to how the people first saw Sinai when Moses was called there (Exodus 19:16–20). The epic scene on the mountain produced a healthy, respectful fear. This made the people respect the Lord's command not to approach Him there (Exodus 19:12–13). If Moses did not return from the mountain until he had the entire Law, it might explain why Israel was so quickly tempted to make an idol (Exodus 32).The Law, given here (Exodus 19:5–6), makes people aware of their sin. Comparing ourselves to a Holy God is frightening. Yet this is only the first part of God's plan for mankind. Once this covenant has been fulfilled, it will be replaced with a new covenant. The new will be marked by confidence rather than fear (Hebrews 8:8–13; 12:18–21).
