Exodus 20:19
ESV
and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die."
NIV
and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."
NASB
Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but do not have God speak to us, or we will die!'
CSB
"You speak to us, and we will listen," they said to Moses, "but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die."
NLT
And they said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!'
KJV
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
NKJV
Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
What does Exodus 20:19 mean?
Sinai's intimidating sights and sounds had their intended effect (Exodus 19:16–20). The people were instructed not to approach the mountain (Exodus 19:12–13). Here, they agree with the idea of Moses acting as the Lord's spokesman. This corresponds to Moses' intended role. He is to be the gateway of communication between Israel and the Lord (Exodus 3:12; 14:31; 19:9). It's possible this exchange (Exodus 20:20–21) was part of how Israel reacted to their first sight of Sinai (Exodus 19:16–20). Or, perhaps Moses brought the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) before returning to receive the rest of the covenant (Exodus 19:5–6).The terrifying displays on Mount Sinai are meant to express the Lord's immense power and absolute holiness. As created beings, we should experience a reverent, healthy form of "fear" when we consider the Creator's nature. Thankfully, the same Creator wants us to approach Him with confidence, because of His love (Hebrews 4:15–16; 12:18–24).
