Exodus 20:20
ESV
Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin."
NIV
Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
NASB
However, Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.'
CSB
Moses responded to the people, "Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin."
NLT
Don’t be afraid,' Moses answered them, 'for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!'
KJV
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
NKJV
And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”
What does Exodus 20:20 mean?
"Fear" of God is not only inevitable, but healthy (Proverbs 1:7). When Israel came to Sinai to receive the Law (Exodus 19:5–6), the scene was intimidating (Exodus 19:16–20). Fire, smoke, lightning, and earthquakes were physical expressions of the Lord's immense power. Before anything else can be understood, we must acknowledge that God is God. The Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10) establishes this relationship and reminds us that we are flawed. Thankfully, the Lord does not stop there. He fulfilled this old covenant (Hebrews 12:18–29) and gave us a new covenant based on grace (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13).Moses provides reassurance. Reverent "fear" of God should not be panicked terror. Yes, the Lord is putting Israel in position to be tested. Will Israel's fear of the God who rescued them from Egypt (Exodus 20:1) keep them obedient to His commandments (Exodus 20:1–17)? As it turns out, the answer would often be "no." Israel will almost immediately turn to an idol (Exodus 32) and defy the Lord's commands regarding Canaan (Numbers 14:1–4). Later generations will cycle through spiritual corruption (Judges 2:16–19).
