New International VersionThen Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:
New Living TranslationThen Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel:
English Standard Versionwhile Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
Berean Standard BibleThen Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, “This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob and explain to the sons of Israel:
King James BibleAnd Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
New King James VersionAnd Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
New American Standard BibleAnd Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
NASB 1995Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
NASB 1977And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
Legacy Standard BibleNow Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
Amplified BibleMoses went up to God [on the mountain], and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Say this to the house of Jacob and tell the Israelites:
Christian Standard BibleMoses went up the mountain to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites:
Holman Christian Standard BibleMoses went up the mountain to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob, and explain to the Israelites:
American Standard VersionAnd Moses went up unto God, and Jehovah called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
Contemporary English VersionMoses went up the mountain to meet with the LORD God, who told him to say to the people:
English Revised VersionAnd Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Moses went up the mountain to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, "This is what you must say to the descendants of Jacob. Tell the Israelites,
Good News Translationand Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and told him to say to the Israelites, Jacob's descendants:
International Standard VersionThen Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain: "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and declare to the sons of Israel,
NET BibleMoses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, "Thus you will tell the house of Jacob, and declare to the people of Israel:
New Heart English BibleMoses went up to God, and God called to him out of the mountain, saying, "This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, “This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob and explain to the sons of Israel:
World English BibleMoses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Moses has gone up to God, and YHWH calls to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you say to the house of Jacob, and declare to the sons of Israel:
Young's Literal Translation And Moses hath gone up unto God, and Jehovah calleth unto him out of the mount, saying, 'Thus dost thou say to the house of Jacob, and declare to the sons of Israel,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Moses went up to God, and Jehovah will call to him from the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob and shalt announce to the sons of Israel: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Moses went up to God: and the Lord called unto him from the mountain, and said: Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen Moses ascended to God. And the Lord called to him from the mountain, and he said: “This you shall say to the house of Jacob, and announce to the sons of Israel:
New American BibleMoses went up to the mountain of God. Then the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying: This is what you will say to the house of Jacob; tell the Israelites:
New Revised Standard VersionThen Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Moses went up to God, and God called to him out of the mountain and said to him, Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Moshe went up to God and God called to him from the mountain and he said: “Thus say to those of the house of Yaquuv and tell the children of Israel; OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying: 'Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Moses went up to the mount of God, and God called him out of the mountain, saying, These things shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and thou shalt report them to the children of Israel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Israel at Mount Sinai… 2After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain. 3Then Moseswent uptoGod,and the LORDcalledto himfromthe mountain,“This is whatyou are to tellthe houseof Jacoband explainto the sonsof Israel:4‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.…
Cross References Exodus 3:12“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”
Deuteronomy 5:4-5The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. / At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said:
Hebrews 12:18-21For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ...
Acts 7:38He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us.
Deuteronomy 4:10-12The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” / You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. / And the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; there was only a voice.
Nehemiah 9:13You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.
Psalm 68:17The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.
Galatians 3:19Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.
Deuteronomy 33:2He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon us from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with flaming fire at His right hand.
1 Kings 19:8So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
Matthew 17:1-5After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. ...
Revelation 4:1-2After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” / At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.
1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Psalm 103:7He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel.
John 1:17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Treasury of Scripture And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; went up Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where Godwas. Exodus 24:15-18 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount… Exodus 34:2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. called Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Heream I. Jump to Previous ChildrenFamilyHouseIsraelJacobMosesMountMountainVoiceWordJump to Next ChildrenFamilyHouseIsraelJacobMosesMountMountainVoiceWordExodus 19 1.The people arrive at Sinai3.God's message by Moses unto the people out of the mount8.The people are prepared against the third day, for the giving of the law12.The mountain must not be touched16.The fearful presence of God upon the mountThen Moses went up to GodMoses ascending the mountain signifies a physical and spiritual journey towards God, representing a mediator between God and the Israelites. This ascent is a recurring theme in Moses' life, symbolizing his unique role as a prophet and leader. The mountain, likely Mount Sinai, is a place of divine revelation, where God imparts His law and covenant. This act of going up to God highlights Moses' obedience and willingness to seek God's presence, a model for spiritual leadership. and the LORD called to him from the mountain
The LORD calling to Moses emphasizes God's initiative in communication and revelation. It underscores the personal relationship between God and Moses, where God speaks directly to him. This divine call from the mountain signifies the holiness and authority of God's message. The mountain serves as a sacred space, set apart for divine encounters, reinforcing the idea of God's transcendence and immanence. “This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob
The phrase "house of Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. It emphasizes the covenantal relationship established with the patriarchs, linking the present generation to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This designation reminds the Israelites of their identity and heritage as God's chosen people, called to live according to His statutes. and explain to the sons of Israel:
The term "sons of Israel" is synonymous with the Israelites, highlighting their collective identity as a nation. The instruction to "explain" indicates the importance of clear communication and understanding of God's commands. It underscores the role of Moses as a teacher and leader, responsible for conveying God's will to the people. This phrase also points to the necessity of passing down God's laws and teachings to future generations, ensuring the continuity of faith and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central human figure in this passage, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the Israelites. He is called by God to deliver His message to the people. 2. God (Yahweh)The divine speaker in this passage, God initiates communication with Moses, emphasizing His authority and the importance of the message. 3. Mount SinaiThe mountain where Moses meets with God. It is a significant location for divine revelation and covenant-making in the biblical account. 4. House of JacobRefers to the descendants of Jacob, emphasizing their identity as a chosen people with a shared heritage. 5. Sons of IsraelAnother term for the Israelites, highlighting their collective identity as a nation under God's covenant. Teaching Points The Role of MediatorMoses serves as a mediator between God and His people, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator. Reflect on how Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God. Divine CallingJust as God called Moses, He calls each of us to specific roles and tasks. Consider what God might be calling you to do in your life. Identity and HeritageThe terms "house of Jacob" and "sons of Israel" remind us of our spiritual heritage. Reflect on your identity in Christ and how it shapes your life. Reverence for God's WordMoses' ascent to the mountain signifies the importance of approaching God with reverence. Cultivate a heart of reverence when engaging with Scripture. Community and CovenantThe message is for the entire community of Israel, emphasizing the collective nature of God's covenant. Consider how you can contribute to your faith community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 19:3?
2.How does Exodus 19:3 demonstrate God's desire for communication with His people?
3.What can we learn about obedience from Moses' ascent to meet God in Exodus 19:3?
4.How does Exodus 19:3 connect to God's covenant promises in Genesis?
5.How can we apply Moses' example of leadership in Exodus 19:3 today?
6.What does Moses' response in Exodus 19:3 teach about approaching God with reverence?
7.What is the significance of Moses ascending Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:3?
8.How does Exodus 19:3 illustrate God's communication with His chosen leaders?
9.Why did God choose Moses to deliver His message in Exodus 19:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 19?
11.What does 'House of Jacob' mean in the Bible?
12.Did God separate from Israel?
13.Does Micah 6:8’s emphasis on justice, mercy, and humility conflict with the harsher laws found elsewhere in the Old Testament?
14.What does "House of Jacob" mean in the Bible?What Does Exodus 19:3 Mean Then Moses went up to God• Moses literally climbed Sinai, demonstrating ready obedience. Earlier he had hurried toward another summit when “the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire” (Exodus 3:1-4), and he will do so again inExodus 24:12-18. • Every step reminds us that access to God is granted yet costly;Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Israel’s trembling approach with the believer’s confidence in Christ. • The ascent pictures Moses’ mediating role—standing between a holy God and a sinful people—foreshadowing “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
the LORD called to him from the mountain• God initiates the conversation. Sinai is His chosen platform, echoing His earlier “call” from the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). • The mountain setting underscores holiness and separation; anyone touching it uninvited would die (Exodus 19:12-13). • Scripture often links God’s voice with thunderous authority—“The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness” (Psalm 29:8)—yet it is also personal, directing Moses by name (Isaiah 43:1).
This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob• “House of Jacob” reaches back to the patriarch’s family, tying this moment to unconditional promises first spoken inGenesis 28:13-15. • The wording affirms covenant continuity: the same God who delivered them from Egypt now defines their identity (Exodus 3:15). • God’s message is specific, not generic. He entrusts His exact words to Moses, reminding us that “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man” (2 Peter 1:21).
and explain to the sons of Israel• “Explain” stresses clarity. Moses must pass on the message with understanding, just as later Levites “read from the Book of the Law… translating and giving the meaning” (Nehemiah 8:8). • The phrase “sons of Israel” highlights the growing nation. What God says will shape their collective destiny (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). • Teaching is meant to be repeated: parents will rehearse these words to children “when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), and leaders will entrust truth “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). • Accurate explanation guards against idolatry and drift, as seen when misunderstanding later fuels the golden-calf crisis (Exodus 32:1-6).
summaryExodus 19:3 captures a pivotal exchange: Moses obediently climbs, the LORD authoritatively speaks, and a clear, covenantal message is prepared for the entire nation. The verse showcases God’s initiative, the necessity of a faithful mediator, and the call to pass on divine truth accurately so that every generation may live in covenant relationship with Him. (3) Moses went up unto God-- i.e.,ascended Sinai, where he expected that God would speak with him. The Lord called unto him out of the mountain.--While he was still on his way, as it would seem, so that he was spared the toil of the ascent. God meets us half-way when we "arise and go" to Him. Verse 3-9. - THE FIRST COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ISRAEL. AS Moses, having reached the foot of Sinai, was proceeding to ascend the mountain, where he looked to have special revelations from God, God called to him out of the mountain, and required a positive engagement on the part of the people, before he would condescend to enter into further direct relations with them. If, through gratitude for what had been done for them in the deliverance from Egypt, and since, they would solemnly engage to obey God and keep the covenant that he should make with them (verse 5), then a fresh revelation should be made, and fresh engagements entered into; but not otherwise. Moses communicated the message to the people through the alders, and received the solemn promise, which he carried back to God. "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." Verse 3. - Moseswent up unto God. From the time of his call Moses had known that Israel was to serve God upon Sinai ( Exodus 3:12), and had regarded either one special peak, or the whole range as "the mount of God" - a place dedicated and set apart to Jehovah. It was natural, therefore, that, so soon as he reached the near vicinity of the mount, he should ascend it. The Lord called to him out ofthe Mount. God often accepts the will for the deed, and spares his saints a needless toil. Here, as Moses was on his way, God anticipated him, and calling to him out of the mountain sent him back to the people with a message. The house of Jacob. This rare expression, familiar to no sacred writer but Isaiah, recalls the promises made to Jacob of a numerous seed, which should grow from a house to a nation ( Genesis 28:14; Genesis 35:11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Mosesוּמֹשֶׁ֥ה(ū·mō·šeh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverwent upעָלָ֖ה(‘ā·lāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toGod,הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeand the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelcalledוַיִּקְרָ֨א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readtoאֵלָ֤יו(’ê·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tohim fromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe mountain,הָהָ֣ר(hā·hār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill country“This is whatכֹּ֤ה(kōh)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowyou are to tellלֵאמֹ֔ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, saythe houseלְבֵ֣ית(lə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descand explainוְתַגֵּ֖יד(wə·ṯag·gêḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousto the sonsלִבְנֵ֥י(liḇ·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Israel:יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links Exodus 19:3 NIVExodus 19:3 NLTExodus 19:3 ESVExodus 19:3 NASBExodus 19:3 KJV
Exodus 19:3 BibleApps.comExodus 19:3 Biblia ParalelaExodus 19:3 Chinese BibleExodus 19:3 French BibleExodus 19:3 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 19:3 Moses went up to God and Yahweh (Exo. Ex) |
