New International VersionPay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him.
New Living TranslationPay close attention to him, and obey his instructions. Do not rebel against him, for he is my representative, and he will not forgive your rebellion.
English Standard VersionPay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.
Berean Standard BiblePay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him.
King James BibleBeware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.
New King James VersionBeware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.
New American Standard BibleBe attentive to him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your rebellion, since My name is in him.
NASB 1995“Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him.
NASB 1977“Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him.
Legacy Standard BibleKeep watch of yourself before him and listen to his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him.
Amplified BibleBe on your guard before Him, listen to and obey His voice; do not be rebellious toward Him or provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgression, since My Name (authority) is in Him.
Christian Standard BibleBe attentive to him and listen to him. Do not defy him, because he will not forgive your acts of rebellion, for my name is in him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBe attentive to him and listen to his voice. Do not defy him, because he will not forgive your acts of rebellion, for My name is in him.
American Standard VersionTake ye heed before him, and hearken unto his voice; provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgression: for my name is in him.
Contemporary English VersionCarefully obey everything the angel says, because I am giving him complete authority, and he won't tolerate rebellion.
English Revised VersionTake ye heed of him, and hearken unto his voice; provoke him not: for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPay attention to him, and listen to him. Don't defy him, because he will not forgive your disobedience. He is acting on my authority.
Good News TranslationPay attention to him and obey him. Do not rebel against him, for I have sent him, and he will not pardon such rebellion.
International Standard VersionBe careful! Be sure to obey him. Don't rebel against him, because he won't forgive your transgression, since my Name is in him.
NET BibleTake heed because of him, and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgressions, for my name is in him.
New Heart English BiblePay attention to him, and listen to his voice. Do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in him.
Webster's Bible TranslationBeware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him.
World English BiblePay attention to him, and listen to his voice. Don’t provoke him, for he will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbe watchful because of His presence, and listen to His voice, do not rebel against Him, for He does not bear with your transgression, for My Name [is] in His heart;
Young's Literal Translation be watchful because of his presence, and hearken to his voice, rebel not against him, for he beareth not with your transgression, for My name is in his heart;
Smith's Literal TranslationWatch from his face, and hear to his voice; thou shalt not rebel against him: he will not lift up your transgression; for my name is in the midst of him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTake notice of him, and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned: for he will not forgive when thou hast sinned, and my name is in him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionHeed him, and hear his voice, and do not hold him in disregard. For he will not release you when you have sinned, and my name is in him.
New American BibleBe attentive to him and obey him. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority is within him.
New Revised Standard VersionBe attentive to him and listen to his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHeed him and obey his voice; do not strive against him; perhaps he will not pardon your transgressions; for my name is upon him.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBeware of him and listen to his voice; do not contend against him, lest he will not forgive your sins, because my Name is upon him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Take heed of him, and hearken unto his voice; be not rebellious against him; for he will not pardon your transgression; for My name is in him.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationTake heed to thyself and hearken to him, and disobey him not; for he will not give way to thee, for my name is on him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God's Angel to Lead20Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21Pay attentionto himand listento his voice;do notdefyhim,forhe will notforgiverebellion,sinceMy Nameis in him.22But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.…
Cross References Joshua 5:13-15Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” / “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” / The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Numbers 20:16and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.
Isaiah 63:9In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Judges 2:1-4Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, / and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? / So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” ...
Acts 7:30-35After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. / When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: / ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. ...
Hebrews 1:4-6So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs. / For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”? / And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”
Psalm 78:40-41How often they disobeyed Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! / Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
1 Corinthians 10:9-10We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. / And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.
Isaiah 63:10But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them.
Hebrews 3:7-11Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. ...
Psalm 103:20-21Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command. / Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will.
1 Peter 1:12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Zechariah 3:1-2Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”
Revelation 22:8-9And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. / But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
Malachi 3:1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Treasury of Scripture Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. beware of him Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perishfrom the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessedare all they that put their trust in him. Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much moreshall not weescape, if we turn away from him thatspeaketh from heaven: provoke him not Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? Psalm 78:40,56 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness,and grieve him in the desert! … Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. he will not Exodus 32:34 Therefore now go, lead the people untothe place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. Deuteronomy 18:19 And it shall come to pass,that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will requireit of him. my name Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 34:5-7 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD… Psalm 72:19 And blessedbe his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filledwith his glory; Amen, and Amen. Jump to Previous AttentionBewareCarefulDisobedienceEarForgiveGuardHearkenHeartHeedObeyOverlookedPardonPayProvokeRebelRebellionRebelliousTransgressionTransgressionsVoiceWatchfulWrongdoingJump to Next AttentionBewareCarefulDisobedienceEarForgiveGuardHearkenHeartHeedObeyOverlookedPardonPayProvokeRebelRebellionRebelliousTransgressionTransgressionsVoiceWatchfulWrongdoingExodus 23 1.Of slander, false witness, and partiality4.Of charitableness6.Of justice in judgment8.Of taking bribes9.Of oppressing a stranger10.Of the year of rest12.Of the Sabbath13.Of idolatry14.Of the three feasts18.Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice20.An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey himPay attention to him and listen to his voice;This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience and attentiveness to the messenger God has sent. In the context of Exodus, this refers to the Angel of the Lord, who is often seen as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The call to "pay attention" and "listen" echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which commands Israel to hear and obey the Lord. This highlights the necessity of heeding divine guidance, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 4:20-21, where wisdom is gained through attentive listening. do not defy him, Defiance against the messenger is equated with defiance against God Himself. This reflects the seriousness of rebellion against divine authority, as seen in the rebellion of Korah inNumbers 16. The cultural context of the ancient Near East often involved strict adherence to the words of a king's envoy, and here, the Angel is portrayed with similar authority. This command underscores the gravity of disobedience and the consequences that follow, as seen in the Israelites' wilderness wanderings due to their rebellion. for he will not forgive rebellion, The inability to forgive rebellion indicates the severity of sin against God's appointed messenger. In the Old Testament, rebellion against God often led to dire consequences, such as the Babylonian exile. This phrase underscores the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that rejection of Christ, the ultimate messenger, results in judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31). since My Name is in him. The phrase "My Name is in him" signifies the divine authority and presence within the Angel. In biblical terms, a name represents character and essence. This is a profound statement of the Angel's identity, suggesting a unique unity with God. It prefigures the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who bears the name above all names (Philippians 2:9) and embodies the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9). This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old to the New Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angel of the LordThis passage refers to a divine messenger, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a special angelic presence representing God Himself. The Angel is tasked with guiding and protecting the Israelites. 2. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who are being led from Egypt to the Promised Land. They are instructed to obey the Angel as part of their covenant relationship with God. 3. The Wilderness JourneyThe context of this passage is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they are learning to trust and obey God. Teaching Points Obedience to Divine GuidanceJust as the Israelites were commanded to listen to the Angel, Christians are called to heed the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Scripture in their lives. Reverence for God's NameThe passage emphasizes the importance of respecting God's authority, as His Name is in the Angel. This teaches us to hold God's name in high regard and live in a way that honors Him. Consequences of RebellionThe warning against defying the Angel serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God. It encourages believers to seek forgiveness and live in obedience. God's Presence in Our JourneyThe Angel's role in guiding the Israelites reflects God's ongoing presence and guidance in our spiritual journey. We are never alone as we navigate life's challenges. Christ as Our MediatorUnderstanding the Angel as a pre-incarnate Christ highlights the role of Jesus as our mediator and guide, who leads us into a right relationship with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 23:21?
2.How can we heed the angel's voice as instructed in Exodus 23:21 today?
3.What does "do not rebel against him" teach about obedience to God?
4.How does Exodus 23:21 connect with Hebrews 1:14 about ministering spirits?
5.In what ways can we ensure God's name is in our actions?
6.How does Exodus 23:21 emphasize the importance of listening to divine guidance?
7.What does Exodus 23:21 mean by "My Name is in him"?
8.How does Exodus 23:21 relate to the concept of divine authority?
9.Why is obedience emphasized in Exodus 23:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23?
11.What is the chronological order of events in the Bible?
12.What do the Seven Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls signify?
13.In Exodus 23:20–23, how is the supernatural guidance by an angel historically or archeologically verifiable?
14.Does the promise of divine protection in Exodus 15:26 conflict with later biblical accounts of Israel suffering plagues and diseases?What Does Exodus 23:21 Mean Pay attention to him“Pay attention” calls Israel to focus intentionally on the angel God is sending ahead of them (Exodus 23:20). This is more than casual notice; it is alert, trusting watchfulness. • Israel once “looked and saw” the pillar of cloud and fire leading them (Exodus 13:21-22), a concrete reminder to stay visually and spiritually aligned with God’s messenger. •Psalm 91:11 speaks of angels charged with guarding God’s people; obedience begins by acknowledging their God-given authority. Listen to his voiceThe command shifts from sight to hearing—obedience requires responsive listening. •Deuteronomy 13:4 repeats the same idea: “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.” • At Jesus’ transfiguration the Father declares, “This is My Son…Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5), echoing the principle that God’s envoy speaks with divine authority. Hearing that leads to doing (James 1:22) safeguards the journey. Do not defy himDefiance (or rebellion) is deliberate resistance. Israel is warned not to follow the pattern seen inExodus 17:2 where they “tested the LORD.” •Numbers 14:9 records Joshua and Caleb urging, “Do not rebel against the LORD,” tying rebellion directly to distrusting His guidance. •Hebrews 3:15 recalls the wilderness as an example: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Open hearts prevent hard-headed revolt. He will not forgive rebellionThis sober statement underscores the messenger’s judicial role. Persistent rebellion brings real consequences. •Exodus 32:33 illustrates the principle: “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.” •2 Kings 17:18 shows God’s response to entrenched disobedience: “So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence.” The angel’s refusal to pardon isn’t lack of mercy but affirmation that God’s justice stands when repentance is refused. Since My Name is in himBearing God’s Name means carrying His character, authority, and presence. • The “Angel of the LORD” spoke as God inExodus 3:2-6; here the same identification appears. •Joshua 5:13-15 reveals the “Commander of the LORD’s army,” accepted worship, and declared holy ground—again showing divine identity. •John 17:11 records Jesus praying, “Holy Father, protect them by Your Name, the Name You gave Me,” pointing to the fullest revelation of God’s Name in the Son. To resist the angel is to resist God Himself. summaryExodus 23:21 solemnly instructs God’s people to stay attentive, obedient, and submissive to the divine messenger who carries God’s very Name. His guidance is sure, His authority total, and His justice unbending toward stubborn rebellion. Yielding ears and humble hearts position believers to experience God’s faithful protection and forward movement into His promises. (21) My name is in him.--God and His Name are in Scripture almost convertible terms. He is never said to set His Name in a man. Verse 21. - Provoke himnot. On the disobedience of the Israelites to this precept, see Numbers 14:11; Psalm 78:17, 40, 56, etc. My name is in him. God's honour he will not give to another. He does not set His Name in a man. The angel, in whom was God's Blame, must have been co-equal with God - one of the Persons of the Blessed Trinity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Pay attentionהִשָּׁ֧מֶר(hiš·šā·mer)Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toto himמִפָּנָ֛יו(mip·pā·nāw)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440:The faceand listenוּשְׁמַ֥ע(ū·šə·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto his voice;בְּקֹל֖וֹ(bə·qō·lōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6963:A voice, sounddo notאַל־(’al-)Adverb Strong's 408:Notdefyתַּמֵּ֣ר(tam·mêr)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 4843:To be, bitterhim,בּ֑וֹ(bōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrewforכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionhe will notלֹ֤א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808:Not, noforgiveיִשָּׂא֙(yiś·śā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takerebellion,לְפִשְׁעֲכֶ֔ם(lə·p̄iš·‘ă·ḵem)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 6588:Transgressionsinceכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionMy Nameשְׁמִ֖י(šə·mî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 8034:A nameis in him.בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃(bə·qir·bōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7130:The nearest part, the center
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OT Law: Exodus 23:21 Pay attention to him and listen (Exo. Ex) |