Deuteronomy 5:24 Meaning and Explanation
“And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel acknowledges that they have witnessed God's glory and heard Him speak, and they have survived the encounter.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:24
Israel recognizes the reality and significance of their direct encounter with God.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:24 Mean?
The people recognize that God has revealed His glory (His awesome power and nature) and spoken directly—a privilege and honor but also a terrifying reality. The phrase God doth talk with man, and he liveth expresses wonder and relief: contrary to ancient belief that mortals could not encounter God and survive, Israel had heard Him speak and lived. This demonstrated that the covenant God was not distant or silent but actively communicating and personally invested in His people.
Witnessing God's glory transformed Israel's understanding of their relationship with Him. They were not following an abstract law or distant deity, but a living God who chose to speak to them, who showed them His nature, and who had committed Himself to them in covenant.
Deuteronomy 5:24 in the Original Language
dobar (דָּבַר), 'speak' — to utter words, here emphasizing that God actively communicated directly to the people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:24
What does Deuteronomy 5:24 mean?
Israel acknowledges that they have witnessed God's glory and heard Him speak, and they have survived the encounter.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:24?
Israel recognizes the reality and significance of their direct encounter with God.