Exodus 20:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And God spake all these words, saying,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Before a single command is given, the wonder is that God speaks to His people at all.
The Context of Exodus 20:1
The opening line of the Ten Commandments. Israel has gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, the mountain wrapped in smoke and trembling, and now the God who rescued them out of Egypt begins to speak the words that will shape their life as His people.
What Does Exodus 20:1 Mean?
The verse is short and almost easy to read past, but it carries a quiet astonishment. The mountain is shaking, fire and cloud cover its peak, and the people stand trembling below. Then God spake. The Maker of heaven and earth does not stay distant or silent. He opens His mouth and addresses a freed company of former slaves directly, as One who wants to be known. Everything that follows, all ten words, flows out of this single grace: that God chose to speak, and that what He has to say is meant for us to hear.
From the beginning God has been a God who speaks, who calls light out of darkness and people out of bondage by His word. That speaking reaches its fullest form when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us in Jesus. The voice that thundered at Sinai is the same voice that later said, come unto me, gentle and near. God still speaks, and He speaks because He desires to be close to us.
Exodus 20:1 in the Original Language
dabar (דָּבַר), 'spake' -- to speak, to declare; the same root lies behind "word," the ten "words" that follow.
How to Apply Exodus 20:1 Today
It is no small thing that God speaks to us at all. The same God who addressed Israel at the mountain still draws near with His word, wanting to be known rather than feared from afar. We can come and listen, because the One who speaks does so out of love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:1
What does Exodus 20:1 mean?
Before a single command is given, the wonder is that God speaks to His people at all.
What is the context of Exodus 20:1?
The opening line of the Ten Commandments. Israel has gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, the mountain wrapped in smoke and trembling, and now the God who rescued them out of Egypt begins to speak the words that will shape their life as His people.
How can I apply Exodus 20:1 today?
It is no small thing that God speaks to us at all. The same God who addressed Israel at the mountain still draws near with His word, wanting to be known rather than feared from afar. We can come and listen, because the One who speaks does so out of love.