Exodus 20:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people remain at a distance while Moses approaches God's presence in the dark cloud.
The Context of Exodus 20:21
Moses alone approaches God's presence while the people remain at a safe distance.
What Does Exodus 20:21 Mean?
The people, having made their request, maintain their distance while Moses alone advances toward God. The 'thick darkness' describes the cloud surrounding God's presence—an impenetrable boundary between the holy and the common. By stepping into this darkness, Moses demonstrates his unique role and authority. He is willing and able to approach what the people cannot endure.
This moment establishes a pattern: direct communion with God belongs to the mediator, the prophet. Moses' approach to the darkness symbolizes the mediatorial function. He stands between God's unreachable holiness and the people's human limitations, receiving God's word so the people can hear it through a human voice they can bear.
Exodus 20:21 in the Original Language
Araphel (ערפל), 'thick darkness' — a deep, impenetrable cloud symbolizing God's transcendence and the boundary between the holy and the common.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 20:21
What does Exodus 20:21 mean?
The people remain at a distance while Moses approaches God's presence in the dark cloud.
What is the context of Exodus 20:21?
Moses alone approaches God's presence while the people remain at a safe distance.