Hebrews 12:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →At Sinai a trumpet blast and a speaking voice so terrified the people that they begged to hear no more.
What Does Hebrews 12:19 Mean?
The description of Sinai continues with its sounds: a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words, recalling the scene of Exodus 20. The holiness of God came near in a way the people could scarcely bear.
So overwhelming was the voice that the hearers pleaded for it to stop. The directness of God's presence drove them to ask for distance and a mediator. This terror at simply hearing God speak sets the stage for the wonder of the new approach, where God's people are drawn near rather than driven back. What once made men beg for silence becomes, in Christ, an invitation to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 12:19
What does Hebrews 12:19 mean?
At Sinai a trumpet blast and a speaking voice so terrified the people that they begged to hear no more.