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Verse

Hebrews 12:20

ESV For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."
NIV because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death."
NASB For they could not cope with the command, 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.'
CSB for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.
NLT They staggered back under God’s command: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.'
KJV For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
NKJV (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.”

What does Hebrews 12:20 mean?

This passage refers to the time when God gave the old covenant to Israel. This happened after the exodus from Egypt, at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9–20). The scene at Sinai was dramatic and also terrifying. There, the people saw clouds and fire, heard trumpet blasts, and were commanded not to even touch the holy mountain. The purpose of this spectacle was to highlight the seriousness of this covenant and the holiness of the God who made it. Man's separation from God was a major teaching aspect of the law.

The point of this section of Hebrews is to continue contrasting the old covenant to the new covenant. The old covenant was inaugurated with a sense of dread, even terror, in order to convince man of his own sin and his need for God (Hebrews 9:8–12; Galatians 3:23–24). The new covenant, as future verses will explain, is something presented to man with an attitude of peace and forgiveness. This entire letter describes how the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, and that even includes the emotional impact felt as mankind is presented with each one.
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