19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

Other Translations of Exodus 20:19

King James Version

19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

English Standard Version

19 and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die."

The Message

19 They said to Moses, "You speak to us and we'll listen, but don't have God speak to us or we'll die."

New King James Version

19 Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die."

New Living Translation

19 And they said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen. But don't let God speak directly to us, or we will die!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 20:19

Commentary on Exodus 20:18-21

(Read Exodus 20:18-21)

This law, which is so extensive that we cannot measure it, so spiritual that we cannot evade it, and so reasonable that we cannot find fault with it, will be the rule of the future judgment of God, as it is for the present conduct of man. If tried by this rule, we shall find our lives have been passed in transgressions. And with this holy law and an awful judgment before us, who can despise the gospel of Christ? And the knowledge of the law shows our need of repentance. In every believer's heart sin is dethroned and crucified, the law of God is written, and the image of God renewed. The Holy Spirit enables him to hate sin and flee from it, to love and keep this law in sincerity and truth; nor will he cease to repent.