Hebrews 12:20

20 for they couldn't bear what was being commanded them, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it is to be stoned to death";

Images for Hebrews 12:20

Hebrews 12:20 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 12:20

For they could not endure that which was commanded
In the law; not that they disliked and despised the law, as unregenerate men do; but they could not endure it, or bear it, as a yoke, it being a yoke of bondage; nor as a covenant of works, it requiring perfect obedience, but giving no strength to perform; and as it showed them their sins, but did not direct them to a Saviour; as it was an accusing, cursing, and condemning law; and, as a fiery one, revealing wrath, and filling the conscience with it; unless this should have any respect to the following edict, more particularly:

and if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned or
thrust through with a dart;
and, if a beast, much more a man: and, how easily, through inadvertence, might this be done? and how terrible was the punishment? nothing less than death, by stoning, or being shot: and this they could not bear to hear, or think of: the last clause, "or thrust through with a dart", is wanting in the Alexandrian and Beza's Claromontane copies, in the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions; and yet is necessary to be retained, being in the original text, in ( Exodus 19:12 Exodus 19:13 ) .

Hebrews 12:20 In-Context

18 For you have not come to a tangible mountain, to an ignited fire, to darkness, to murk, to a whirlwind,
19 to the sound of a shofar, and to a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further message be given to them -
20 for they couldn't bear what was being commanded them, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it is to be stoned to death";
21 and so terrifying was the sight that Moshe said, "I am quaking with dread."
22 On the contrary, you have come to Mount Tziyon, that is, the city of the living God, heavenly Yerushalayim; to myriads of angels in festive assembly;
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.