Good News Translation GNT
New International Version NIV
18 When the people heard the thunder and the trumpet blast and saw the lightning and the smoking mountain, they trembled with fear and stood a long way off.
18
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance
19 They said to Moses, "If you speak to us, we will listen; but we are afraid that if God speaks to us, we will die."
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.”
20 Moses replied, "Don't be afraid; God has only come to test you and make you keep on obeying him, so that you will not sin."
20
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
21 But the people continued to stand a long way off, and only Moses went near the dark cloud where God was.
21
The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.