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Hebrews 12:21

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 12:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:
Hebrews 12:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
19and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them;
20for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned;
21and so fearful was the appearance, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:
22but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels,
23to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than [that of] Abel.
← Hebrews 12:20Hebrews 12:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And so terrible was the sight, etc..] Of the smoke, fire, and lightnings; or of God himself, who descended on the mount; with which agrees the Arabic version, which renders the words, “and so terrible was he who vouchsafed himself to be seen”; not in the bush burning with fire; at which time Moses was afraid to look upon God, (<020306>Exodus 3:6) but on Mount Sinai, when the law was given: [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: perhaps he might say this, when he spake, and God answered him, (<021919>Exodus 19:19). These words are nowhere recorded in Scripture; wherefore the apostle had them either by divine revelation, or from tradition, confirmed by the former: for the Jews have a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the sight--the vision of God's majesty. quake--Greek, "I am in trembling"; "fear" affected his mind: "trembling," his body. Moses is not recorded in Exodus to have used these words. But Paul, by inspiration, supplies (compare Act 20:35; Ti2 3:8) this detail. We read in Deu 9:19, Septuagint, of similar words used by Moses after breaking the two tables, through fear of God's anger at the people's sin in making the golden calves. He doubtless similarly "feared" in hearing the ten commandments spoken by the voice of Jehovah.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said ... - This is not recorded in the account of the giving of the Law in Exodus, and it has been made a question on what authority the apostle made this declaration respecting Moses. In Deuteronomy 9:19, Moses indeed says, of himself, after he had come down from the mountain, and had broken the two tables of stone that were in his hand, that he was greatly afraid of the anger of the Lord on account of the sin of the people. “I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure wherewith the Lord was wroth against you to destroy you;” and it has been supposed by many that this is the passage to which the apostle here alludes. But it is very evident that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Even Moses - Though admitted to so near an intercourse with God, who "spake to him as a man speaketh to his friend." At other times he acted as a mediator between God and the people. But while the ten words were pronounced, he stood as one of the hearers, Exo 19:25; Exo 20:19. Hebrews 12:22”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Moses: Exo 19:16, Exo 19:19; Psa 119:120; Isa 6:3-5; Dan 10:8, Dan 10:17; Rev 1:17 Hebrews 12:22”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification