Hebrews 12:20

Hebrews 12:20

(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:

a. NLT: They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.

b. NIV: because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.

c. YLT: for they were not bearing that which is commanded, 'And if a beast may touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or with an arrow shot through,'

d. Amplified Bible Classic: For they could not bear the command that was given: If even a wild animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.

e. Worrell Translation: for they could not bear that which was being commanded. “And, if a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned.”

1. “(For they could not endure that which was commanded…”

a. For [1063 * gar] [Strong: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. they could…endure [5342 * phero] [Strong: a primary verb -- for which other, and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely, oio oy'-o; and enegko en-eng'-ko to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows):--be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold.]

c. not [3756 * ou; also (before a vowel) ouk; and (before an aspirate) ouch] [Strong:  a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

d. that which was commanded [1291 * diastellomai] [Strong: middle voice from 1223 and 4724; to set (oneself) apart (figuratively, distinguish), i.e. (by implication) to enjoin:--charge, that which was (give) commanded(-ment).]

1). This may come as a shock to most people but it was not God that was doing the speaking. There are two witnesses in the New Testament that declare that it was angels speaking the commandments.

a). Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

b). Acts 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

c). Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

2. “…And if so much as a beast touch the mountain it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:…”

a. if so much [2579 * kan] [Strong: from 2532 and 1437; and (or even) if:--and (also) if (so much as), if but, at the least, though, yet.]

b. a beast [2342 * therion] [Strong: diminutive from the same as 2339; a dangerous animal:--(venomous, wild) beast.]

c. touch [2345 * thiggano] [Strong: a prolonged form of an obsolete primary thigo (to finger); to manipulate, i.e. have to do with; by implication, to injure:--handle, touch.]

d. the mountan [3735 * oros] [Strong: probably from an obsolete oro (to rise or "rear"; perhaps akin to 142; compare 3733); a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain): -hill, mount(-ain).]

e. it shall be stoned [3036 * lithoboleo] [Strong: from a compound of 3037 and 906; to throw stones, i.e. lapidate:--stone, cast stones.]

f. or [2228 * e] [Strong: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles.]

g. thrust through [2700 * katatoxeuo] [Strong: from 2596 and a derivative of 5115; to shoot down with an arrow or other missile:--thrust through.]

h. with a dart [1002 * bolis] [Strong: from 906; a missile, i.e. javelin:--dart.]

1). Albert Barnes Commentary: And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned – Exodus 19:13. The prohibition was, that neither beast nor man should touch it on pain of death. The punishment was to be either by stoning, or being "shot through."

a). Exodus 19:13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.