Hebrews 12:21

Hebrews 12:21

And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

a. NLT: Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.

b. NIV: The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear

c. YLT: and, (so terrible was the sight,) Moses said, 'I am fearful exceedingly, and trembling.'

d. Amplified Bible: In fact, so awful and terrifying was the [phenomenal] sight that Moses said, I am terrified (aghast and trembling with fear).

e. Worrell Translation: and so terrible  was the appearance, Moses said, “I am exceedingly frieghtened and in fear!”

1. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

a. And [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. so [3779 * houto; or (before a vowel houtos] [Strong: adverb from 3778; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

c. terrible [5398 * phoberos] [Strong: from 5401; frightful, i.e. (objectively) formidable:--fearful, terrible.]

d. was [2258 * en] [Strong: imperfect of 1510; I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were):--+ agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.]

e. the sight [5324 * phantazo] [Strong: from a derivative of 5316; to make apparent, i.e. (passively) to appear (neuter participle as noun, a spectacle):--sight.]

f. Moses [3475 * Moseus; or Moses; or Mouses] [Strong: of Hebrew origin; (4872); Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver:--Moses.]

g. said [2036 * epo] [Strong: a primary verb (used only in the definite past tense, the others being borrowed from 2046, 4483, and 5346); to speak or say (by word or writing):--answer, bid, bring word, call, command, grant, say (on), speak, tell.]

h. I exceedingly fear [1630 * ekphobos] [Strong: from 1537 and 5401; frightened out of one's wits: sore afraid, exceedingly fear.]

i. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

j. quake [1790 * entromos] [Strong: from 1722 and 5156; terrified:--X quake, X trembled.]

1). In referring to the Hebrews passage some commentators have written words which I agree with, that the writer of Hebrews was citing a Jewish teaching that was confirmed by the Spirit of God.

a). John Gill Commentary 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 notion that Moses did quake and tremble, and when upon the mount; and that he expressed his fear and dread. They have such a tradition as this.

b). Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown Commentary: Moses is not recorded in Exodus to have used these words. But Paul, by inspiration, supplies (compare Acts 20:35; 2 Timothy 3:8) this detail. We read in Deuteronomy 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.