Exodus 20:20
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
Exodus 20:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When Moses said to the people, "Fear not: for God is come to prove you," he was reassuring them that God's presence was not to cause them to be afraid, but rather to test and strengthen their faith. By saying, "that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not," Moses was emphasizing the importance of revering and honoring God so that they would not fall into temptation and sin. The verse highlights the idea that the fear of God, or awe of His power and holiness, serves as a deterrent from committing wrongdoings. It serves as a reminder to the readers of the website to approach their relationship with God with humility and obedience, understanding that God's presence is meant to guide and protect them on their spiritual journey. As users navigate through the verses of the Bible on the website, they are encouraged to reflect on the deeper meaning behind these words and apply them to their own lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see Moses addressing the people of Israel, reassuring them not to fear. The phrase "God is come to prove you" signifies that God is testing the people to see if they will remain faithful to Him in the face of challenges. The word "prove" here can also be translated as "test" or "examine", indicating a trial of faith rather than a temptation to sin. By allowing difficult situations to arise, God is providing an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their commitment to Him. The phrase "that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not" emphasizes the importance of revering God and holding Him in awe. This fear of God serves as a deterrent to sin, reminding the people of the consequences of disobedience. Through this testing and reverence, God is shaping the character of His people and guiding them away from wrongdoing. Overall, this verse highlights the loving discipline of God and His desire for His people to walk in righteousness.
Exodus 20:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you, that ye sin not.
World English Bible
Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.”
Douay-Rheims
And Moses said to the people: Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that the dread of him might be in you, and you should not sin.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses sayde vnto the people, Feare not: for God is come to proue you, and that his feare may be before you, that ye sinne not.