Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. New Living Translation At the mountain the LORD spoke to you face to face from the heart of the fire. English Standard Version The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, Berean Standard Bible The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. King James Bible The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, New King James Version The LORD talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire. New American Standard Bible The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire, NASB 1995 “The LORD spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire, NASB 1977 “The LORD spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire, Legacy Standard Bible Yahweh spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire. Amplified Bible The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire. Christian Standard Bible The LORD spoke to you face to face from the fire on the mountain. Holman Christian Standard Bible The LORD spoke to you face to face from the fire on the mountain. American Standard Version Jehovah spake with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, Contemporary English Version The LORD himself spoke to you out of the fire, English Revised Version The LORD spake with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD spoke to you face to face from the fire on the mountain. Good News Translation There on the mountain the LORD spoke to you face-to-face from the fire. International Standard Version The LORD spoke to you face to face on the mountain from the fire. NET Bible The LORD spoke face to face with you at the mountain, from the middle of the fire. New Heart English Bible The LORD spoke with you face to face on the mountain out of the midst of the fire, Webster's Bible Translation The LORD talked with you face to face on the mount, from the midst of the fire, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. World English Bible Yahweh spoke with you face to face on the mountain out of the middle of the fire, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYHWH has spoken with you face to face on the mountain, out of the midst of the fire; Young's Literal Translation Face to face hath Jehovah spoken with you, in the mount, out of the midst of the fire; Smith's Literal Translation Face to face Jehovah spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe spoke to us face to face in the mount out of the midst of fire. Catholic Public Domain Version He spoke to us face to face on the mountain, from the midst of fire. New American Bible Face to face, the LORD spoke with you on the mountain from the midst of the fire, New Revised Standard Version The LORD spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the fire. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe LORD talked with you face to face in the mountain out of the midst of the fire, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Face to face LORD JEHOVAH spoke with you in the mountain from within the fire. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The LORD spoke with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire-- Brenton Septuagint Translation The Lord spoke to you face to face in the mountain out of the midst of the fire. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Covenant in Horeb…3He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today. 4The LORD spoke with you face to face out of the fire on the mountain. Cross References Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” Deuteronomy 34:10 Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face— Exodus 19:9 The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.” And Moses relayed to the LORD what the people had said. Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words: / “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 1 Kings 19:11-13 Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Ezekiel 1:26-28 Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Judges 6:22-23 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” / But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.” Acts 7:38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. Hebrews 12:18-21 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ... 2 Corinthians 3:7-8 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? John 1:17-18 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. / No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. John 5:37 And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, Treasury of Scripture The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the middle of the fire, Deuteronomy 5:24-26 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth… Deuteronomy 4:33,36 Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? … Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, Jump to Previous Heart Midst Mount Mountain Talked WordJump to Next Heart Midst Mount Mountain Talked WordDeuteronomy 5 1. The covenant in Horeb6. The ten commandments 23. At the people's request Moses receives the law from God The LORD spoke with you face to face This phrase emphasizes the direct and personal nature of God's communication with the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, deities were often perceived as distant and unapproachable, but here, God engages directly with His people. This encounter at Mount Sinai is unique in the biblical narrative, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The "face to face" interaction signifies intimacy and immediacy, though it is understood that God did not reveal His full glory, as no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20). This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God through Jesus Christ, who is described as the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). out of the fire on the mountain Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself to His people. 2. Moses The leader and prophet who mediates between God and the Israelites, delivering God's laws and commandments. 3. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are receiving the law and commandments at Mount Sinai. 4. Mount Sinai (Horeb) The mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and spoke to the Israelites. 5. The Fire Represents God's presence and holiness, a symbol of His power and purity. Teaching Points God's Holiness and PresenceThe fire on the mountain signifies God's holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. Believers should approach God with reverence and respect. Direct Communication "Face to face" communication indicates a personal and direct relationship. Christians are invited into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Role of Mediators Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Jesus is the ultimate mediator of the new covenant, bridging the gap between God and humanity. The Importance of Obedience The context of Deuteronomy 5 is the giving of the Ten Commandments. Obedience to God's commandments is a response to His revelation and presence. God's Unchanging Nature The same God who spoke at Sinai speaks to us today through His Word. His character and expectations remain consistent. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 5:4?2. How does Deuteronomy 5:4 emphasize God's direct communication with His people? 3. What does "face to face" reveal about God's relationship with Israel? 4. How does Deuteronomy 5:4 connect to God's presence in Exodus 33:11? 5. How can we seek a "face to face" relationship with God today? 6. What practices help us experience God's presence as described in Deuteronomy 5:4? 7. How does Deuteronomy 5:4 affirm the direct communication between God and humans? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Deuteronomy 5:4? 9. How does Deuteronomy 5:4 influence the understanding of God's nature? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 5? 11. Deuteronomy 5:4 states God spoke “face to face” with Israel; how can this be verified historically or scientifically? 12. What is Mount Sinai's significance in the Bible? 13. Exodus 19:20–21: How can we trust the account of God and Moses on the mountain when only Moses is said to have witnessed this encounter directly? 14. Proverbs 22:4: If humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches and honor, why do many humble believers remain in poverty or face hardship? What Does Deuteronomy 5:4 Mean The LORD- The verse begins with “The LORD,” the covenant name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). - He is the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:6) and governs the whole earth (Psalm 97:5). - By starting here, Moses reminds the people that what follows carries divine authority—not merely human recollection (2 Timothy 3:16). spoke - God is a communicating God; He “spoke” rather than leaving Israel to guess His will (Exodus 19:19; Hebrews 12:25). - His spoken word formed the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:22) and still forms faith today (Romans 10:17). - Speaking shows relationship: God addresses His redeemed people personally, not through impersonal signs alone (John 10:27). with you - “With you” underscores that the whole assembly heard God (Deuteronomy 5:2-3; 4:33). • Not just Moses, but every man, woman, and child at Sinai experienced this encounter. • This collective experience bound the nation to the covenant in unity (Exodus 24:7-8). - It also highlights responsibility: the hearers became witnesses and were to teach their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). face to face - The phrase stresses immediacy—no earthly mediator stood between God’s voice and Israel’s ears (Exodus 20:18-19). - Similar wording describes Moses’ unique intimacy with God (Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:8), yet here Israel tastes a portion of that nearness. - The encounter was so direct that the people begged for a mediator afterward, overwhelmed by holiness (Deuteronomy 5:24-27; Hebrews 12:19). out of the fire - Fire signified God’s holiness and purifying presence (Exodus 19:18; Deuteronomy 4:24). • It warned of judgment against sin while inviting reverent worship. • The image reappears when God answers Elijah with fire (1 Kings 18:38) and when the Spirit descends at Pentecost (Acts 2:3), linking holiness with empowerment. - Hearing a voice from fire showed that God is approachable yet not to be trifled with (Hebrews 12:29). on the mountain - The setting is Mount Sinai (also called Horeb, Exodus 19:1-2; Deuteronomy 9:9). - Elevated ground pictures transcendence; God comes down, but on His terms (Psalm 99:1-5). - Mountains often mark pivotal revelations—think of Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5). - Sinai thus becomes a reference point for covenant faithfulness throughout Israel’s history (Nehemiah 9:13-14). summary Deuteronomy 5:4 captures a singular moment: the covenant God personally addressed His redeemed people, letting them hear His voice directly, amid blazing fire, atop Sinai. Each phrase underscores a facet of that encounter—His authority, His initiative to communicate, the corporate experience, the jaw-dropping nearness, the consuming holiness, and the elevated setting. Together they call us to receive His Word with awe, obedience, and gratitude, confident that the same Lord still speaks through His flawless Scripture today. (4) The Lord talked with you face to face.--Yet they saw no manner of similitude (Deuteronomy 4:12), i.e., no visible form: but the very words of God reached their ears. So in Exodus 20:22, "Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven."Verses 4, 5. - The Lord talked with you face to face. God spoke to them immediately, in their presence and to their face, from the mount, as one person might to another. There is a slight difference in form between the phrase here and that in Exodus 33:11 and Deuteronomy 34:10, where it is used in reference to Moses, but it is so slight (בְּפָּנִים instead of אֶל־פָּנִים) that no difference of meaning can be elicited. God spake directly to the people, as he did to Moses, only Moses was admitted to closer communion with him than the people were. This difference is sufficiently indicated in ver. 5, where the mediatory function of Moses, in the promulgation of the Law and the making of the covenant, is described as necessitated by the fear of the people, and their not going up into the mount (cf. Exodus 19:19, etc.). This is referred to more fully afterwards (ver. 23, etc.). I stood between the Lord and you; i.e. acted as mediator; LXX., εἱστήκειν ἀνὰ μέσον (cf. Galatians 3:19).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The LORDיְהוָ֧ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel spoke דִּבֶּ֨ר (dib·ber) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to עִמָּכֶ֛ם (‘im·mā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with you face פָּנִ֣ים ׀ (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face to face בְּפָנִ֗ים (bə·p̄ā·nîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face out of מִתּ֥וֹךְ (mit·tō·wḵ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the fire הָאֵֽשׁ׃ (hā·’êš) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 784: A fire on the mountain. בָּהָ֖ר (bā·hār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country Links Deuteronomy 5:4 NIVDeuteronomy 5:4 NLT Deuteronomy 5:4 ESV Deuteronomy 5:4 NASB Deuteronomy 5:4 KJV Deuteronomy 5:4 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 5:4 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 5:4 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 5:4 French Bible Deuteronomy 5:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:4 Yahweh spoke with you face to face (Deut. 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