Exodus 20:18 web — All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the…

World English Bible

"All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance."

— Exodus 20:18, World English Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Exodus 20:18 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Exodus 20 — Context

15

"You shall not steal.

16

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

18

All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.

19

They said to Moses, "Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don't let God speak with us, lest we die."

20

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."

21

The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

Exodus 20:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Exodus 20:18 say?
Exodus 20:18 in the World English Bible reads: “All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.”
Where is Exodus 20:18 in the Bible?
Exodus 20:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Exodus, chapter 20, verse 18.
Who wrote Exodus?
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Exodus about?
Exodus tells of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Through the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the covenant at Sinai, God reveals himself as Redeemer and comes to dwell among his people in the tabernacle.
What are the major themes of Exodus?
Exodus explores themes including Deliverance, Covenant, Law, God's Presence, Worship, Redemption. These themes shape the meaning and context of Exodus 20:18.
What translation should I read Exodus 20:18 in?
Exodus 20:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Exodus 20:18?
Exodus 20:18 reads (WEB): “All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2