What does Hebrews 12:18 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 12:18 refers to the dramatic theophany at Mount Sinai during the time of Moses.

The "mount that might be touched" refers to Mount Sinai, where the Israelites came after their exodus from Egypt.

The mount "burned with fire" depicts the terrifying scene where God descended to give the Law to Moses, marked by fire, smoke, and the sound of the trumpet, as described in Exodus 19.

The terms "blackness, and darkness, and tempest" further describe the fearful and awe-inspiring nature of that event.

The verse is contrasting this experience with the New Covenant, suggesting that believers in Christ have not come to such a terrifying physical manifestation but rather to something greater spiritually.

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament.

The author reminds them of the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, which was a fundamental event in Jewish history.

This event was characterized by fear and trembling as God's presence was manifested with thunder, lightning, fire, darkness, and an earthquake.

It marked the formation of Israel as a nation under God's laws.

The reference to Sinai serves to make a contrast with the new experience under the New Covenant brought about by Jesus.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Hebrews 12:18 emphasizes the transition from the Old to the New Covenant.

In Christian theology, the Old Covenant is based on the Law given to Moses, which was external and accompanied by fear and judgment.

The New Covenant, however, is internal, written on believers' hearts, and characterized by grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

This verse is part of an argument that Christ's sacrifice has inaugurated a better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6).

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can encourage believers to embrace the grace found in Jesus Christ rather than clinging to old ways of religion based on fear and strict adherence to the law.

It can also offer a sense of freedom from the rigid legalism that can sometimes characterize religious practice, reminding Christians that their relationship with God is based on His mercy, not on their ability to follow rules perfectly.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:12,16-18, “And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it...”
• Deuteronomy 4:11, “And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.”
• Hebrews 8:6, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
• Hebrews 12:22, “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…”

Language Study

The original Greek words used in the verse bear significant meaning:

• "Might be touched" (ψηλαφωμένῳ - psēlaphōmenō): implies a physical, tangible mountain.
• "Burned with fire" (πυρὶ - pyri): signifies the consuming fire of God's presence.
• "Blackness, and darkness, and tempest" (γνόφῳ, καὶ ζόφῳ, καὶ θύελλῃ - gnophō, kai zophō, kai thuella): these words paint a somber and tumultuous picture, describing the fearful and intimidating scene.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient myths, one might note how common the theme of approaching a deity on a mountaintop is in various cultures.

However, unlike some myths where the divine encounter typically endows the individual with some special power or secret knowledge, the Hebrew narrative emphasizes the holiness, otherness of God, and the fearfulness of the encounter.

Scientific Perspectives

The description of Mount Sinai 'burned with fire' and accompanied by 'blackness, darkness, and tempest' could be explained in natural terms as a volcanic eruption, which was a common ancient interpretation of the Sinai event.

However, such a naturalistic interpretation doesn’t account for the theological meanings that Jews and Christians ascribe to this encounter, which is central to their understanding of God's revelation.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical commentators generally agree that Hebrews 12:18 uses the imagery of Mount Sinai to underscore the awesome majesty of God and the fearful obligation to obey the Law, which was a mediator-based relationship.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, highlights that the terror of Sinai is meant to be a foil for the grace of Zion under the New Covenant.

Other commentators, like John Calvin, point out that this transition highlights the mercy and approachable nature of God in the New Covenant, contrasting the unapproachability of God at Sinai.