Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika
Verse MeaningExodusEasy to understand

Exodus 24:18: Meaning Explained

And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and...

Exodus 24:18
Moses entered the cloud and went up the mountain. He stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
What it means

Moses walked into the cloud and stayed on the mountain with God for forty days and forty nights without leaving.

What’s Happening Here

Moses spent six weeks on the mountain receiving God's laws and instructions. He didn't eat or drink during this time.

Key Words

cloudthick mist
fortythe number 40

Why It Matters

Forty days was a long time to be alone with God. Moses was completely devoted to receiving God's laws.

Did You Know?

Many important numbers in the Bible are forty. It often means a time of testing or waiting that makes things strong.

Tradition Spectrum

Word Study

H935
wentוַיָּבֹ֥א
H4872
And Mosesמֹשֶׁה֙
H8432
into the midstבְּת֥וֹךְ
H6051
of the cloudהֶֽעָנָ֖ן
H5927
and gat him upוַיַּ֣עַל
H2022
into the mountבָּהָ֔ר
H705
and fortyוְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים
H3117
daysי֔וֹם
H3915
nightsלָֽיְלָה׃

Frequently asked questions

What does Exodus 24:18 mean?

Moses walked into the cloud and stayed on the mountain with God for forty days and forty nights without leaving.

What is the context of Exodus 24:18?

Moses spent six weeks on the mountain receiving God's laws and instructions. He didn't eat or drink during this time.

Why does Exodus 24:18 matter?

Forty days was a long time to be alone with God. Moses was completely devoted to receiving God's laws.

What's a surprising detail about Exodus 24:18?

Many important numbers in the Bible are forty. It often means a time of testing or waiting that makes things strong.

Continue Exploring
Read Exodus 24:18 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
  3. Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

People in Exodus 24:18

In art, music & literature

Commentary on Exodus 24:18

Verses 12–18 A cloud covered the mount six days; a token of God's special presence there. Moses was sure that he who called him up would protect him. Even those glorious attributes of God which are most terrible to the wicked, the saints with humble reverence rejoice in. And through faith in the atoning Sacrifice, we hope for greater honour than Moses ever enjoyed on earth. Now we see through a glass darkly, but when he shall appear, then face to face. This vision of God will continue with equal, if not increasing brightness of joy; not for a few days only, but through eternity. Chapter 25 Chapter Outline What the Israelites were to offer for making the tabernacle. (1–9) The ark. (10–22) The…
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706)