Deuteronomy 9:9
New International Version
When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.

New Living Translation
This happened when I was on the mountain receiving the tablets of stone inscribed with the words of the covenant that the LORD had made with you. I was there for forty days and forty nights, and all that time I ate no food and drank no water.

English Standard Version
When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.

Berean Standard Bible
When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water.

King James Bible
When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

New King James Version
When I went up into the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.

New American Standard Bible
When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I remained on the mountain for forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

NASB 1995
“When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD had made with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

NASB 1977
“When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD had made with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

Legacy Standard Bible
When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which Yahweh had cut with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

Amplified Bible
When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I did not eat food or drink water.

Christian Standard Bible
When I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I did not eat food or drink water.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights. I did not eat bread or drink water.

American Standard Version
When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which Jehovah made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water.

English Revised Version
When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When I went up on the mountain to get the stone tablets, the tablets of the promise that the LORD made to you, I stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights without food or water.

Good News Translation
I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets on which was written the covenant that the LORD had made with you. I stayed there forty days and nights and did not eat or drink anything.

International Standard Version
Then I went up to the mountain to receive the two stone Tablets of the Covenant that the LORD had established with you. I stayed on the mountain for 40 days and nights without eating food or drinking water.

Majority Standard Bible
When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water.

NET Bible
When I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I remained there forty days and nights, eating and drinking nothing.

New Heart English Bible
When I was gone up onto the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, even the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.

Webster's Bible Translation
When I ascended the mount, to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither ate bread, nor drank water:

World English Bible
When I had gone up onto the mountain to receive the stone tablets, even the tablets of the covenant which Yahweh made with you, then I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In my going up into the mountain to receive the tablets of stone (tablets of the covenant which YHWH has made with you), then I abide on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I have not eaten bread and I have not drunk water;

Young's Literal Translation
'In my going up into the mount to receive the tables of stone (tables of the covenant which Jehovah hath made with you), and I abide in the mount forty days and forty nights; bread I have not eaten, and water I have not drunk;

Smith's Literal Translation
In my going up to the mount to take the tables of stone, the tables of the covenant which Jehovah made with you, and I shall dwell in the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate not bread and I drank not water:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When I went up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, the tables of the covenant which the Lord made with you: and I continued in the mount forty days and nights, neither eating bread, nor drinking water.

Catholic Public Domain Version
when I ascended onto the mountain, so that I might receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the Lord formed with you. And I persevered on the mountain for forty days and nights, neither eating bread, nor drinking water.

New American Bible
when I had gone up the mountain to receive the stone tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you. Meanwhile I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no food and drank no water.

New Revised Standard Version
When I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with you, and I abode on the mountain forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
When I went up to the mountain and I took the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that LORD JEHOVAH covenanted with you, and I dwelt in the mountain forty days and forty nights, I ate no bread and I drank no water:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
when I went up into the mountain to receive the tables of stone, the tables of the covenant, which the Lord made with you, and I was in the mountain forty days and forty nights, I ate no bread and drank no water.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Golden Calf
8At Horeb you provoked the LORD, and He was angry enough to destroy you. 9When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water. 10Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, inscribed by the finger of God with the exact words that the LORD spoke to you out of the fire on the mountain on the day of the assembly.…

Cross References
Exodus 24:18
Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Exodus 34:28
So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.

1 Kings 19:8
So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Matthew 4:2
After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.

Luke 4:2
where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry.

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.

Exodus 31:18
When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

Exodus 32:15-16
Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. / The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

Exodus 19:20
The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up,

Exodus 20:21
And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

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.

Nehemiah 9:13-14
You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. / You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

Hebrews 9:19
For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people,

2 Corinthians 3:7
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,

2 Corinthians 3:13
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away.


Treasury of Scripture

When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I stayed in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

I was

Exodus 24:12,15,18
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them…

the tables

Deuteronomy 9:15
So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Exodus 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

then I

Exodus 24:18
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 forty nights.

Exodus 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

1 Kings 19:8
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

I neither

Deuteronomy 9:18
And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

1 Kings 13:8,9
And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: …

2 Kings 6:22
And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

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Deuteronomy 9
1. Moses dissuades them from the opinion of their own righteousness
7. Moses reminds them of the golden calf














When I went up on the mountain
This phrase refers to Moses ascending Mount Sinai, a significant event in Israel's history. Mount Sinai, also known as Horeb, is traditionally located in the Sinai Peninsula. This mountain is where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Law. The ascent signifies Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, a type of Christ who mediates the New Covenant.

to receive the tablets of stone
The tablets of stone are the physical manifestation of God's covenant with Israel, containing the Ten Commandments. These tablets symbolize God's law and His direct communication with His people. The use of stone indicates permanence and the unchanging nature of God's commandments.

the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you
This covenant is a binding agreement between God and the Israelites, establishing them as His chosen people. It is a continuation of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The covenant is conditional, requiring Israel's obedience to God's laws. This foreshadows the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, which is based on grace and faith.

I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights
The period of forty days and nights is significant in biblical numerology, often representing a time of testing, trial, or preparation. This duration parallels other biblical events, such as Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. It emphasizes the seriousness and solemnity of the covenant-making process.

I ate no bread and drank no water
Moses' fasting during this time indicates a supernatural sustenance provided by God, as human survival without food and water for such a period is impossible. This act of fasting signifies total dependence on God and mirrors the spiritual discipline seen in other biblical figures. It also prefigures Christ's fasting in the wilderness, highlighting themes of reliance on God and spiritual preparation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He ascends Mount Sinai to receive the Law.

2. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses meets with God and receives the tablets of the covenant. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant-making.

3. The Tablets of Stone
These are the physical representation of God's covenant with Israel, containing the Ten Commandments.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-making God of Israel, who gives the Law to Moses for His people.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who are the recipients of the covenant and the Law given through Moses.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Forty Days
The number forty often symbolizes a period of testing, preparation, and transformation in the Bible. Reflect on how God uses such times in our lives to prepare us for His purposes.

The Importance of Fasting
Moses' fast underscores the importance of spiritual discipline and dependence on God. Consider how fasting can deepen our relationship with God and heighten our spiritual awareness.

The Role of the Mediator
Moses acts as a mediator between God and Israel, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator. Reflect on how Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity.

The Covenant Relationship
The tablets of stone represent God's covenant with His people. Consider how we are called to live in covenant relationship with God, obeying His commandments and walking in His ways.

Divine Revelation and Obedience
Moses receives God's Law on the mountain, highlighting the importance of receiving and obeying God's Word. Reflect on how we can prioritize God's Word in our daily lives.(9) I neither did eat bread nor drink water.--This fact is not related in Exodus concerning the first forty days which Moses spent in Mount Sinai "with his minister Joshua." It might be supposed or implied, but it is not recorded.

Verse 9. - The clause, Then I abode... water, is a parenthesis; the sentence runs on from. When I was gone, etc., to Then [not And] the Lord delivered unto me, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When I went up
בַּעֲלֹתִ֣י (ba·‘ă·lō·ṯî)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

on the mountain
הָהָ֗רָה (hā·hā·rāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

to receive
לָקַ֜חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To take

the tablets
לוּחֹ֤ת (lū·ḥōṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3871: To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal

of stone,
הָֽאֲבָנִים֙ (hā·’ă·ḇā·nîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68: A stone

the tablets
לוּחֹ֣ת (lū·ḥōṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3871: To glisten, a tablet, of stone, wood, metal

of the covenant
הַבְּרִ֔ית (hab·bə·rîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

made
כָּרַ֥ת (kā·raṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

with you,
עִמָּכֶ֑ם (‘im·mā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

I stayed
וָאֵשֵׁ֣ב (wā·’ê·šêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on the mountain
בָּהָ֗ר (bā·hār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

forty
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים (’ar·bā·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 705: Forty

days
יוֹם֙ (yō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

and forty
וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים (wə·’ar·bā·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural
Strong's 705: Forty

nights.
לַ֔יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

I ate
אָכַ֔לְתִּי (’ā·ḵal·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 398: To eat

no
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

bread
לֶ֚חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

and drank
שָׁתִֽיתִי׃ (šā·ṯî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

water.
וּמַ֖יִם (ū·ma·yim)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 9:9 When I was gone up onto (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 9:8
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