Exodus 19:14
ESV
So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments.
NIV
After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
NASB
So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.
CSB
Then Moses came down from the mountain to the people and consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
NLT
So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes.
KJV
And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
NKJV
So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes.
What does Exodus 19:14 mean?
Moses went onto Mount Sinai to speak with God while Israel was camped nearby (Exodus 19:1–3). His first trip brought news that the Lord was going to establish a covenant with the nation (Exodus 19:4–8). Moses travels onto Sinai again and tells the people that God will be appearing inside a shroud of thick clouds (Exodus 19:9). On the next trip, Moses delivers the Lord's instructions about consecration and washing (Exodus 19:10–13). Moses will also mention an element of celibacy as part of these preparations (Exodus 19:15).God also establishes a sacred zone on Mount Sinai. During these meetings with Moses, no person or animal is to touch the mountain unless directly called by the Lord (Exodus 19:24). This emphasizes the "set apart" aspect of holiness. God's holiness is His separation from all imperfection. Setting a boundary around the mountain depicts the enormous difference between God and man. Of the laws God will establish for Israel, many aim to distinguish Israel from the rest of the world (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Kings 8:53).
