What does Exodus 19:21 mean?

Exodus 19:21 highlights themes such as warning, holiness, obedience when read in context.

How should I apply Exodus 19:21 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

19And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

20And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

21And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

22And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

23And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.

warningholinessobedience

Hebrews 12:21
This verse reflects the fear and reverence of God, paralleling the command to Moses.