Exodus 32:17
Exodus 32:17 in Multiple Translations
When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp.”
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
Now when the noise and the voices of the people came to the ears of Joshua, he said to Moses, There is a noise of war in the tents.
When Joshua heard all the shouting from the camp, he said to Moses, “It sounds like fighting in the camp!”
And when Ioshua heard the noyse of the people, as they shouted, he said vnto Moses, There is a noyse of warre in the hoste.
And Joshua heareth the voice of the people in their shouting, and saith unto Moses, 'A noise of battle in the camp!'
When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is the noise of war in the camp.”
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
And Josue hearing the noise of the people shouting, said to Moses: The noise of battle is heard in the camp.
Joshua heard the very loud noise of the people shouting. So when he and I got near the camp, Joshua said, “There is a noise in the camp that sounds like the noise of a battle!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 32:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֧ע
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
אֶת
ק֥וֹל
הָ/עָ֖ם
בְּ/רֵעֹ֑/ה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
ק֥וֹל
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֧ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
בְּ/רֵעֹ֑/ה
rêaʻ
H7452
shouting
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:17
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֧ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּ/רֵעֹ֑/ה
rêaʻ
H7452
"shouting"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A crash of thunder or a loud shout of joy is what this word describes. It can also refer to the noise of war, and is often translated as shouting or noise.
Definition: 1) shouting, roar 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] aloud, noise, shouted. See also: Exodus 32:17; Job 36:33; Micah 4:9.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
ק֥וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
מִלְחָמָ֖ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 32:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
- Sermons on Exodus 32:17
Context — The Golden Calf
15Then 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.
16The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.
17When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp.”
18But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!” 19As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 24:13 | So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God. |
| 2 | Exodus 17:9 | So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” |
| 3 | Joshua 6:20 | So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. |
| 4 | Job 39:25 | At the blast of the horn, he snorts with fervor. He catches the scent of battle from afar— the shouts of captains and the cry of war. |
| 5 | Amos 2:2 | So I will send fire against Moab to consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, amid war cries and the sound of the ram’s horn. |
| 6 | Joshua 6:16 | After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! |
| 7 | Psalms 47:1 | Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 17:52 | Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. |
| 9 | Ezra 3:11–13 | And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple. Still, many others shouted joyfully. The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people were making so much noise. And the sound was heard from afar. |
| 10 | Joshua 6:10 | But Joshua had commanded the people: “Do not give a battle cry or let your voice be heard; do not let one word come out of your mouth until the day I tell you to shout. Then you are to shout!” |
Exodus 32:17 Summary
[This verse shows how Joshua and Moses had different reactions to the same sound, with Joshua thinking it was a sign of war and Moses understanding it was the sound of singing, as he had a deeper understanding of the situation. This teaches us to seek God's wisdom and guidance before making judgments, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the situations we face and make more informed decisions. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply this lesson to our own lives and seek a deeper understanding of God's will for us, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Joshua's initial interpretation of the sound coming from the camp?
Joshua thought the sound was a sign of war in the camp, as stated in Exodus 32:17, but Moses had a different understanding, as seen in Exodus 32:18, where he says it is the sound of singing.
Why did Joshua misinterpret the sound?
Joshua misinterpreted the sound because he was not aware of the idolatrous celebration that was taking place in the camp, which is described in Exodus 32:19, and he did not have the same spiritual insight as Moses, who had just come from being with God on the mountain, as seen in Exodus 32:15-16.
What can we learn from Joshua's mistake?
We can learn from Joshua's mistake that our initial interpretations of a situation may not always be accurate, and we should seek God's wisdom and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, before jumping to conclusions.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Exodus?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Exodus, as it marks the beginning of Moses' discovery of the Israelites' idolatry, which is a turning point in their journey and relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 32:1-35 and referenced in other books such as Deuteronomy 9:7-29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have misinterpreted a situation, and how can I apply the lesson from Joshua's mistake to my life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and discernment, like Moses, to better understand the situations I face?
- What are some ways that I can seek God's wisdom and guidance in my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, and how can I apply this to my decision-making process?
- How does this verse encourage me to be more mindful of my own thoughts and actions, and to seek a deeper understanding of God's will for my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:17
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people, as they shouted,.... Dancing about the calf: when Moses went up into the mount, Joshua went with him, and tarried in a lower part of the mount all the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:17
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. Joshua.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
Joshua had waited all this while upon the middle of the hill for Moses’ s return; and so neither knew what the people had done, nor heard what God had said to Moses.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
Exodus 32:17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, [There is] a noise of war in the camp.Ver. 17. And when Joshua.] Who had waited, in some part of the mount, the return of his master.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
(17) When Joshua heard.—Joshua’s presence with Moses in the mount has not been indicated since Exodus 24:13. But it would seem that when Moses was summoned up into the cloud (Exodus 24:16) his faithful “minister” remained where he was, waiting for his master. He may have found shelter in some “cleft of the rock;” and the manna may have fallen about him, and sufficed for his sustenance during the forty days and nights of his master’s absence. The noise of the people as they shouted.—“Shouting” was a feature of idolatrous rites (1 Kings 18:28; Acts 19:34; Herod. ii. 60, &c.), and was in part a cause, in part a result, of the physical excitement which prevailed during such orgies. Joshua, unsuspicious of the real nature of the shouting, supposed, naturally enough, that the camp was attacked by an enemy, and that the noise was “a noise of war.” But Moses, forewarned of the actual state of affairs (Exodus 32:7-8), had probably a shrewd suspicion of the real nature of the sounds. He contented himself, however, with negativing his minister’s conjecture.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
Verse 17. Joshua - said - There is a noise of war in the camp.] How natural was this thought to the mind of a military man! Hearing a confused noise he supposed that the Israelitish camp had been attacked by some of the neighbouring tribes.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:17
17. Joshua] whom Moses had left on the lower part of the mountain (Exodus 24:13), and whom he must be supposed to have now rejoined.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:17
17. Joshua heard — Palmer mentions a number of paths leading up the mountain from different points, and speaks of the ravine known as Jethro’s Road as emerging into the valley at the foot of the
Sermons on Exodus 32:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Growth by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a trip to Times Square where he and his companion set up shop to preach the word of God. They were joined by young men who were eager to preac |
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Overlaid With Pure Gold by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the ark of the covenant, made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing God's glory and His jealousy for it. He illust |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale |
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Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f |
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Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
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Zeal by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates |
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Discipline in the School of God - Part 2 by J.B. Stoney | J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Joshua, highlighting his journey from a warrior chief leading the people in battle against their enemies to a faithful servant le |