Exodus 32:24
Exodus 32:24 in Multiple Translations
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off: so they gave it me; and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Then I said to them, Whoever has any gold, let him take it off; so they gave it to me, and I put it in the fire, and this image of an ox came out.
So I said to them, ‘Anybody who has gold jewelry, take it off and give it to me.’ I threw the gold into the furnace and out came this bull calf.”
Then I sayde to them, Ye that haue golde, plucke it off: and they brought it me, and I did cast it into the fire, and thereof came this calfe.
and I say to them, Whoso hath gold, let them break [it] off, and they give to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf cometh out.'
I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them take it off.’ So they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.”
And I said to them, Whoever hath any gold, let them break it off: So they gave it to me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
And I said to them: Which of you hath any gold? and they took and brought it to me: and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.
So I said to them, ‘Everyone who is wearing gold earrings should take them off.’ So they took them off and gave them to me. I threw them into the fire, and out came this statue of a young bull!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:24
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 32:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַ֤ר
לָ/הֶם֙
לְ/מִ֣י
זָהָ֔ב
הִתְפָּרָ֖קוּ
וַ/יִּתְּנוּ
לִ֑/י
וָ/אַשְׁלִכֵ֣/הוּ
בָ/אֵ֔שׁ
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
הָ/עֵ֥גֶל
הַ/זֶּֽה
וָ/אֹמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
לְ/מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
הִתְפָּרָ֖קוּ
pâraq
H6561
to tear
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
וַ/יִּתְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וָ/אַשְׁלִכֵ֣/הוּ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
בָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עֵ֥גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
calf
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:24
וָ/אֹמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
זָהָ֔ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
הִתְפָּרָ֖קוּ
pâraq
H6561
"to tear"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
To tear means to break off or crunch something, and can also mean to deliver or rescue. It can be used to describe tearing apart or away, or breaking something into pieces. This verb has various forms, including to snatch or redeem.
Definition: 1) to tear apart or away, tear off, break away 1a) (Qal) to tear away, snatch, rescue 1b) (Piel) to tear off 1c) (Hithpael) to tear off from oneself, be broken off, be broken in pieces Aramaic equivalent: pe.raq (פְּרַק "to break" H6562)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: break (off), deliver, redeem, rend (in pieces), tear in pieces. See also: Genesis 27:40; Psalms 7:3; Psalms 136:24.
וַ/יִּתְּנוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וָ/אַשְׁלִכֵ֣/הוּ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
בָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֖א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הָ/עֵ֥גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
"calf"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.
Definition: calf, bull-calf
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 32:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:24
- Sermons on Exodus 32:24
Context — The Golden Calf
22“Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
23They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’
24So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”
25Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. 26So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 32:4 | He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” |
| 2 | Luke 10:29 | But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” |
| 3 | Romans 3:10 | As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. |
| 4 | Genesis 3:12–13 | And the man answered, “The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.” |
Exodus 32:24 Summary
In this verse, Aaron is trying to placate the people by creating an idol, which is a clear mistake, as it goes against God's commandments, such as Exodus 20:4. This shows how quickly sin and rebellion can spread when we compromise with God's will. We can learn from Aaron's mistake by recognizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and Romans 1:21-23. By following God's will and not our own desires, we can avoid creating our own 'idols' and stay faithful to Him, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aaron ask the people for their gold?
Aaron asked the people for their gold in order to create an idol, which was a grave mistake, as it went against the commandment given in Exodus 20:4, which says we should not make any idols or images to worship.
What does the calf represent in this verse?
The calf represents the idol that the people of Israel created to worship, which was a clear rebellion against God, as seen in Exodus 32:1-6, and a manifestation of their lack of faith in God's presence and provision, similar to the incident in Exodus 17:1-7 where they complained about the lack of water.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and rebellion?
This verse shows how quickly sin and rebellion can spread, as the people of Israel turned away from God and towards idol worship, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and Romans 1:21-23.
What can we learn from Aaron's mistake in this verse?
We can learn from Aaron's mistake that even well-intentioned leaders can make grave errors when they compromise with sin and disobey God's commands, as seen in Numbers 20:2-13, and that we must always strive to follow God's will and not our own desires, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be creating my own 'idols' in my life, and how can I turn away from them and towards God?
- How can I, like Moses, stand against the pressures of the world and remain faithful to God, as seen in Exodus 32:26 and Hebrews 11:24-26?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising with sin, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:10-12?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' lack of faith in God's presence and provision, and how can I apply that to my own life, as seen in Exodus 32:1-6 and Matthew 6:25-34?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:24
And I said unto them, whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off,.... That is, any ear rings of gold, let them loose or take them off their ears: so they gave [it] me; of their own accord, as if
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:24
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
Not that he meant or thought to persuade Moses that the melted gold came out of the fire in the form of a calf by accident, without any art or industry of his, which was a ridiculous conceit, and easily confuted; but only he conceals his own sin in the forming and graving of it, and lays the whole blame upon the people.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
Exodus 32:24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break [it] off. So they gave [it] me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.Ver. 24. There came out this calf.] A very poor excuse. Something he would have said, if he had known what. Here he "hid his sin as Adam," being too much his child.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
(22-24) Aaron’s conduct was really without excuse; but he attempts two pleas—the first insufficient, the second false and fatuous. (1) The people compelled him; they were “set on mischief;” they made the proposal—they would have it so. (2) He threw the gold into the furnace, and “it came out a calf,” as if he had not ordered the construction of the mould. In Deuteronomy, Moses informs us that Aaron’s whole conduct so angered God that God would have destroyed him but for his own intercession (Deuteronomy 9:20).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:24
Verse 24. I cast it into the fire and there came out this calf.] What a silly and ridiculous subterfuge! He seems to insinuate that he only threw the metal into the fire, and that the calf came unexpectedly out by mere accident. The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel makes a similar excuse for him: "And I said unto them, Whosoever hath gold, let him break it off and give it to me; and I cast it into the fire, and Satan entered into it, and it came out in the form of this calf!" Just like the popish legend of the falling of the shrine of our Lady of Loretta out of heaven! These legends come from the same quarter. Satan can provide more when necessary for his purpose.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:24
24. He next excuses himself by declaring that he merely threw the gold which they gave him into the fire, and the calf came out—as it were spontaneously, without any cooperation on his part. Jehovah’s anger with Aaron individually, His threat to destroy him, and Moses’ intercession for him, narrated in Deuteronomy 9:20, are not mentioned in the extant parts of J or E in Exodus.
Sermons on Exodus 32:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of devotion to God's purpose for his people. He emphasizes that serving God in the utmost way requires complete dedication and |
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Days of the Golden Calf - Jonathan Cahn by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, Jonathan Cahn discusses the story of the golden calf from the book of Exodus. He emphasizes how the Israelites, despite being called out and chosen by God, fell int |
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Bless the Earth, Oh My Soul! by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking God for the power to convey His word to those gathered who hunger for truth. The sermon is based on Luke chapter 10, where a lawyer te |
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The Sin of Being Unloving (Telugu) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in God, highlighting the need to abstain from wickedness and run away from sin as a mark of being God's people. |
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Christian Charity (Or the Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the duty of charity to the poor, emphasizing the importance of giving bountifully and willingly to those in need, regardless of their circumstances |
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Lincoln and the Bible by Elton Trueblood | Abraham Lincoln's deep reverence for the Bible is evident in his speeches and actions, acknowledging it as the best gift from God and the source of all that is good and desirable f |