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Exodus 32:26

Exodus 32:26 in Multiple Translations

So 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.

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Whoso is on Jehovah’s side, let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

Then Moses took his place at the way into the tents, and said, Whoever is on the Lord's side, let him come to me. And all the sons of Levi came together to him.

So he went and stood at the entrance to the camp, and shouted out, “Whoever is on the Lord's side, come and join me!” All the Levites gathered around him.

And Moses stoode in ye gate of the campe, and sayde, Who pertaineth to the Lord? let him come to mee. And all the sonnes of Leui gathered themselues vnto him.

and Moses standeth in the gate of the camp, and saith, 'Who [is] for Jehovah? — unto me!' and all the sons of Levi are gathered unto him;

then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the LORD’s side, come to me!” All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come to me. And all the sons of Levi assembled themselves to him.

Then standing in the gate of the camp, he said: If any man be on the Lord’s side let him join with me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him:

So he/I stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “Everyone who is loyal to Yahweh should come closer to me!” So the descendants of Levi gathered around him/me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:26

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 32:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֤ד מֹשֶׁה֙ בְּ/שַׁ֣עַר הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֥י לַ/יהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑/י וַ/יֵּאָסְפ֥וּ אֵלָ֖י/ו כָּל בְּנֵ֥י לֵוִֽי
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֤ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
בְּ/שַׁ֣עַר shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cs
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ֥י mîy H4310 who? Part
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper
אֵלָ֑/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
וַ/יֵּאָסְפ֥וּ ʼâçaph H622 to gather Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
לֵוִֽי Lêvîy H3878 Levi N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:26

וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֤ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מֹשֶׁה֙ 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.
בְּ/שַׁ֣עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֔ה machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | 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.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר 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.
מִ֥י mîy H4310 "who?" 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.
לַ/יהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֵלָ֑/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
וַ/יֵּאָסְפ֥וּ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֵוִֽי Lêvîy H3878 "Levi" N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.

Study Notes — Exodus 32:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 9:32 He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him.
2 Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
3 2 Samuel 20:11 One of Joab’s young men stood near Amasa and said, “Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab!”
4 Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?”

Exodus 32:26 Summary

[Moses stood up for the Lord when many others were rebelling against Him, and he called out for those who were faithful to come and stand with him, as seen in Exodus 32:26. This shows us the importance of taking a stand for what is right, even if it's hard, and of gathering with others who share our faith, like the church in Acts 2:42-47. By doing so, we can restore order and worship in our lives, just like Moses did. We can also learn from Moses' example to be courageous leaders, like Joshua, who said 'as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord' in Joshua 24:15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses call out for those who were for the Lord?

Moses called out for those who were for the Lord because he needed to distinguish the faithful from the rebellious, as seen in Exodus 32:26, and gather them to himself in order to restore order and worship, similar to when the Lord separated the Israelites from the Egyptians in Exodus 11:7.

What is the significance of the Levites gathering around Moses?

The Levites gathering around Moses signifies their loyalty to the Lord and to Moses, as they were the tribe set apart for priestly service, as seen in Numbers 3:6-10, and were willing to stand with Moses against the idolatrous crowd.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?

This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leadership, as Moses takes a stand for the Lord and calls others to join him, demonstrating the kind of courageous leadership seen in leaders like Joshua, who said 'as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord' in Joshua 24:15.

What can we learn from Moses' example in this verse?

We can learn from Moses' example the importance of taking a stand for the Lord, even in the face of opposition, and of calling others to join us in faithful obedience, as seen in Matthew 4:19, where Jesus calls his disciples to follow him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can take a stand for the Lord in my own life, even if it's difficult or unpopular?
  2. How can I, like the Levites, demonstrate my loyalty to the Lord and to His leaders in my life?
  3. What are some areas where I may be compromising my faith, and how can I return to faithful obedience, like the Israelites were called to do in Exodus 32:26?
  4. In what ways can I, like Moses, be a spiritual leader to those around me, calling them to faithful obedience and worship?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:26

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp,.... In one of the gates of it; for it doubtless had more than one to go in and out of, as is clear from Exodus 32:27 it being probably entrenched all around;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:26

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. Moses stood in the gate.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:26

He chose the gate of the camp, 1. As the usual place of judicature. 2. That he might withdraw himself from the company of idolaters as far as he might. 3. As a fit place of concourse and resort for those that were on God’ s side. 4. To prevent the escape of the greatest delinquents, the rest of the camp being probably surrounded with some trench, or such like thing, else gates had been superfluous and unprofitable. Who is on the Lord’ s side? who will take God’ s part, and plead his cause against idolatry and idolaters? All the sons of Levi, i.e. the most of that tribe, as that universal particle is oft understood; for some of them were destroyed as guilty.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:26

Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who [is] on the LORD’ S side? [let him come] unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.Ver. 26. Let him come.] This word through haste and earnestness Moses omitteth. The Chaldee and Greek version supply it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:26

(26) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp.—The third and crowning step was now to be taken. Though the idol had been seized and its destruction commenced, though Aaron had been rebuked and put to shame, yet the revel continued. Once launched on an evil course, the bulk of the people persisted in it. Moses felt that God was openly insulted by such conduct, against which death was denounced by the Law (Exodus 22:20), and which might at any moment provoke God to destroy the whole people (Exodus 32:10). He therefore proceeded to suppress the idolatry by a stern act of judicial severity—an execution on a large scale of those taken flagrante delicto. Standing in the gate—i.e., the principal gate—of the camp, he summoned to his aid those who were on the Lord’s side, and gave them orders to go through the camp from end to end, and put to death all whom they found still engaged in the mad revel. All the sons of Levi.—This must not be understood literally. All the Levites would not have heard the summons of Moses, and some were evidently among those who persisted in idolatry (Exodus 32:27-29). In the language of the sacred writers, “all” constantly means “the greater part.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:26

Verse 26. Who is on the Lord's side?] That is, Who among you is free from this transgression? And all the sons of Levi, &c.] It seems they had no part in this idolatrous business.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:26

25–29. The people being in rebellion, the Levites, responding in a body to Moses’ appeal for help, seize their swords, and slay 3000 of them. For the zeal thus displayed on Jehovah’s behalf, they are rewarded with the priesthood. It is noticeable that, though Aaron is a ‘Levite’ (Exodus 4:17 : see note), the other ‘Levites’ here take part against him. For another view of these verses,—viz. that they are not in their original context, and that they describe the punishment, not for the worship of the Golden Calf, but for some independent act of rebellion against Jehovah,—see Di., C.-H., and McNeile (pp. xxxiv f., 207 f.).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:26

26. Who is on the Lord’s side — A fair call to repentance and loyal return to Jehovah.

Sermons on Exodus 32:26

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 32:26-28 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of liberalism infiltrating the church and causing a decline in its influence. He recalls a personal experience of witnessing a young
T. Austin-Sparks The Arm of the Lord - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the three titles of Jesus Christ mentioned in the book of Revelation: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the k
Zac Poonen A Life of Self Acknowlegement by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, such as time management, financial stewardship, and controlling bodily desires. It also highlights t
Zeb McDaris Where You Going to Stand? by Zeb McDaris In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining that he initially didn't plan to use a microphone but decided to do so. He then provides a brief history of the text from Exodus,
John McGregor Shipwrecks by John McGregor In this sermon, the speaker discusses various lessons that can be learned from a biblical text. The first lesson highlighted is the confidence of a spirit-filled servant, as seen i
Stephen Kaung Spiritual Value #1 - What Is Value? Principle by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of valuing our souls over worldly gains. He highlights that in this world, everything comes at a cost and we often exchange o
John Ridley Who Is on the Lord's Side by John Ridley In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of choosing between the Lord's side and the side of the world. He tells the story of Moses coming down from the mountain with th

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