Exodus 32:5
Exodus 32:5 in Multiple Translations
When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.”
And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow shall be a feast to Jehovah.
And when Aaron saw this, he made an altar before it, and made a public statement, saying, Tomorrow there will be a feast to the Lord.
When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the golden calf and shouted out, “Tomorrow will be a festival to honor the Lord!”
When Aaron sawe that, he made an Altar before it: and Aaron proclaimed, saying, To morow shalbe the holy day of the Lord.
And Aaron seeth, and buildeth an altar before it, and Aaron calleth, and saith, 'A festival to Jehovah — to-morrow;'
When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation, and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.”
And when Aaron saw it , he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow is a feast to the LORD.
And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it, and made proclamation by a crier’s voice, saying: Tomorrow is the solemnity of the Lord.
When Aaron saw what was happening, he built an altar in front of the statue of the young bull. Then he announced, “Tomorrow we will have a festival to honor Yahweh!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:5
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 32:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
אַֽהֲרֹן֙
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
חַ֥ג
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
מָחָֽר
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַֽהֲרֹן֙
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חַ֥ג
chag
H2282
feast
N-ms
לַ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מָחָֽר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:5
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וַ/יִּ֥בֶן
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לְ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַֽהֲרֹן֙
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
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.
חַ֥ג
chag
H2282
"feast"
N-ms
A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.
Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.
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.
מָחָֽר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
Study Notes — Exodus 32:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
- Sermons on Exodus 32:5
Context — The Golden Calf
3Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.
4He 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!”
5When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.”
6So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. 7Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 10:20 | And Jehu commanded, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” So they announced it. |
| 2 | Leviticus 23:2 | “Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. |
| 3 | Leviticus 23:37 | These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting offerings by fire to the LORD—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day. |
| 4 | Hosea 8:11 | Though Ephraim multiplied the altars for sin, they became his altars for sinning. |
| 5 | 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!” |
| 6 | Exodus 12:14 | And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. |
| 7 | Hosea 8:14 | Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:35 | Then Saul built an altar to the LORD; it was the first time he had built an altar to the LORD. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 16:11 | And Uriah the priest built the altar according to all the instructions King Ahaz had sent from Damascus, and he completed it by the time King Ahaz had returned. |
| 10 | Leviticus 23:21 | On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This is to be a permanent statute wherever you live for the generations to come. |
Exodus 32:5 Summary
[In Exodus 32:5, Aaron makes a mistake by trying to worship God in a way that is not pleasing to Him. This verse teaches us that we must be careful to worship God only in the ways that He has commanded, and not try to mix our own ideas or traditions with His Word (Deuteronomy 12:29-32). We must prioritize the pursuit of God's presence and commands in our lives, and be mindful of the dangers of idolatry and syncretism, as warned against in Romans 1:21-23 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aaron build an altar before the calf and proclaim a feast to the Lord?
Aaron's actions were likely an attempt to merge the worship of the golden calf with the worship of the true God, as seen in Exodus 32:5, but this was a misguided effort, as the Bible teaches that we cannot worship God in our own way, but must worship Him according to His Word, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-3 and Deuteronomy 12:29-32.
How could the people of Israel so quickly turn to idolatry after experiencing God's deliverance?
The Israelites' swift turn to idolatry is a testament to the depravity of the human heart, as described in Jeremiah 17:9, and the need for constant reminders of God's presence and commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:10-12 and Psalm 78:10-11.
What does this verse reveal about the nature of idolatry?
This verse shows that idolatry often involves a perversion of the truth, where people attempt to worship God in a way that is not prescribed by Him, as seen in Romans 1:21-23, and that it can lead to a corruption of one's values and morals, as seen in Exodus 32:6-7 and 1 Corinthians 10:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of syncretism in worship?
This verse illustrates the dangers of syncretism, where elements of false worship are combined with the worship of the true God, as warned against in Deuteronomy 12:29-32 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and highlights the importance of purity and exclusivity in worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Matthew 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be tempted to 'merge' my worship of God with the values and practices of the world around me?
- How can I ensure that my worship is pure and exclusive, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and syncretism?
- What are some 'golden calves' in my life that may be competing for my loyalty and affection, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways can I prioritize the pursuit of God's presence and commands in my life, as a safeguard against the corrupting influence of idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:5
And when Aaron saw it,.... In what form it was, and what a figure it made, and how acceptable it was to the Israelites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:5
And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
When Aaron saw, i.e. observed with what applause they received it, and with what fury and resolution they prosecuted their former desire, he was borne down with the stream, and, as it is probable, by the people’ s instigation, built an altar to it. To the Lord, Heb. to Jehovah; which title being peculiar to the true God, and being here given by Aaron to the calf, with the approbation of the people, makes it more than probable that the people designed to worship the true God in this calf, which they made only as a visible token of God’ s presence with them, and an image by which they might convey their worship to God.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
Exodus 32:5 And when Aaron saw [it], he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow [is] a feast to the LORD.Ver. 5. A feast to Jehovah.] Whom these idolators pretended to worship in the golden calf; as did also Jehu, and as the Papists at this day. But with what face can some of their Rabbis excuse this people from idolatry? or the Jesuits their image worshippers?
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
(5) Aaron . . . built an altar before it.—Having once yielded to the popular cry. Aaron was carried on from one compliance to another. He caused the mould to be made for the idol, and the gold to be melted and run into it; and now he constructed, perhaps with his own hands, an altar of rough stones or turf (Exodus 20:24-25), and placed it directly in front of the Image, thus encouraging the offering of sacrifice to it. Perhaps he flattered himself that by heading the movement he could control it, and hinder it from becoming downright apostacy from Jehovah. In his view no doubt the calf was an emblem of Jehovah, and the worship paid it was the worship of Jehovah. Hence the festival which he proclaimed was to be “a feast to Jehovah.” But how little able he was to guide events, or to hinder the worst evils of idolatry from speedily manifesting themselves, appears from Exodus 32:6; Exodus 32:25.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
Verse 5. To-morrow is a feast to the Lord] In Bengal the officiating Brahmin, or an appointed person proclaims, "To-morrow, or on -- day of -- , such a ceremony will be performed!"
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:5
5. Seeing the impression which the image made upon Israel, Aaron at once builds an altar before it, and proclaims a feast to Jehovah. The calf is thus clearly regarded, not as exclusive of Jehovah, but as representing Him.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:5
5. When Aaron saw — No object of the verb saw is expressed, and we do best to understand what is implied in the words immediately preceding.
Sermons on Exodus 32:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Israel's Communication by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He emphasizes that the Israelites were not skille |
|
Letter 1 by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches about the importance of observing the season of feasts, fasting, and trumpets, emphasizing the need to discern the time for celebrating the salvation of God. He |
|
What Have I to Do With Idols? by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of Ephraim in the book of Hosea, highlighting how despite all reproof and chastisement, Ephraim remained joined to idols until he heard |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Judgment Day by Dave Hunt | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of Judgment Day, referring to passages from the books of Joel and Zechariah in the Bible. He emphasizes that God will gather all nati |