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Exodus 32:2

Exodus 32:2 in Multiple Translations

So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

Then Aaron said to them, Take off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives and your sons and your daughters, and give them to me.

“Bring to me the gold earrings that your wives, sons, and daughters are wearing,” Aaron replied.

And Aaron said vnto them, Plucke off the golden earings, which are in the eares of your wiues, of your sonnes, and of your daughters, and bring them vnto me.

And Aaron saith unto them, 'Break off the rings of gold which [are] in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring in unto me;'

Aaron said to them, “Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.”

And Aaron said to them, Break off the golden ear-rings which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.

And Aaron said to them: Take the golden earrings from the ears of your wives, and your sons and daughters, and bring them to me.

Aaron replied to them, “All right, I will do that, but tell your wives and your sons and your daughters to take off all their gold earrings and bring them to me.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:2

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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 32:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ אַהֲרֹ֔ן פָּֽרְקוּ֙ נִזְמֵ֣י הַ/זָּהָ֔ב אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י נְשֵׁי/כֶ֔ם בְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם וּ/בְנֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם וְ/הָבִ֖יאוּ אֵלָֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
אַהֲרֹ֔ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper
פָּֽרְקוּ֙ pâraq H6561 to tear V-Piel-Impv-2mp
נִזְמֵ֣י nezem H5141 ring N-mp
הַ/זָּהָ֔ב zâhâb H2091 gold Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fd
נְשֵׁי/כֶ֔ם ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fp | Suff
בְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff
וּ/בְנֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם bath H1323 Bath (Shua) Conj | N-fp | Suff
וְ/הָבִ֖יאוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֵלָֽ/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:2

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
אֲלֵ/הֶם֙ 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.
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.
פָּֽרְקוּ֙ pâraq H6561 "to tear" V-Piel-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.
נִזְמֵ֣י nezem H5141 "ring" N-mp
A nose-ring or earring, this word describes a piece of jewelry worn by both men and women in biblical times. In Isaiah 3:21, it is listed as one of the extravagant items that will be lost. The word is also used in Genesis 24:22 to describe a gift given to Rebekah.
Definition: 1) ring, nose ring, earring 1a) nose ring (woman's ornament) 1b) earring (ornament of men or women)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earring, jewel. See also: Genesis 24:22; Judges 8:25; Proverbs 11:22.
הַ/זָּהָ֔ב zâhâb H2091 "gold" Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁר֙ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
נְשֵׁי/כֶ֔ם ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
בְּנֵי/כֶ֖ם bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff
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.
וּ/בְנֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" Conj | N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וְ/הָבִ֖יאוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלָֽ/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.

Study Notes — Exodus 32:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 8:24–27 Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) “We will give them gladly,” they replied. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw an earring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household.
2 Exodus 12:35–36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
3 Ezekiel 16:17 You also took the fine jewelry of gold and silver I had given you, and you made male idols with which to prostitute yourself.
4 Hosea 2:8 For she does not acknowledge that it was I who gave her grain, new wine, and oil, who lavished on her silver and gold— which they crafted for Baal.
5 Ezekiel 16:11–12 I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
6 Exodus 35:22 So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.
7 Genesis 24:47 Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.
8 Genesis 24:22 And after the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring weighing a beka, and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels.

Exodus 32:2 Summary

In this verse, Aaron tells the people to take off their gold earrings so he can use the gold to create an idol. This shows that Aaron is giving in to the people's demands and not standing up for what is right. We can learn from this that it's easy to get caught up in what others want us to do, but as followers of God, we need to prioritize obedience to Him, as seen in Exodus 20:3-4 and Matthew 22:37. By remembering that God is the one who truly satisfies our hearts, we can avoid creating our own 'idols' and instead worship Him alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Aaron ask the people to take off their gold earrings?

Aaron asked the people to take off their gold earrings so he could use the gold to create an idol, as the people had requested, which was a misguided attempt to replace Moses and God, as seen in Exodus 32:1 and Deuteronomy 9:16.

What is the significance of the gold earrings in this context?

The gold earrings represented the people's wealth and treasure, which they were willing to use to create an idol, showing their priorities and lack of trust in God, similar to the warnings in Exodus 20:3-4 and 1 Timothy 6:10.

How does Aaron's actions in this verse relate to his role as a spiritual leader?

Aaron's actions in this verse demonstrate a failure of spiritual leadership, as he gave in to the people's demands and helped them create an idol, rather than guiding them towards obedience to God, as seen in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Corinthians 11:1.

What can we learn from Aaron's mistake in this verse?

We can learn from Aaron's mistake the importance of standing firm in our faith and not giving in to pressure from others, as well as the need for spiritual leaders to prioritize obedience to God, as seen in Joshua 24:15 and Acts 5:29.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I prioritize my own desires over obedience to God, and how can I change this?
  2. How can I, like Aaron, be tempted to compromise my faith in order to please others, and what are some strategies for resisting this temptation?
  3. What are some modern-day 'idols' that I may be tempted to create or worship, and how can I recognize and avoid them?
  4. How can I, as a follower of God, stand firm in my faith and resist the pressure to conform to the world around me, as seen in Romans 12:2?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:2

And Aaron said unto them,.... Perceiving that they were not to be dissuaded from their evil counsel, and diverted from their purpose, but were determined at all events to have an image made to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:2

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:2

The golden earrings were of good value and common use among the eastern people, who seem to have used them superstitiously, ; and therefore Aaron demands these, partly that he might take away one vice, or occasion of vice, whilst the people were intent upon another; and partly that the proposed loss of their precious earrings might cool their idolatrous desires. In the ears of your wives, whom he thought most fond of their jewels, and most unlikely to part with them.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:2

Exodus 32:2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which [are] in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring [them] unto me. Ver. "2. Brake off the golden ear-rings.] Hereby he hoped to break their design; but all in vain for they were "mad upon their idols."

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:2

(2) And Aaron said . . . Break off the golden earrings.—It is a reasonable conjecture that Aaron thought to prevent the projected idolatry by this requirement. Not having the courage to meet the demand of the people with a direct negative, he may have aimed at diverting them from their purpose by requiring a sacrifice which they would be unwilling to make, viz., the personal ornaments of their wives and children. The women might reasonably have been expected to resist, and the men to yield before such resistance; but the event proved otherwise. Your sons.—Earrings are worn in the East almost as much by men as by women. Most Assyrian and some Egyptian monarchs are represented with them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:2

Verse 2. Golden ear-rings] Both men and women wore these ornaments, and we may suppose that these were a part of the spoils which they brought out of Egypt. How strange, that the very things which were granted them by an especial influence and providence of God, should be now abused to the basest idolatrous purposes! But it is frequently the case that the gifts of God become desecrated by being employed in the service of sin; I will curse your blessings, saith the Lord, Malachi 2:2.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:2

2. of your sons] earrings are not elsewhere in the OT. described as worn by males (unless indeed, by implication, in Genesis 35:4).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:2

2. Break off the golden earrings — A strong expression, as if implying that the act involved some measure of violence, or, at least, an effort and sacrifice on their part.

Sermons on Exodus 32:2

SermonDescription
Stephen Kaung Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th
G.W. North The Reluctant God - Part 3 by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his initial reluctance to answer God's call. Despite Moses' objections, God became angry with him and Moses ultimatel
E.A. Adeboye Blessed for a Purpose by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's purpose in the blessings He bestows upon His children, highlighting that these blessings are not just for personal benef
David Wilkerson A Pastor’s Response to "An Urgent Warning" by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of a pastor in responding to prophetic warnings about impending dangers. He reassures his congregation of God's sovereignty and control over all
Art Katz Hosea and Gomer - God's Endtime Strategy by Art Katz Art Katz explores God's endtime strategy for restoring Israel through the metaphor of Hosea and Gomer, illustrating God's deep grief over Israel's unfaithfulness. He emphasizes tha
Chuck Smith Hosea 2:8 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of our blessings, which ultimately come from God. He warns against the tragic misuse of gifts when we fail to a
Eli Brayley Consecration by Eli Brayley Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of consecration, emphasizing that as Christians, without consecration to the Lord, we will achieve very little for Heaven. The key to all spi

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