Exodus 32:22
Exodus 32:22 in Multiple Translations
“Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on evil.
And Aaron said, Let not my lord be angry; you have seen how the purposes of this people are evil.
“Please don't get angry with me, my lord,” Aaron replied, “You yourself know how liable these people are to do evil.
Then Aaron answered, Let not the wrath of my Lord waxe fearce: Thou knowest this people, that they are euen set on mischiefe.
and Aaron saith, 'Let not the anger of my lord burn; thou — thou hast known the people that it [is] in evil;
Aaron said, “Don’t let the anger of my lord grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people that they are set on mischief.
And he answered him: Let not my lord be offended: for thou knowest this people, that they are prone to evil.
Aaron replied, “Please do not be angry with me, sir. You know that these people are very determined to do evil things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:22
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 32:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
אַל
יִ֥חַר
אַ֖ף
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
אַתָּה֙
יָדַ֣עְתָּ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֔ם
כִּ֥י
בְ/רָ֖ע
הֽוּא
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יִ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
אַ֖ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יָדַ֣עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:22
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
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.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יִ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַ֖ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
אֲדֹנִ֑/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדַ֣עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
הָ/עָ֔ם
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.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְ/רָ֖ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 32:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:22
- Sermons on Exodus 32:22
Context — The Golden Calf
20Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it.
21“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
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!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 9:24 | You have been rebelling against the LORD since the day I came to know you. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:24 | So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” |
| 3 | Exodus 16:20 | But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 15:24 | Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
| 6 | Psalms 36:4 | Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. |
| 7 | Exodus 14:11 | They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 9:7 | Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD. |
| 9 | Exodus 16:2–4 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions. |
| 10 | Exodus 17:2–4 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!” |
Exodus 32:22 Summary
In Exodus 32:22, Aaron tries to calm Moses down by saying that the people are prone to doing wrong. This shows that Aaron knows the people are sinners, but he's not taking responsibility for his own part in their sin. We can learn from this that it's easy to blame others or make excuses, but as followers of God, we need to own up to our mistakes and seek forgiveness, just like David did in Psalm 51:1-4. By recognizing our own tendency to sin, we can seek God's help to overcome it and become more like Jesus, as described in Romans 8:29.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Aaron try to downplay the situation when Moses confronted him about the golden calf?
Aaron was attempting to avoid Moses' anger by reminding him that the people were prone to evil, as seen in Exodus 32:22, and that he was trying to appease them, although his actions were misguided and sinful, as noted in Deuteronomy 9:20.
What does it mean that the people were 'intent on evil'?
This phrase, found in Exodus 32:22, indicates that the people had a strong desire to do wrong and disobey God's commands, similar to the description of the human heart in Jeremiah 17:9 and Romans 3:10-18.
How does Aaron's response relate to his role as a spiritual leader?
Aaron's attempt to shift blame and downplay the situation shows a lack of leadership and accountability, contrasting with the example of a true spiritual leader, such as Moses, who took responsibility for the people's actions, as seen in Exodus 32:30-32 and Numbers 27:16-17.
What can we learn from Aaron's mistake in this verse?
We can learn that as leaders and followers of God, we must take responsibility for our actions and the actions of those under our care, and not try to shift blame or downplay sin, as warned in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 Timothy 4:16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Israelites, may be 'intent on evil' in my own life, and how can I seek God's help to overcome these tendencies?
- How do I respond when confronted with my own sin or wrongdoing, and what can I learn from Aaron's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of God, take responsibility for my actions and the actions of those around me, and how can I seek to lead others in a way that honors God?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of humanity and our tendency towards sin, and how does this relate to our need for a Savior, as described in Romans 3:23 and 6:23?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:22
And Aaron said, let not the anger of my lord wax hot,.... He addresses him in a very respectful manner, though his younger brother, being in a superior office, the chief ruler of the people, king in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:22
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 32:22
Heb. are in evil, i.e. are altogether wicked, addicted to, or bent upon wickedness, so that it was impossible for me to stop or divert their course.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
Exodus 32:22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they [are set] on mischief.Ver. 22. That they are set on mischief.] The whole world is so. Quomodo Plautus, "In fermento toto iacet uxor."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:22
(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 32:22
Verse 22. Thou knowest the people] He excuses himself by the wicked and seditious spirit of the people, intimating that he was obliged to accede to their desires.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:22
22. Aaron first excuses himself by casting the blame upon the people: they are set on evil, and he merely (v. 33) responded to their request. my lord] as Numbers 11:28; Numbers 12:11.
Sermons on Exodus 32:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Esther - Prayer Meeting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fixed heart in times of trouble. He warns that America is heading towards serious trouble and those whose hearts |
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Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy |
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What Hath God Wrought? by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the necessity of humility and the breaking down of human pride to truly understand our relationship with God. He explains that our conscience must be a |
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(Exodus) Exodus 16:14-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the wilderness as a symbol of Christ as the bread of life. He explains that manna was the sustenance provided by |
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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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Confession of Sin by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon on the 'Confession of Sin,' emphasizing its necessity for salvation and the different types of confessions found in Scripture. He illustrat |
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True Confession of Sin by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of true confession of sin, illustrating through six biblical examples that mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing is insufficient for forgiveness. H |