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Exodus 32:28

Exodus 32:28 in Multiple Translations

The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.

And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

And the sons of Levi did as Moses said; and about three thousand of the people were put to death that day.

The Levites did what Moses had told them, and that day around 3,000 men were killed.

So the children of Leui did as Moses had commanded: and there fel of the people the same day about three thousand men.

And the sons of Levi do according to the word of Moses, and there fall of the people on that day about three thousand men,

The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. About three thousand men fell of the people that day.

And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

And the sons of Levi did according to the words of Moses, and there were slain that day about three and twenty thousand men.

The descendants of Levi did what Moses/I told them to do, and they killed 3,000 men on that day.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:28

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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 32:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ בְנֵֽי לֵוִ֖י כִּ/דְבַ֣ר מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ/יִּפֹּ֤ל מִן הָ/עָם֙ בַּ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/ה֔וּא כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת אַלְפֵ֖י אִֽישׁ
וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
לֵוִ֖י Lêvîy H3878 Levi N-proper
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
וַ/יִּפֹּ֤ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms
הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Prep | Adj
אַלְפֵ֖י ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:28

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בְנֵֽי 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.
לֵוִ֖י 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.
כִּ/דְבַ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה 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.
וַ/יִּפֹּ֤ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/עָם֙ 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.
בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | 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.
כִּ/שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
אַלְפֵ֖י ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

Study Notes — Exodus 32:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 33:9 He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.
2 Malachi 2:4–6 Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.
3 1 Corinthians 10:8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
4 Numbers 16:41 The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!”
5 Hebrews 2:2–3 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
6 Numbers 16:32–35 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

Exodus 32:28 Summary

This verse shows that the Levites obeyed Moses' command to punish the people who had sinned against God, and about three thousand people died as a result. This event teaches us that God is holy and just, and that He will not tolerate sin, as seen in Exodus 32:28 and Romans 6:23. It also reminds us of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Matthew 22:37-40. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to prioritize our relationship with God and seek to obey His commands, even when it's difficult, as seen in Matthew 10:37 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses command the Levites to slay their brothers and friends?

Moses commanded the Levites to slay their brothers and friends as a judgment from the Lord for their idolatry and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 32:28, which was a consequence of their actions, similar to the judgment in Numbers 25:1-9, where the Lord commanded the judges of Israel to slay those who had sinned.

How could the Levites bring themselves to obey such a command?

The Levites were able to obey Moses' command because they were committed to following the Lord's instructions, even when it was difficult, as seen in Exodus 32:26-28, and they were willing to prioritize their loyalty to God over their personal relationships, as taught in Matthew 10:37.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse reveals that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate sin and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 32:28, and that He will judge those who disobey Him, as stated in Hebrews 10:26-31 and Romans 6:23.

How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites?

This event is a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites, as it marks a turning point in their relationship with God, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Exodus 32:28, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Jeremiah 7:23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would I be willing to sacrifice in order to obey God's commands, and how can I prioritize my relationship with Him above all else?
  2. How do I respond to difficult circumstances or commands from God, and what can I learn from the example of the Levites in Exodus 32:28?
  3. In what ways do I struggle with idolatry or rebellion in my own life, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:1-19?
  4. What does it mean to be 'ordained for service to the Lord' as the Levites were in Exodus 32:29, and how can I seek to be set apart for God's service in my own life, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:28

And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses,.... They girded their swords by their sides, went through the camp, and slew their brethren, companions and neighbours, who were keeping

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:28

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 32:28

And no more, for it is probable they slew only those whom they knew to have been the ringleaders to others in this mischief.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:28

Exodus 32:28 And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.Ver. 28. About three thousand.] Chieftains and ringleaders.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:28

Verse 28. There fell about three thousand men.] These were no doubt the chief transgressors; having broken the covenant by having other gods besides Jehovah, they lost the Divine protection, and then the justice of God laid hold on and slew them. Moses doubtless had positive orders from God for this act of justice, (see Exodus 32:27); for though, through his intercession, the people were spared so as not to be exterminated as a nation, yet the principal transgressors, those who were set on mischief, Exodus 32:22, were to be put to death.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:28

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.).

Sermons on Exodus 32:28

SermonDescription
T. Austin-Sparks Levitical Ministry - Part 1of4 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Levi tribe in the Bible and how it relates to the church. The Levi tribe represents the principle and meaning of the h
Ian Murray Chief Cause for Decay in the Church by Ian Murray In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from the book of Malachi, specifically chapter 4. The text speaks of a day that will come, burning like an oven, where the proud
Ed Miller Malachi #3: Defiling the Table and Dividing the Redeemed by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God with reverence and awe. He highlights the covenant between God and Levi, where Levi revered God, walked in peac
George Verwer (Om Orientation) the Pull of the Flesh - Part 2 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire for freedom from sin and a hunger to see others set free as well. He compares this desire to the det
Dennis Kinlaw Grace That Endures by Dennis Kinlaw In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and glorifying Him above all else. He shares his struggle in deciding what to speak about and highligh
David Wilkerson From Wrath to Mercy by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the transition from God's wrath to His mercy, illustrating how the blood of Jesus satisfies divine justice and allows God to extend grace to humanity. He
Charles Price "Hebrews" Monday - Part 2 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the limitations of the Old Testament law and its inability to bring about true salvation. He explains that the law was like a shadow, pointin

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