Exodus 32:3
Exodus 32:3 in Multiple Translations
Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.
And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
And all the people brake off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
And all the people took the gold rings from their ears and gave them to Aaron.
So everyone took off the gold earrings they were wearing and brought them to Aaron.
Then all ye people pluckt from them selues the golden earings, which were in their eares, and they brought them vnto Aaron.
and all the people themselves break off the rings of gold which [are] in their ears, and bring in unto Aaron,
All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
And all the people broke off the golden ear-rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.
And the people did what he had commanded, bringing the earrings to Aaron.
So the people did that. They took off all their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:3
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 32:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְפָּֽרְקוּ֙
כָּל
הָ/עָ֔ם
אֶת
נִזְמֵ֥י
הַ/זָּהָ֖ב
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יָּבִ֖יאוּ
אֶֽל
אַהֲרֹֽן
וַ/יִּתְפָּֽרְקוּ֙
pâraq
H6561
to tear
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נִזְמֵ֥י
nezem
H5141
ring
N-mp
הַ/זָּהָ֖ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd | Suff
וַ/יָּבִ֖יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַהֲרֹֽן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:3
וַ/יִּתְפָּֽרְקוּ֙
pâraq
H6561
"to tear"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
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.
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.
נִזְמֵ֥י
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/זָּהָ֖ב
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
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.
וַ/יָּבִ֖יאוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אַהֲרֹֽן
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 32:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
- Sermons on Exodus 32:3
Context — The Golden Calf
1Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, 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!”
2So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:6 | They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:19–20 | To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains? To one bereft of an offering who chooses wood that will not rot, who seeks a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple? |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:9 | Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz— the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers. |
| 4 | Judges 17:3–4 | And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.” So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a graven image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah. |
Exodus 32:3 Summary
[This verse shows how quickly the people turned away from God and towards a false idol, giving up their valuable gold earrings to support Aaron's plan, as seen in Exodus 32:3. In simple terms, the people were impatient and wanted something tangible to worship, rather than waiting on God's timing and leadership, similar to the Israelites' experience in Numbers 13:31. The people's willingness to give up their gold earrings represents a willingness to compromise their values and priorities, highlighting the importance of staying focused on God's commands and promises, as emphasized in Psalm 119:105. By giving up their gold earrings, the people were essentially giving up their trust in God's provision and care, instead turning to a man-made solution, as warned against in Jeremiah 2:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What led the people to give up their gold earrings to Aaron?
The people were impatient and felt abandoned by Moses, leading them to demand that Aaron create gods for them to worship, as seen in Exodus 32:1, prompting Aaron to ask for their gold earrings to fashion the calf, as referenced in Exodus 32:2-3.
Why did Aaron ask specifically for gold earrings?
Aaron asked for gold earrings because they were a valuable and malleable material that could be easily melted and shaped into the form of a calf, similar to how God instructed Moses to build the golden lampstand in Exodus 25:31.
What does this verse reveal about the people's willingness to follow Aaron?
This verse shows that the people were eager to follow Aaron and were willing to give up their valuable possessions to support his plan, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's leadership and provision, as warned against in Deuteronomy 8:19.
How does this event relate to the broader biblical theme of idolatry?
This event in Exodus 32:3 is a classic example of the dangers of idolatry, where the people replaced the one true God with a man-made object, echoing the warnings against idolatry in Deuteronomy 5:8 and Romans 1:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be prioritizing material possessions over my relationship with God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How do I respond when faced with uncertainty or delay, and what can I learn from the Israelites' mistakes in this passage?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the influences and leaders in my life, ensuring that I am following God's guidance rather than man's?
- What are some modern-day 'gold earrings' that I may be holding onto, and how can I use them to glorify God instead of idolizing them?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:3
And all the people brake off the golden earrings, which were in their ears,.... The men took off their earrings, and persuaded their wives and children, or obliged them to part with theirs; though
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:3
And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. All the people brake off the golden earrings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
Whereby they show both their madness upon their idols, and their base ingratitude to their God, who had transferred these jewels from the Egyptians to them, ,36, which therefore God upbraids them with, , &c. In their ears, i.e. the men’ s ears, for the affix is of the masculine gender; whereby it seems the men were more set upon idolatry than the women, parting with their earrings for it, which the women would not do.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
Exodus 32:3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which [were] in their ears, and brought [them] unto Aaron.Ver. 3. Brake off the golden ear-rings.] Which they had got of the Egyptians. To make use of heathen authors for ostentation, is to make a calf of the treasure gotten out of Egypt.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
(3) All the people brake off the golden earrings.—Aaron had miscalculated the strength of the people’s fanaticism. Not the slightest resistance was offered to his requirement, not the slightest objection made. “All the people,” with one accord, surrendered their earrings. Some measure is hereby afforded of the intensity of the feeling which was moving the people and urging them to substitute an idolatrous worship for the abstract and purely spiritual religion which had reigned supreme since their departure from Egypt.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
Verse 3. And all the people brake off the golden ear-rings] The human being is naturally fond of dress, though this has been improperly attributed to the female sex alone, and those are most fond of it who have the shallowest capacities; but on this occasion the bent of the people to idolatry was greater than even their love of dress, so that they readily stripped themselves of their ornaments in order to get a molten god. They made some compensation for this afterwards; see Exodus 35:22, and See Clarke on Exodus 38:9.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:3
3. All the people brake off — Kurtz observes that Aaron had “counted upon the vanity of the women and youth, and their love for golden ornaments, and he hoped that in this way he would excite such
Sermons on Exodus 32:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Money by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual nature of money in the Christian life, highlighting its potential for both blessing and danger. He explains that while money represents hard work |