King James Version

What Does Exodus 32:11 Mean?

Exodus 32:11 in the King James Version says “And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brou... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? the LORD: Heb. the face of the LORD

Exodus 32:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

10

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? the LORD: Heb. the face of the LORD

12

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' intercession begins וַיְחַל מֹשֶׁה (vay'chal Moshe, Moses besought/entreated urgently), using a word meaning to appease or seek favor earnestly. Moses' argument appeals to three grounds: (1) covenant relationship ('Your people'), (2) God's mighty works ('which You brought forth...with great power'), and (3) God's reputation before pagans. Moses reverses God's 'your people' (v7) back to עַמְּךָ (amcha, Your people), insisting on God's ownership. The rhetorical question לָמָּה (lamah, why?) challenges God's proposed action based on His own character and purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' intercession exemplifies the mediator role—standing between God's holiness and human sin. This foreshadows Christ's superior mediation, who not only prays but also satisfies divine justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates your prayers—God's glory or your comfort?
  2. How does appealing to God's character and promises strengthen intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיְחַ֣ל1 of 20

besought

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 20

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּנֵ֖י4 of 20
H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָה֙5 of 20

LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֑יו6 of 20

his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר7 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָמָ֤ה8 of 20
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יְהוָה֙9 of 20

LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֶֽחֱרֶ֤ה10 of 20

wax hot

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפְּךָ֙11 of 20

why doth thy wrath

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

בְּעַמֶּ֔ךָ12 of 20

against thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֤ר13 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הוֹצֵ֙אתָ֙14 of 20

which thou hast brought forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ15 of 20

out of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֔יִם16 of 20

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּכֹ֥חַ17 of 20

power

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

גָּד֖וֹל18 of 20

with great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבְיָ֥ד19 of 20

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

חֲזָקָֽה׃20 of 20

and with a mighty

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 32:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 32:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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