King James Version

What Does Exodus 32:12 Mean?

Exodus 32:12 in the King James Version says “Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 32:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Read Exodus 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses appeals to God's reputation among the Egyptians who would say לְרָעָה הוֹצִיאָם (lera'ah hotzi'am, He brought them out for evil purposes). The argument addresses God's missionary concern—His name's honor among nations. Moses suggests Israel's destruction would vindicate Egypt's gods and slander Yahweh's character, making Him appear malicious or impotent. The plea שׁוּב מֵחֲרוֹן אַפֶּךָ (shuv meicharon apecha, turn from Your fierce wrath) uses anthropomorphic language, and וְהִנָּחֵם (vehinnachem, repent) means 'relent' or 'change course'—not that God sinned, but that He responds to intercession.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's concern for His name among nations is a major biblical theme (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Moses understood that God's ultimate purpose was global testimony, not merely Israel's prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does concern for God's reputation shape your prayers and decisions?
  2. What does God's willingness to 'repent' teach about prayer's effectiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לָמָּה֩1 of 20
H4100

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

לֵאמֹ֗ר2 of 20

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִצְרַ֜יִם3 of 20

“Wherefore should the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לֵאמֹ֗ר4 of 20

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָֽרָעָ֖ה5 of 20

“For mischief”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הֽוֹצִיאָם֙6 of 20

“did he bring”

H3318

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

לַֽהֲרֹ֤ג7 of 20

“them out to slay”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

אֹתָם֙8 of 20
H853

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

בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים9 of 20

“them in the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם10 of 20

“and to consume”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

מֵעַ֖ל11 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֣י12 of 20

“them from the face”

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

הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה13 of 20

“of the earth”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

שׁ֚וּב14 of 20

“Turn”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵֽחֲר֣וֹן15 of 20

“from thy fierce”

H2740

a burning of anger

אַפֶּ֔ךָ16 of 20

“wrath”

H639

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

וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם17 of 20

“and repent”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל18 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽרָעָ֖ה19 of 20

“For mischief”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְעַמֶּֽךָ׃20 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

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 32:12 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 32:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 14:13-16Deuteronomy 9:28Joshua 7:9Exodus 32:14Joshua 7:26Ezekiel 20:22

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