King James Version

What Does Exodus 32:2 Mean?

Exodus 32:2 in the King James Version says “And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.”

Exodus 32:2 · King James Version

Context

1

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

2

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

3

And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.

4

And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Read Exodus 32 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Aaron's immediate compliance without protest reveals weak leadership and fear of man. The request for golden earrings (נִזְמֵי הַזָּהָב, nizmei hazahav) ironically uses jewelry likely plundered from Egypt (Ex 12:35-36) to create an idol. The earrings may have been Egyptian amulets, making their use doubly idolatrous. Aaron's passive construction 'Break off' suggests he tried to shift responsibility, yet he actively facilitated the sin rather than standing firm like Moses would have.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron, Moses' brother and spokesman, held the highest authority in Moses' absence. His failure demonstrates how even those called to ministry can compromise under pressure.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you facilitated sin rather than standing against popular opinion?
  2. How does fear of man cause spiritual leaders to compromise God's standards?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶם֙2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן3 of 13

“And Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

פָּֽרְקוּ֙4 of 13

“unto them Break off”

H6561

to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver

נִזְמֵ֣י5 of 13

“earrings”

H5141

a nose-ring

הַזָּהָ֔ב6 of 13

“the golden”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֲשֶׁר֙7 of 13
H834

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

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י8 of 13

“which are in the ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

נְשֵׁיכֶ֔ם9 of 13

“of your wives”

H802

a woman

בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם10 of 13

“of your sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם11 of 13

“and of your daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וְהָבִ֖יאוּ12 of 13

“and bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלָֽי׃13 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 32:2 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 32:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 8:24-27Exodus 12:35-36Hosea 2:8Ezekiel 16:11-12Ezekiel 16:17Exodus 35:22

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