King James Version

What Does Exodus 32:25 Mean?

Exodus 32:25 in the King James Version says “And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) the...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) their enemies: Heb. those that rose up against them”

Exodus 32:25 · KJV

Context

23

For they said unto me, 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.

24

And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

25

And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:) their enemies: Heb. those that rose up against them

26

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.

27

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Read Exodus 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses saw the people were פָרֻעַ (parua, naked/unrestrained/broken loose), a term suggesting wild disorder, possibly literal nakedness in pagan revelry. Aaron had פְּרָעֹה (per'ah, let them loose), using a causative form—he actively permitted their unrestrained behavior. The phrase לְשִׁמְצָה בְּקָמֵיהֶם (le-shimtzah be-qameihem, for a derision among their enemies) indicates Israel became a mockery, their shameful conduct visible to surrounding nations, damaging God's reputation. This public disgrace worse than private sin because it blasphemes God's name before pagans (Rom 2:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The spectacle of God's redeemed people engaging in pagan debauchery would have delighted Israel's enemies. Corporate sin brings reproach on God's name among watching nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your unrestrained behavior bring God's name into disrepute before unbelievers?
  2. What responsibility do leaders bear for restraining evil versus permitting 'freedom'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֤רְא1 of 12

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 12

“And when Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם4 of 12

“that the people”

H5971

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

כִּ֥י5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פְרָעֹ֣ה6 of 12

“had made them naked”

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

ה֑וּא7 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פְרָעֹ֣ה9 of 12

“had made them naked”

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן10 of 12

“for Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לְשִׁמְצָ֖ה11 of 12

“unto their shame”

H8103

scornful whispering (of hostile spectators)

בְּקָֽמֵיהֶֽם׃12 of 12

“among their enemies”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 32:25 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 32:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 47:3Micah 1:11Revelation 16:15Genesis 3:10Exodus 33:4-62 Chronicles 28:19

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