King James Version
Exodus 32:28 in the King James Version says “And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.”
Exodus 32:28 · KJV
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.
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.
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. For Moses: or, And Moses said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, because every man hath been against his brother, etc Consecrate: Heb. Fill your hands
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“according to the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
“and there fell”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
“of the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“that day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
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
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
“men”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
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.
Exodus 32:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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