King James Version
Exodus 32:31 in the King James Version says “And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.”
Exodus 32:31 · KJV
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.
And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“returned”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
“unto the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“have sinned”
H2398properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
“this people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“and have made”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
“them gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
“of gold”
H2091gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
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 32:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 32:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge