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.

EXODUS 32:30KJV
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Exodus 32:30 (KJV)

What does Exodus 32:30 mean?

Exodus 32:30 describes how, the day after the Israelites made and worshipped the golden calf, Moses told the people they had committed a very serious sin and said he would go up to the LORD, hoping he might be able to make atonement for their wrongdoing. Moses is preparing to intercede with God on behalf of the people, unsure if forgiveness can be secured.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites after they have broken their covenant with God by worshipping an idol. The verse shows Moses recognizing the gravity of their sin and taking responsibility to approach God, even though he is not certain ("peradventure") that atonement will be possible. This moment sets up Moses’ role as a mediator between the people and God in the aftermath of a major failure.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 32:30

  • The word for "atonement" is כָּפַר (kafar), which means to cover or make reconciliation. Here, it highlights Moses’ hope to somehow cover over or reconcile the people’s sin before God, not just to apologize but to seek a restoration of relationship.
  • The phrase "peradventure" comes from אוּלַי (ulay), which expresses uncertainty or hopefulness. Moses is not presuming upon God’s mercy but is humbly acknowledging that forgiveness is not guaranteed.
  • The word for "sin" is חַטָּאת (chatta't), which refers to a serious offense or wrongdoing, emphasizing the weight of what the people have done.

Why Exodus 32:30 matters

  • Exodus 32:30 clarifies that Moses does not take forgiveness for granted; he recognizes that atonement is something only God can grant, and even Moses is unsure if it will be possible.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry in Israel’s relationship with God, calling it a "great sin" and showing that it requires special intervention.
  • This verse sets the stage for Moses’ bold intercession in the following verses, underlining his unique role as a leader willing to stand between the people and God even after a grave failure.

Where else these words appear

“sin” Hebrew H2401 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
  • Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
  • Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

“peradventure” Hebrew H194 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • Joshua 14:12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
  • 2 Kings 19:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.

“for” Hebrew H1157 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • Proverbs 6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.