And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

EXODUS 32:31KJV
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Exodus 32:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 32:31 mean?

Exodus 32:31 describes Moses going back to speak with the LORD after the Israelites made a golden idol, admitting that the people have committed a very serious sin by creating gods out of gold. Moses openly confesses the gravity of their wrongdoing before God.

In this verse, Moses is addressing the LORD (the personal name for God used in the Hebrew Bible) after the incident with the golden calf. The people of Israel, feeling abandoned while Moses was on Mount Sinai, pressured Aaron into making an idol. Moses now returns to God, taking responsibility as their leader and honestly describing their act as a "great sin," highlighting both the seriousness of idolatry and Moses’ role as an intercessor.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 32:31

  • "sinned" — חָטָא (chata’): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong, and here it underscores that the people’s action was not a small mistake but a significant moral failure.
  • "great" — גָּדוֹל (gadol): This word means large or important, emphasizing the seriousness of the sin, not just its size but its weight in the relationship between the people and God.
  • "gods" — אֱלֹהִים (elohim): Although this word can mean "God" or "gods," here it refers to false gods or idols, making it clear that the people created something to worship other than the LORD.
  • "gold" — זָהָב (zahav): The mention of gold points to the value and allure of the idol, showing that the people used something precious to make something forbidden.

Why Exodus 32:31 matters

  • This verse clears up that Moses is not making excuses for the people; he is fully honest about the depth of their wrongdoing, which sets the stage for his later plea for forgiveness.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry in Israel’s relationship with God, showing that turning to other gods is described as a "great sin," not a minor lapse.
  • Exodus 32:31 connects to the larger story of Moses as a mediator between God and the people, showing his willingness to stand before God on their behalf even after such a grave mistake.

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 32:30 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.
  • Psalms 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

“Oh” Hebrew H577 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
  • Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
  • Isaiah 38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.