Exodus 32:12
Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
Original Language Analysis
לָמָּה֩
H4100
לָמָּה֩
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
מִצְרַ֜יִם
Wherefore should the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֜יִם
Wherefore should the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
3 of 20
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
הֽוֹצִיאָם֙
did he bring
H3318
הֽוֹצִיאָם֙
did he bring
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים
them in the mountains
H2022
בֶּֽהָרִ֔ים
them in the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
9 of 20
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם
and to consume
H3615
וּ֨לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם
and to consume
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
10 of 20
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
מֵעַ֖ל
H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י
them from the face
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
them from the face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
12 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
שׁ֚וּב
Turn
H7725
שׁ֚וּב
Turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
14 of 20
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַפֶּ֔ךָ
wrath
H639
אַפֶּ֔ךָ
wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם
and repent
H5162
וְהִנָּחֵ֥ם
and repent
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 9:28Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.Exodus 32:14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.Joshua 7:9For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?Psalms 85:3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.Psalms 74:18Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.Psalms 78:38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.Psalms 90:13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.Psalms 106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.Zechariah 8:14For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:Genesis 6:6And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Historical Context
God's concern for His name among nations is a major biblical theme (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Moses understood that God's ultimate purpose was global testimony, not merely Israel's prosperity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does concern for God's reputation shape your prayers and decisions?
- What does God's willingness to 'repent' teach about prayer's effectiveness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses appeals to God's reputation among the Egyptians who would say לְרָעָה הוֹצִיאָם (lera'ah hotzi'am, He brought them out for evil purposes). The argument addresses God's missionary concern—His name's honor among nations. Moses suggests Israel's destruction would vindicate Egypt's gods and slander Yahweh's character, making Him appear malicious or impotent. The plea שׁוּב מֵחֲרוֹן אַפֶּךָ (shuv meicharon apecha, turn from Your fierce wrath) uses anthropomorphic language, and וְהִנָּחֵם (vehinnachem, repent) means 'relent' or 'change course'—not that God sinned, but that He responds to intercession.