Exodus 32:21
And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?
Original Language Analysis
מֶֽה
H4100
מֶֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשָׂ֥ה
What did
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
What did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָעָ֣ם
this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
unto thee that thou hast brought
H935
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
unto thee that thou hast brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Aaron's position as high priest-designate made his failure more egregious. His sons Nadab and Abihu would later offer strange fire (Lev 10), suggesting Aaron's family struggled with taking God's holiness seriously.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when confronted about facilitating others' sin?
- What responsibility do leaders bear for followers' spiritual compromise?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses confronts Aaron with מֶה־עָשָׂה לְךָ הָעָם הַזֶּה (meh-asah lecha ha'am hazeh, What did this people do to you?) suggesting the people pressured Aaron—but leaders are accountable regardless of pressure. The charge כִּי־הֵבֵאתָ עָלָיו חֲטָאָה גְדֹלָה (ki-heveta alav chata'ah gedolah, that you have brought upon it a great sin) uses the adjective גְדֹלָה (gedolah, great) to emphasize the sin's enormity. Moses holds Aaron directly responsible despite popular demand, teaching that spiritual leaders cannot excuse compromise by blaming followers.