Exodus 32:23

Authorized King James Version

For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ

H559

For they said

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֔י

עֲשֵׂה

H6213

unto me Make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָ֣נוּ

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

us gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽלְכ֖וּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

זֶ֣ה׀

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#11

מֹשֶׁ֣ה

H4872

us for as for this Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#12

הָאִ֗ישׁ

H376

the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#14

הֶֽעֱלָ֙נוּ֙

H5927

that brought us up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#15

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

יָדַ֖עְנוּ

H3045

we wot

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#19

מֶה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#20

הָ֥יָה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

לֽוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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