Exodus 32:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
עֲשֵׂה
unto me Make
H6213
עֲשֵׂה
unto me Make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
us gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
us gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 21
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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵֽלְכ֖וּ
H1980
יֵֽלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ
before
H6440
לְפָנֵ֑ינוּ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
8 of 21
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
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
זֶ֣ה׀
H2088
הָאִ֗ישׁ
the man
H376
הָאִ֗ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 21
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)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽעֱלָ֙נוּ֙
that brought us up
H5927
הֶֽעֱלָ֙נוּ֙
that brought us up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
14 of 21
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
H776
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
15 of 21
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֖עְנוּ
we wot
H3045
יָדַ֖עְנוּ
we wot
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
18 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
This excuse reveals how easily spiritual leaders rationalize compromise under pressure. Aaron had witnessed all God's miracles yet still feared the people more than God.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you excuse sinful choices by citing others' pressure or demands?
- How does fear of man prevent courageous spiritual leadership?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Aaron quotes the people's demand עֲשֵׂה־לָנוּ אֱלֹהִים (aseh-lanu elohim, make us gods), emphasizing their initiative not his. His description of Moses as אִישׁ מֹשֶׁה הַזֶּה (ish Moshe hazeh, this man Moses) echoes their disrespectful language (v1), distancing himself. The phrase לֹא יָדַעְנוּ מֶה־הָיָה לוֹ (lo yada'nu meh-hayah lo, we do not know what has become of him) repeats their words, suggesting Aaron merely responded to popular panic. But God requires leaders to lead righteously regardless of circumstances—Aaron should have refused and trusted God.