Exodus Chapter 32 · Verse 25
And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֤רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם
that the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
that the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פְרָעֹ֣ה
had made them naked
H6544
פְרָעֹ֣ה
had made them naked
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
6 of 12
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פְרָעֹ֣ה
had made them naked
H6544
פְרָעֹ֣ה
had made them naked
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
9 of 12
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
Cross References
Isaiah 47:3Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.Micah 1:11Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Beth-ezel; he shall receive of you his standing.
Historical Context
The spectacle of God's redeemed people engaging in pagan debauchery would have delighted Israel's enemies. Corporate sin brings reproach on God's name among watching nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your unrestrained behavior bring God's name into disrepute before unbelievers?
- What responsibility do leaders bear for restraining evil versus permitting 'freedom'?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses saw the people were פָרֻעַ (parua, naked/unrestrained/broken loose), a term suggesting wild disorder, possibly literal nakedness in pagan revelry. Aaron had פְּרָעֹה (per'ah, let them loose), using a causative form—he actively permitted their unrestrained behavior. The phrase לְשִׁמְצָה בְּקָמֵיהֶם (le-shimtzah be-qameihem, for a derision among their enemies) indicates Israel became a mockery, their shameful conduct visible to surrounding nations, damaging God's reputation. This public disgrace worse than private sin because it blasphemes God's name before pagans (Rom 2:24).