Exodus 32:35
And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּגֹּ֥ף
plagued
H5062
וַיִּגֹּ֥ף
plagued
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
1 of 12
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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)
הָעָ֑ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
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
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
because
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
because
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֖ה
made
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעֵ֔גֶל
the calf
H5695
הָעֵ֔גֶל
the calf
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
9 of 12
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
because
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
because
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This plague was additional to the 3,000 executed (v28). It shows sin's consequences are multi-layered: immediate judgment, leadership consequences, corporate punishment, and future 'visiting' (v34). Only Christ's atonement fully removes sin's curse.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when forgiveness doesn't eliminate all consequences?
- What does the chapter's conclusion teach about sin's pervasive, costly nature and our need for complete atonement in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes וַיִּגֹּף יְהוָה אֶת־הָעָם (vayyigof Adonai et-ha'am, the Lord plagued the people) showing that despite intercession and judgment, additional punishment came. The causative phrase עַל אֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ אֶת־הָעֵגֶל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה אַהֲרֹן (al asher asu et-ha'egel asher asah Aharon, because they made the calf which Aaron made) pointedly emphasizes both popular demand and Aaron's culpability—corporate guilt shared by leaders and people. The plague's nature isn't specified, but it represents God's continued displeasure. This shows that even when Moses' intercession averted total destruction, sin still required punishment—foreshadowing Christ who bore the punishment Moses couldn't.