Exodus 32:4

Authorized King James Version

And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

And he received

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִיָּדָ֗ם

H3027

them at their hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּ֤צַר

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

אֹתוֹ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בַּחֶ֔רֶט

H2747

it with a graving tool

a chisel or graver; also a style for writing

וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ

H6213

after he had made

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

עֵ֣גֶל

H5695

calf

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

מַסֵּכָ֑ה

H4541

it a molten

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ

H559

and they said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֵ֤לֶּה

H428

these or those

#11

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙

H430

These be thy 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

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

O Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#14

הֶֽעֱל֖וּךָ

H5927

which brought

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

#15

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

thee up out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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