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Exodus 32:27 He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.'"
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 32:27 He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/32-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/02_Exo_32_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 32:27 - Moses Breaks the Tablets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He told them, This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/32-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/32-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/32.htm">Chapter 32</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm" title="Exodus 32:26">◄</a> Exodus 32:27 <a href="/exodus/32-28.htm" title="Exodus 32:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then he said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Moses told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Each of you, take your swords and go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other. Kill everyone—even your brothers, friends, and neighbors.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, <i>and</i> go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Every man <i>of you</i> put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Every man of you put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Every man <i>of you</i> put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he said to them, “Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘Every man <i>among you</i> put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother and every man his friend and every man his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Every man strap his sword on his thigh and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor [all who continue pagan worship].’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Every man fasten his sword to his side; go back and forth through the camp from entrance to entrance, and each of you kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Every man fasten his sword to his side; go back and forth through the camp from entrance to entrance, and each of you kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and he said to them, "The LORD God of Israel commands you to strap on your swords and go through the camp, killing your relatives, your friends, and your neighbors." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He said to them, "This is what the LORD God of Israel says: Each of you put on your sword. Go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other, and kill your relatives, friends, and neighbors."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and he said to them, "The LORD God of Israel commands every one of you to put on your sword and go through the camp from this gate to the other and kill your brothers, your friends, and your neighbors." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He told them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and each of you kill his brother and friend and neighbor.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He told them, ?This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ?Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and he said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Each man fasten his sword on his side, and go back and forth from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and each one kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he said to them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he says to them, “Thus said YHWH, God of Israel: Each put his sword by his thigh, pass over and turn back from gate to gate through the camp, and each slay his brother, and each his friend, and each his relation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he saith to them, 'Thus said Jehovah, God of Israel, Put each his sword by his thigh, pass over and turn back from gate to gate through the camp, and slay each his brother, and each his friend, and each his relation.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will say to them, Thus said Jehovah the God of Israel, Put ye each his sword upon his thigh, and pass ye through and turn ye back from gate to gate in the camp, and slay ye each his brother, and each his friend, and each his near one.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said to them: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: Put every man his sword upon his thigh: go, and return from gate to gate through the midst of the camp, and let every man kill his brother, and friend, and neighbour. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to them: “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: Let a man place his sword at his thigh. Go forth, and then return, from gate to gate, through the midst of the camp, and let each one kill his brother, and friend, and neighbor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and he told them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Each of you put your sword on your hip! Go back and forth through the camp, from gate to gate, and kill your brothers, your friends, your neighbors!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side, each of you! Go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill your brother, your friend, and your neighbor.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to them, Thus says the LORD God of Israel: Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from door to door throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe stood himself in the gate of the Tabernacle and he said, “Who is from LORD JEHOVAH? He will come to me.” And all of the children of Levi assembled to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he said unto them: 'Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he says to them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every one his sword on his thigh, and go through and return from gate to gate through the camp, and slay every one his brother, and every one his neighbour, and every one him that is nearest to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/32-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=8469" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm">Moses Breaks the Tablets</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">He told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">“This is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">‘Each of you men</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śî·mū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">is to fasten</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥar·bōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">his sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3409.htm" title="3409: yə·rê·ḵōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From an unused root meaning to be soft; the thigh; by euphem. The generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side.">his side,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘iḇ·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">go back and forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wā·šū·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: bam·ma·ḥă·neh (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">through the camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: miš·ša·‘ar (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">from gate</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: lā·ša·‘ar (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">to gate,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: wə·hir·ḡū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">and slay</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">his friend,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7138.htm" title="7138: qə·rō·ḇōw (Adj-msc:: 3ms) -- Near. Or qarob; from qarab; near.">and his neighbor.’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/25-5.htm">Numbers 25:5</a></span><br />So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6-11</a></span><br />If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, / the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), / you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/33-9.htm">Deuteronomy 33:9</a></span><br />He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-40.htm">1 Kings 18:40</a></span><br />Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a></span><br />Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-28.htm">Judges 20:28</a></span><br />and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-13.htm">2 Chronicles 15:13</a></span><br />And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-29.htm">Psalm 106:29-30</a></span><br />So they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. / But Phinehas stood and intervened, and the plague was restrained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/9-5.htm">Ezekiel 9:5-6</a></span><br />And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! / Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34-37</a></span><br />Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. / For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Luke 14:26</a></span><br />“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-30.htm">Matthew 12:30</a></span><br />He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-17.htm">John 2:17</a></span><br />His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said to them, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.</p><p class="hdg">slay every man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Exodus 32:26,29</a></b></br> Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who <i>is</i> on the LORD'S side? <i>let him come</i> unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/25-5.htm">Numbers 25:5,7-12</a></b></br> And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8,9</a></b></br> And of Levi he said, <i>Let</i> thy Thummim and thy Urim <i>be</i> with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, <i>and with</i> whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/genesis/8-7.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/exodus/32-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/exodus/22-14.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Side</a> <a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/exodus/29-27.htm">Thigh</a> <a href="/exodus/31-16.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/33-7.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/numbers/32-13.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/exodus/35-17.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/exodus/33-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-5.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">Side</a> <a href="/leviticus/1-5.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-6.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/leviticus/7-32.htm">Thigh</a> <a href="/exodus/34-3.htm">Throughout</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">The people in the absence of Moses, caused Aaron to make a calf</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-7.htm">God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Moses comes down with the tablets</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">He breaks them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-20.htm">He destroys the calf</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-22.htm">Aaron's excuse for himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">Moses causes the idolaters to be slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-30.htm">He prays for the people</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:</b><br>This phrase establishes divine authority for the command. The speaker is Moses, acting as a prophet and leader, conveying God's direct instructions. The title "the God of Israel" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, reminding them of their unique identity and obligations. This context is crucial as it follows the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites broke their covenant by idolatry.<p><b>‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side,</b><br>The command to arm themselves signifies preparation for a serious and solemn task. The sword is a symbol of judgment and authority, often used in Scripture to denote divine retribution (e.g., <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a>). This act of fastening the sword indicates readiness to execute God's judgment, highlighting the gravity of the situation.<p><b>go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate,</b><br>The instruction to move throughout the camp suggests a thorough and comprehensive action, ensuring that the judgment is carried out without partiality. The mention of "gate to gate" implies a systematic approach, covering the entire community. This reflects the seriousness of the sin and the need for a complete purging of idolatry from among the people.<p><b>and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”</b><br>This phrase underscores the severity of the command, as it involves executing those close to them. It highlights the cost of sin and the necessity of prioritizing obedience to God over personal relationships. This mirrors Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37</a> about the cost of discipleship. The drastic measure serves as a deterrent against future idolatry and underscores the holiness required by God. The Levites' obedience to this command sets them apart for priestly service, as seen later in <a href="/exodus/32-29.htm">Exodus 32:29</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who has just descended from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the Law, only to find the people worshiping a golden calf.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a></b><br>The tribe chosen by God to carry out His command. They stood with Moses when he called for those who were on the Lord's side.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who have fallen into idolatry by worshiping the golden calf, violating the covenant they had just made with God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The holy mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_golden_calf.htm">The Golden Calf</a></b><br>An idol made by Aaron and the Israelites, representing a grave sin of idolatry and rebellion against God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_idolatry.htm">The Seriousness of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry is a grave sin that leads to separation from God. It requires decisive action to remove it from our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/z/zeal_for_god's_holiness.htm">Zeal for God's Holiness</a></b><br>The Levites' actions demonstrate a zeal for God's holiness and a willingness to stand against sin, even when it involves difficult choices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>Disobedience to God can have severe consequences, affecting not just the individual but the community as a whole.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/allegiance_to_god_above_all.htm">Allegiance to God Above All</a></b><br>Our loyalty to God must surpass all other relationships, even those with family and friends, as seen in the command to kill brother, friend, and neighbor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>While the passage is severe, it also points to the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration when we turn back to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_exodus_32_25-28_record_3,000_deaths.htm">Why does Exodus 32:25–28 record the killing of about three thousand people, and is there any historical or archaeological support for such a large-scale event? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_pagan_revelry.htm">What defines pagan revelry?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_ex-slaves_make_a_gold_idol.htm">How could an entire group of former slaves in Exodus 32:4 collect and melt enough gold in the wilderness to craft a sizable idol? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_change_his_mind_or_not.htm">Does God change his mind? I Samuel 15:10-11, 15:35, and Genesis 6:6-7 suggest yes, while I Samuel 15:29 suggests no. How do these contradictions reconcile?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) <span class= "bld">Thus saith the Lord God.--</span>Moses felt that he was divinely commissioned to perform this act of severity. The lives of all who had committed the idolatry were justly forfeit. Trial was unnecessary where the offence was being openly committed before the eyes of all. Such dancing and such shouting could not possibly be Jehovah-worship. It was by its very character idolatrous.<p><span class= "bld">Go in and out from gate to gate . . . </span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, "pass through the whole camp from end to end, visit all parts of it, and wherever you see the rites continuing, smite with the sword--smite, and spare not."<p><span class= "bld">Slay every man his brother.</span>--Comp. <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm" title="Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? let him come to me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.">Exodus 32:26</a>. The Levites who had rallied to the call of Moses might find their own brothers or their own sons among the idolaters. If they did, they were still to smite, though the offender was their near relative.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Go in and</span> <span class="cmt_word">out from gate to gate,</span> etc., - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, "pass through the whole camp - visit every part of it - and, where you see the licentious rites continuing, use your swords - do not spare, though the man be a brother, or a companion, or a neighbour - strike nevertheless, and bring the revel to an end." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/32-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He told</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“This is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(kōh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Each of you men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to fasten</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂ֥ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(śî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his sword</span><br /><span class="heb">חַרְבּ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥar·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his side,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרֵכ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rê·ḵōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3409.htm">Strong's 3409: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thigh,loin, flank, side</span><br /><br /><span class="word">go back and forth</span><br /><span class="heb">עִבְר֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘iḇ·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through the camp</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(bam·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from gate</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשַּׁ֤עַר</span> <span class="translit">(miš·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to gate,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָשַׁ֙עַר֙</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and slay</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִרְג֧וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hir·ḡū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his brother,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֛יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his friend,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵ֖הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his neighbor.’”</span><br /><span class="heb">קְרֹבֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qə·rō·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7138.htm">Strong's 7138: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/32-27.htm">Exodus 32:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/32-27.htm">OT Law: Exodus 32:27 He said to them Thus says Yahweh (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 32:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/32-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 32:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>