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<!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 32:3 Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/32-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_32_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 32:3 - The Golden Calf" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.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/32-2.htm" title="Exodus 32:2">◄</a> Exodus 32:3 <a href="/exodus/32-4.htm" title="Exodus 32:4">►</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 />So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And all the people brake off the golden earrings which <i>were</i> in their ears, and brought <i>them</i> unto Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So all the people broke off the golden earrings which <i>were</i> in their ears, and brought <i>them</i> to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought <i>them</i> to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears, and brought <i>them</i> to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought <i>them</i> to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So all the people took off the gold rings that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So all the people took off the gold rings that were on their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So all the people took off the gold rings that were on their ears and brought them to Aaron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people brake off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everybody took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And all the people brake off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So all the people took off their gold earrings and handed them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />All the people tore off the gold rings that were in their ears and brought them to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So all the people broke off the gold earrings that were on their ears and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And all the people broke off the golden ear-rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and all the people break off the rings of gold which [are] in their ears, and bring [them] to Aaron,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and all the people themselves break off the rings of gold which are in their ears, and bring in unto Aaron,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the people will break off the gold ear-rings which are in their ears, and they will bring to Aaron.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the people did what he had commanded, bringing the earrings to Aaron. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the people did what he had commanded, carrying the earrings to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So all the people took off the gold rings from their ears, and brought them to Aaron.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So all the people removed the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Ahron said to them, “Remove the earrings of gold that are in the ears of your wives and of your sons and of your daughters, and bring to me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And all the people broke off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And all the people took off the golden ear-rings that were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/32-3.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=8230" 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">The Golden Calf</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Then all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</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/6561.htm" title="6561: way·yiṯ·pā·rə·qū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To tear apart or away. A primitive root; to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver.">took off</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: haz·zā·hāḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">their gold</a> <a href="/hebrew/5141.htm" title="5141: niz·mê (N-mpc) -- A ring (worn as an ornament). From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a nose-ring.">earrings</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê·hem (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 3mp) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇî·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and brought them</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”…<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="/deuteronomy/9-16.htm">Deuteronomy 9:16</a></span><br />And I saw how you had sinned against the LORD your God; you had made for yourselves a molten calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the LORD had commanded you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-18.htm">Nehemiah 9:18</a></span><br />Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Acts 7:41</a></span><br />At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28</a></span><br />After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-19.htm">Psalm 106:19-20</a></span><br />At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. / They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4-6</a></span><br />They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">1 Corinthians 10:7</a></span><br />Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16</a></span><br />They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6</a></span><br />They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-9.htm">Jeremiah 10:9</a></span><br />Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-17.htm">Ezekiel 16:17</a></span><br />You also took the fine jewelry of gold and silver I had given you, and you made male idols with which to prostitute yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a></span><br />For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Revelation 9:20</a></span><br />Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/17-3.htm">Judges 17:3-4</a></span><br />And when he had returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I wholly dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son’s benefit, to make a graven image and a molten idol. Therefore I will now return it to you.” / So he returned the silver to his mother, and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into a graven image and a molten idol. And they were placed in the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-8.htm">Isaiah 2:8</a></span><br />Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/17-3.htm">Judges 17:3,4</a></b></br> And when he had restored the eleven hundred <i>shekels</i> of silver to his mother, his mother said, I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the LORD from my hand for my son, to make a graven image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it unto thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-19.htm">Isaiah 40:19,20</a></b></br> The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Isaiah 46:6</a></b></br> They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, <i>and</i> hire a goldsmith; and he maketh it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/9-25.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Earrings</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Ear-Rings</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/exodus/32-2.htm">Rings</a> <a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/genesis/44-13.htm">Tore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/32-5.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Brake</a> <a href="/exodus/32-24.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/exodus/35-22.htm">Earrings</a> <a href="/exodus/35-22.htm">Ear-Rings</a> <a href="/exodus/32-17.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/exodus/32-4.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/exodus/37-12.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/exodus/35-22.htm">Rings</a> <a href="/exodus/32-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Tore</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Then all the people took off their gold earrings</b><br>This phrase highlights the collective action of the Israelites, indicating a unified decision to contribute their personal possessions for a common purpose. The gold earrings were likely part of the spoils taken from Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-35.htm">Exodus 12:35-36</a>), symbolizing the wealth and provision God had given them. The act of removing earrings, which were often associated with personal adornment and status, signifies a willingness to sacrifice personal wealth for what they believed was a communal religious cause. This action can be contrasted with the later use of gold in the construction of the Tabernacle, where offerings were given for the worship of Yahweh (<a href="/exodus/35-22.htm">Exodus 35:22</a>).<p><b>and brought them to Aaron.</b><br>Aaron, the brother of Moses and the appointed high priest, becomes a central figure in this narrative. His role here is significant as it shows his leadership position among the people, yet also his susceptibility to pressure and failure in leadership. The people's act of bringing the gold to Aaron indicates their trust in him to lead them in Moses' absence. This event foreshadows Aaron's later role in the priesthood, where he would mediate between God and the people. Theologically, this moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for the creation of the golden calf, a direct violation of the covenant established at Sinai (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>). This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the need for faithful leadership, themes that resonate throughout the Old Testament and find fulfillment in the perfect leadership of Jesus Christ, who is both priest and king (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, recently freed from Egyptian bondage, are in the wilderness at Mount Sinai. They are waiting for Moses, who is on the mountain receiving the Law from God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother and the high priest, who is left in charge of the people while Moses is on Mount Sinai. He plays a pivotal role in the creation of the golden calf.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_golden_calf.htm">The Golden Calf</a></b><br>An idol made from the gold earrings of the Israelites, representing a significant act of disobedience and idolatry against God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive His laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_impatience.htm">The Danger of Impatience</a></b><br>The Israelites' impatience led them to idolatry. We must learn to wait on God's timing and trust His plans, even when they seem delayed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_responsibility.htm">Leadership Responsibility</a></b><br>Aaron's failure to stand firm in his leadership role resulted in sin. Leaders are called to uphold God's standards, even under pressure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>The Israelites' disobedience had severe consequences. Our actions have repercussions, and we must strive to obey God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_allure_of_idolatry.htm">The Allure of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry can take many forms, not just physical idols. We must guard our hearts against anything that takes precedence over God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Despite their sin, God offers forgiveness. We should seek repentance and restoration when we fall short.<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_worship_the_golden_calf.htm">Why did the Israelites worship the golden calf?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_exodus_32_align_with_aaron's_role.htm">How does the portrayal of Aaron's role in Exodus 32 align with other biblical depictions of him, and does it reveal inconsistencies across different texts?</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/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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">All the people brake off the golden earrings.</span>--Aaron had miscalculated the strength of the people's fanaticism. Not the slightest resistance was offered to his requirement, not the slightest objection made. "<span class= "ital">All </span>the people," with one accord, surrendered their earrings. Some measure is hereby afforded of the intensity of the feeling which was moving the people and urging them to substitute an idolatrous worship for the abstract and purely spiritual religion which had reigned supreme since their departure from Egypt.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the people broke off the golden ear-rings</span>. Thus, as is supposed, disappointing Aaron, who had counted on the refusal of the women to part with their finery, and the reluctance of the men to compel them. Had ear-rings been still regarded as amulets (Genesis <span class="accented">1.s.c.</span>) it is not likely that they would have been so readily given up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/32-3.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">Then all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took off</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתְפָּֽרְקוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·pā·rə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6561.htm">Strong's 6561: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break off, crunch, to deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their gold</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזָּהָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zā·hāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">earrings</span><br /><span class="heb">נִזְמֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(niz·mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5141.htm">Strong's 5141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A ring (worn as an ornament)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and brought</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבִ֖יאוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇî·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Aaron.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲרֹֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/32-3.htm">Exodus 32:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/32-3.htm">OT Law: Exodus 32:3 All the people took off the golden (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/32-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 32:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/32-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 32:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:4" /></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>