Exodus 32:35 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God sends a plague upon the people as punishment for the idolatry.
The Context of Exodus 32:35
God sends a plague upon Israel for their idolatry and apostasy.
What Does Exodus 32:35 Mean?
The plague is the fulfillment of God's warning that He would visit their sin upon them. Divine judgment followed swiftly, showing that apostasy carries real consequences even when full destruction is withheld.
The plague was the immediate penalty; the long-term consequence was Israel's wandering in the wilderness for forty years, delayed entry into Canaan, and a generation's loss. The people's choice to worship a false god set in motion consequences that would ripple through their entire history.
Exodus 32:35 in the Original Language
nega (נָגַע), 'plagued' — struck with a plague; indicates a direct affliction from God as punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 32:35
What does Exodus 32:35 mean?
God sends a plague upon the people as punishment for the idolatry.
What is the context of Exodus 32:35?
God sends a plague upon Israel for their idolatry and apostasy.