Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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.’” New Living Translation 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.” English Standard Version 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.’” Berean Standard Bible 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.’” Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “Thus says YHWH God of Israel, ‘Put each man his sword on his side, pass over and turn back from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each man kill his brother, and each man his companion, and each man his neighbor.’” King James Bible And he said unto 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 neighbour. New King James Version 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.’ ” New American Standard Bible And he said to them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘Every man of you 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.’” NASB 1995 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.’” NASB 1977 And 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.’” Legacy Standard Bible And he said to them, “Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘Every man among 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.’” Amplified Bible 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].’” Berean Annotated Bible He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), 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. Christian Standard Bible 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.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible 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.’” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version 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." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation 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." Good News Translation 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." International Standard Version 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.'" NET Bible 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.'" New Heart English Bible 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.'" Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe 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.’” World English Bible 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.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand 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.” Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “Thus says YHWH God of Israel, ‘Put each man his sword on his side, pass over and turn back from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each man kill his brother, and each man his companion, and each man his neighbor.’” Young's Literal Translation 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.' Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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.” New American Bible 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!” New Revised Standard Version 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.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses Breaks the Tablets…26So 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. 27He 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.’” 28The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.… Cross References He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Numbers 25:4-5 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.” / So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.” 1 Samuel 15:2-3 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I witnessed what the Amalekites did to the Israelites when they opposed them on their way up from Egypt. / 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.’” Ezekiel 9:1-2 Then I heard Him call out in a loud voice, saying, “Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with a weapon of destruction in hand.” / And I saw six men coming from the direction of the Upper Gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. With them was another man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. And they came in and stood beside the bronze altar. ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, 1 Samuel 25:13 And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. Numbers 25:7-8 On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, got up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand, / followed the Israelite into the tent, and drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and on through the belly of the woman. So the plague against the Israelites was halted, Psalm 149:6-9 May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, / to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, / to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron, … go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, Ezekiel 9:5-7 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. / Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city. Deuteronomy 13:12-15 If, regarding one of the cities the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, you hear it said / that wicked men have arisen from among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, “Let us go and serve other gods” (which you have not known), / then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, … Deuteronomy 17:2-5 If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant / and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— / and if it is reported and you hear about it, you must investigate it thoroughly. If the report is true and such an abomination has happened in Israel, … and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” Deuteronomy 13:6-11 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. … Deuteronomy 33:8-11 Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / 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. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. … Matthew 10:21-22 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. / You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. Numbers 25:5 So Moses told the judges of Israel, “Each of you must kill all of his men who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.” Deuteronomy 33:9 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. 1 Kings 18:40 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. 1 Samuel 15:3 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.’” Treasury of Scripture 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. slay every man Exodus 32:26,29 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him… Numbers 25:5,7-12 And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor… Deuteronomy 33:8,9 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; … Jump to Previous Camp Companion Forth Fro Gate Israel Kill Neighbor Side Slay Sword Thigh ThroughoutJump to Next Camp Companion Forth Fro Gate Israel Kill Neighbor Side Slay Sword Thigh ThroughoutExodus 32 1. The people in the absence of Moses, caused Aaron to make a calf7. God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails 15. Moses comes down with the tablets 19. He breaks them 20. He destroys the calf 22. Aaron's excuse for himself 25. Moses causes the idolaters to be slain 30. He prays for the people He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 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. ‘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.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe 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. 2. The Levites 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. 3. The Israelites The people of God who have fallen into idolatry by worshiping the golden calf, violating the covenant they had just made with God. 4. Mount Sinai The holy mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. 5. The Golden Calf An idol made by Aaron and the Israelites, representing a grave sin of idolatry and rebellion against God. Teaching Points The Seriousness of IdolatryIdolatry is a grave sin that leads to separation from God. It requires decisive action to remove it from our lives. Zeal for God's Holiness The Levites' actions demonstrate a zeal for God's holiness and a willingness to stand against sin, even when it involves difficult choices. The Cost of Disobedience Disobedience to God can have severe consequences, affecting not just the individual but the community as a whole. Allegiance to God Above All 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. Repentance and Restoration While the passage is severe, it also points to the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration when we turn back to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 32:27?2. How does Exodus 32:27 demonstrate the seriousness of idolatry to God? 3. What can we learn about obedience from the Levites' actions in Exodus 32:27? 4. How does Exodus 32:27 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 5. In what ways can we guard against modern-day idolatry in our lives? 6. How should Exodus 32:27 influence our understanding of God's holiness and justice? 7. Why did God command the Levites to kill their own people in Exodus 32:27? 8. How does Exodus 32:27 align with the concept of a loving and merciful God? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 32:27? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 32? 11. 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? 12. What defines pagan revelry? 13. 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? 14. 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? What Does Exodus 32:27 Mean He told themMoses, still standing “at the entrance to the camp” (Exodus 32:26), turns specifically to the sons of Levi—the only tribe that rallied to him when he cried, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me!” Their readiness to listen shows immediate allegiance to God rather than to the crowd. The pronoun “them” keeps the spotlight on the Levites and sets up the priestly role they will bear from this day forward (Numbers 3:5-10; Deuteronomy 33:8-10). This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says Moses speaks with prophetic authority. The words that follow are not personal revenge but direct revelation from “the LORD, the God of Israel,” the same covenant-making God who just declared, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). By prefacing the command this way, Moses removes any excuse for disobedience: • The instruction is divine, not optional (1 Samuel 15:22). • God Himself is judging idolatry in His covenant people (Exodus 32:10; Deuteronomy 13:4-5). • The holiness of God demands decisive action (Leviticus 10:3). Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side The Levites are told to arm themselves. Swords in Scripture often symbolize justice carried out under divine sanction (Romans 13:4). Here the weapon is literal: • Personal responsibility—“each” must act; no hiding behind majority opinion (Joshua 24:15). • Visible commitment—strapping on a sword signals readiness to obey swiftly (Nehemiah 4:17-18). • Consecrated violence—God sometimes employs human agents to execute His righteous judgment (Numbers 25:7-8). Go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate Idolatry has polluted the entire camp; judgment must be thorough and impartial: • “Gate to gate” stresses completeness—no pocket of rebellion left unaddressed (Deuteronomy 13:12-15). • Movement “back and forth” implies careful, deliberate search, not a reckless rampage (Joshua 7:13). • The action occurs inside the covenant community, reminding Israel that holiness starts at home (1 Peter 4:17). And slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor The most shocking line underscores the cost of covenant loyalty: • Relationship does not override allegiance to God (Deuteronomy 13:6-9; Matthew 10:37). • Idolatry is spiritual treason deserving death under the Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:20). • By refusing to shield even close relatives, the Levites prove themselves zealous for God’s honor (Deuteronomy 33:9; Numbers 25:11). Three thousand men fall that day (Exodus 32:28), a sobering mirror of the magnitude of Israel’s sin and a foreshadowing that true atonement will one day require a greater sacrifice (Hebrews 9:13-14). summary Exodus 32:27 records God’s immediate, righteous judgment on flagrant idolatry. Through Moses, the Lord commands the Levites to take up the sword, sweep the camp, and execute guilty Israelites—even close kin—because covenant fidelity outweighs every earthly tie. The verse reveals God’s holiness, the deadly seriousness of idolatry, and the cost of true obedience. (27) Thus saith the Lord God.--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.Go in and out from gate to gate . . . --i.e., "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." Slay every man his brother.--Comp. Exodus 32:26. 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. Verse 27. - Go in and out from gate to gate, etc., - i.e., "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."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He toldוַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them, לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew “This is what כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD, יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc says: אָמַ֤ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Each of you men אִישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person is to fasten שִׂ֥ימוּ (śî·mū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set his sword חַרְבּ֖וֹ (ḥar·bōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against his side, יְרֵכ֑וֹ (yə·rê·ḵōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3409: Thigh,loin, flank, side go back and forth עִבְר֨וּ (‘iḇ·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on through the camp בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (bam·ma·ḥă·neh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army from gate מִשַּׁ֤עַר (miš·ša·‘ar) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate to gate, לָשַׁ֙עַר֙ (lā·ša·‘ar) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate and slay וְהִרְג֧וּ (wə·hir·ḡū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent his brother, אָחִ֛יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) his friend, רֵעֵ֖הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow and his neighbor.’” קְרֹבֽוֹ׃ (qə·rō·ḇōw) Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7138: Near Links Exodus 32:27 NIVExodus 32:27 NLT Exodus 32:27 ESV Exodus 32:27 NASB Exodus 32:27 KJV Exodus 32:27 BibleApps.com Exodus 32:27 Biblia Paralela Exodus 32:27 Chinese Bible Exodus 32:27 French Bible Exodus 32:27 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 32:27 He said to them Thus says Yahweh (Exo. 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