Exodus 32 Footnotes

32:14 If God never sins, why do some Bible versions translate this verse to indicate that God planned to do evil and then repented? This verse takes its place among a series of passages in the OT that seem to indicate that God does evil (2Sm 24:16; 1Ch 21:15; Is 45:7; Jr 18:8; 26:13,19; Jl 2:13; Jnh 3:10; 4:2). However, the Bible affirms that God is completely righteous (Ps 119:137; Jr 12:1; Jn 17:25; Rv 16:5) and does not repent (Nm 23:19; 1Sm 15:29). The contradiction is only apparent and can be resolved by examining the relevant words in the Hebrew language.

The Hebrew word ra‘ah, translated in some Bible versions as “evil,” actually possesses a broad spectrum of meanings ranging from moral wickedness to “trouble” without any reference to morality. Applied to the result of God’s action, the term refers to affliction. God will never behave immorally, but he will bring affliction upon those who live in defiance of his will.

Similarly, the Hebrew term nacham is translated in some versions as “repent,” as though one is turning away from a sinful action. It is more accurately translated as “relent,” to decide to pursue a different course of action. As people change their actions and wills, God changes his response to them (Jr 18:8; Jnh 3:10). Although he is prepared to bring affliction (ra‘ah) upon people because of their sins, he is prepared to relent (nacham) as they repent.

32:32-33 Does God keep a book with people’s names in it? Several verses indicate that God keeps written records (17:14; Ps 56:8; 69:28; 139:16; Dn 12:1; Mal 3:16; Rv 3:5; 5:1-9; 10:2-10; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12-15; 21:27; 22:7-19). But such expressions could be metaphors, using a human analogy—keeping account books—to symbolize the fact that God remembers what people do, just as biblical language regarding God’s eye or hand is figurative. The point is that every person will be held accountable for his actions and words (Ec 12:14; Mt 12:36).