Exodus 32 Footnotes

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).