Exodus 32:16

16 The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.

Exodus 32:16 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
English Standard Version (ESV)
16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.
New Living Translation (NLT)
16 These tablets were God’s work; the words on them were written by God himself.
The Message Bible (MSG)
16 God made the tablets and God wrote the tablets - engraved them.
American Standard Version (ASV)
16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God's writing inscribed on the tablets.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God's writing, engraved on the tablets.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
16 The tablets were the work of God. The words had been written by God. They had been carved on the tablets.

Exodus 32:16 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 32:16

And the tables were the work of God
And not of angels or men; the stones were made and formed by God into the shape they were:

and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables;
the letters in which the law was written were of his framing, devising, and engraving; and this was to show that this law was his own, and contained his mind and will; and to give the greater dignity and authority to it, and to deter men from breaking it.

Exodus 32:16 In-Context

14 Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
15 Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back.
16 The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.
17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “There is the sound of war in the camp.”
18 Moses replied: “It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear.”

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Exodus 24:12; Exodus 31:18
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.