godsאֱלֹהִים
elohim · Hebrew Noun
Referring to the plurality of divine beings or, as in this context, false idols that people craft to replace the worship of the one true God. In Scripture, it signifies anything that takes the place of God as the object of trust, devotion, or allegiance.
Egyptמִצְרַיִם
Mitsrayim · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting the place of origin of Israel’s slavery and a symbol of worldly power and bondage from which God delivers His people. It frequently represents a place of spiritual darkness or life apart from the covenant of God.
goldזָהָב
zahav · Hebrew Noun
Gold is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of value, glory, and often, the potential for idolatry when misused by human hands. It represents that which is highly prized but can become a snare if it supplants God.
calfעֵגֶל
egel · Hebrew Noun
A cultic image, usually cast in metal, representing a deity. In the context of Israel, it is a direct violation of the second commandment, signifying the attempt to domesticate the divine into a manageable, visible form.
altarמִזְבֵּחַ
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure constructed for the purpose of offering sacrifices or incense to a deity. In biblical worship, it is the designated place for atonement and communion with God, but when misused, it becomes a center for pagan worship.
proclamationקֹרָא
qara · Hebrew Noun
A formal declaration or public announcement. In a religious context, it often refers to the summoning of people for a specific purpose, such as a festival or an act of worship.
feastחַג
chag · Hebrew Noun
A time of religious celebration or solemn assembly mandated to commemorate God’s acts or to offer worship. It is a set-apart time for communal devotion to the Divine.
LORDיְהוָה
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (Yahweh), the personal, self-revealing name of the Creator who entered into a relationship with His people. It signifies His holiness, faithfulness, and eternal nature.
burnt offeringsעֹלָה
ʿōlâ · Hebrew Noun
Animal sacrifices consumed entirely by fire, symbolizing total dedication, surrender, and atonement for sin before God.
peace offeringsשֶׁלֶם
šelem · Hebrew Noun
Sacrifices offered to God to maintain or restore fellowship and communion between God and His people, often involving a communal meal.
LORDיהוה
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, revealed to Moses, representing His covenant-keeping faithfulness, holiness, and eternal existence.
corruptedשָׁחַת
šāḥat · Hebrew Verb
To act ruinously, decay, or degenerate morally and spiritually, often used in Scripture to describe apostasy or idolatry.
turned asideסוּר
sûr · Hebrew Verb
A metaphor for abandoning God's prescribed moral or religious path, choosing instead a path of disobedience and rebellion.
golden calfעֵגֶל מַסֵּכָה
ʿēgel massēkâ · Hebrew Noun phrase
An image crafted of precious metal used as an idol; in this context, it represents the sinful desire to create a visible, manageable representation of God that violates the divine command against idolatry.
stiff-neckedקְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף
qəšēh-ʿōrep · Hebrew Adjective phrase
A figure of speech depicting stubbornness, pride, and resistance to divine instruction, modeled after an ox that refuses to submit to the yoke of its master.
wrathאַף
ʾap · Hebrew Noun
The holy, righteous indignation of God against sin, rebellion, and injustice; it is not uncontrolled temper but a settled, just reaction against evil.
consumeכָּלָה
kālāh · Hebrew Verb
To destroy or bring to an end; in divine context, it refers to God's judgment that removes the wicked or disobedient from existence or from being a people.