Exodus 32:31-33
What is written? (ESV)
So Moses returned to the Lord and said, Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written. But the Lord said to Moses, Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.
What does it say?
So Moses came back to God confessing that the people had sinned gravely by making golden idols. He asked if God would forgive them, and that if He would not, to also remove him from His book. But God said He would blot out of His book whoever had sinned against Him.
What is its immediate context?
Moses has descended from the mountain, seen the golden calf and broken the tablets of the law (Ten Commandments). He now returns to the Lord to intercede for the people (vss 15-32). God promises that there will be a consequence for their sin (vs 34) in the form of a plague (vs 35).
How Exodus 32:31-33 is applied across Bible answers
Is the doctrine of original sin taught in the Bible?
When Moses suggests that he share the blame for the people's sin, God answers that the guilt of an individual's sin is borne by the individual alone. God makes this declarative statement as an eternal truth, even referencing "my book" (e.g. "book of life"). (Revelation 20:12).
What is the result of sin?
Sin results in being blotted out of God's book (e.g. "book of life" from Revelation 20:12).
