The Hebrew word used here is Parua(, which means "wild". The NRSV, "When
Moses saw that the people were running wild (for Aaron had let them run wild,
to the derision of their enemies)", is fairly close. The RSV's "shame" is
based on the KJV's "naked", which I assume is based on the Latin, but I don't
have the text with me right now. In any case, it's an interpretation, not a
literal translation.
Yigal
-----Original Message-----
From: "Walter R. Mattfeld" <mattfeld12 AT charter.net>
To: <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Date: Wed, 14 May 2003 09:28:09 -0400
Subject: [b-hebrew] Exodus 32:25 "breaking loose" ?
Can someone explain what is meant in Hebrew of the English rendering
"breaking loose to their own shame" ?
Exodus 32:25 RSV
"And when Moses saw that the people had BROKEN LOOSE (for Aaron had let them
BREAK LOOSE TO THEIR SHAME among their enemies), then Moses stood in the
gate of the camp and said "Who is on the Lord's side ?"
Whatever BREAKING LOOSE means it was evidently "SHAMEFUL" and worthy of
being put to death by the sword by the sons of Levi to the tune of 3000 men
(Ex 32:27-28).
Thanks, Walter
Walter Reinhold Warttig Mattfeld, M.A. Ed.
mattfeld12 AT charter.net