Exodus 32:22
ESV
And Aaron said, "Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
NIV
"Do not be angry, my lord," Aaron answered. "You know how prone these people are to evil.
NASB
And Aaron said, 'Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil.
CSB
"Don’t be enraged, my lord," Aaron replied. "You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
NLT
Don’t get so upset, my lord,' Aaron replied. 'You yourself know how evil these people are.
KJV
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
NKJV
So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.
What does Exodus 32:22 mean?
Aaron is trying to escape blame for his role in Israel's recent idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses dramatically asked if Aaron had been seeking revenge on Israel, since what he did led them into terrible sin (Exodus 32:21). There have already been consequences (Exodus 32:19–20). Further measures will follow (Exodus 32:27–29).The point here seems to be a reminder of how aggressive the Israelites had been when unhappy (Exodus 14:11; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2–4; Numbers 20:2–3). Aaron is appealing to what Moses knows about the people's stubbornness and exhausting disobedience. There is truth in this statement—but not a valid excuse. Moses had left for Sinai (Exodus 24:12), leaving Aaron in a position of leadership (Exodus 24:14). Aaron knew well that idolatry was a sin (Exodus 20:3–6). He should have refused to cooperate.
Instead, he will try to claim that he has only done as the people demanded (Exodus 32:23). Centuries later, King Saul would make a similar mistake and attempt a similar explanation (1 Samuel 15:24). Adding to this, Aaron will lie about the origins of the calf. While he admits to being involved, he downplays his role to make it seem as if he was only a tiny part of the incident (Exodus 32:24). He is lucky to escape dire consequences of his own (Deuteronomy 9:20).
