Exodus 32:25
ESV
And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies),
NIV
Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.
NASB
Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to the point of being an object of ridicule among their enemies—
CSB
Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, making them a laughingstock to their enemies.
NLT
Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies.
KJV
And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)
NKJV
Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),
What does Exodus 32:25 mean?
Moses is responding to Israel's recent descent into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). The word translated as "broken loose" is also rendered as "running wild" or "out of control." The KJV awkwardly translates this as "naked." This choice is one reason some commentators believe Israel was participating in sexual sin as well. The main point is that Israel violated the rules given them by God (Exodus 20:3–6). They ignored their proper boundaries (Proverbs 15:32; 29:18).This disobedience made Israel an object of mockery. It was disgraceful for the people to so quickly disobey commands from the Lord who freed them from slavery (Exodus 20:1–2). Israel recently celebrated to think that evil nations would be terrified to hear about the miracle at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:14–16). Yet now they embarrass themselves and their faith. Moses' actions in this passage send a brutally clear message, both to Israel and other nations (Exodus 32:26–28).