golden calf

[ gohl-duhn kaf, kahf ]

noun

1. Bible.
   1. a golden idol set up by Aaron and worshiped by the ancient Israelites.
   2. either of the two similar idols set up by Jeroboam.
2. money or material goods as an object of worship or pursuit.

golden calf

noun

1. Old Testament
   1. an idol made by Aaron and set up for the Israelites to worship (Exodus 32)
   2. either of two similar idols set up by Jeroboam I at Dan and Bethel in the northern kingdom (I Kings 12:28–30)
2. informal.
   the pursuit or idolization of material wealth

golden calf

1. An idol that the Israelites made during the Exodus . While God was giving Moses the Ten Commandments and other provisions of the Mosaic law on Mount Sinai , the people whom Moses was leading to the Promised Land melted down their gold jewelry and ornaments and built a golden calf, which they began to worship. Moses came down from the mountain carrying two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written; when he saw the calf, he smashed the tablets and made the people destroy the idol.

Notes

By extension, a “golden calf” is any false god or anything worshiped undeservedly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of golden calf¹

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

As I came to painfully realize: Trump the golden calf is no messiah or savior.

From Salon

I don’t want to see them sacrifice themselves at the altar of the Trump golden calf.

From Salon

When their leader Moses ascended Mount Sinai to obtain ten holy commandments from God, the impatient Jews crafted a golden calf as an idol and began worshipping it.

From Salon

The focus on the fate of the golden calf is understandable.

From Los Angeles Times

This fuels and reinforces the extreme behaviors and bolsters allegiance to false gods, golden calves, and their message.

From Salon