Exodus 31:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Complete Jewish Bible:

"I have singled out B'tzal'el the son of Uri the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible:

“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

American Standard Version:

See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

See{H7200}, I have called{H7121} by name{H8034} Bezaleel{H1212} the son{H1121} of Uri{H221}, the son{H1121} of Hur{H2354}, of the tribe{H4294} of Judah{H3063}:

Cross-References (KJV):

Exodus 36:1

  • ¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Exodus 35:30

  • ¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

John 3:27

  • John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Isaiah 45:3

  • And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.

Isaiah 45:4

  • For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Exodus 33:12

  • ¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

1 Chronicles 2:19

  • And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

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Commentary for Exodus 31:2



Exodus 31:2 is a verse that falls within the broader context of the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites. The verse specifically introduces Bezaleel, a key figure in the narrative, as God's chosen artisan for the task.

Bezaleel is described as being "called by name" by God, indicating a personal selection and divine appointment for a special purpose. His lineage is meticulously noted, identifying him as the son of Uri and the grandson of Hur, and as a member of the tribe of Judah. This is significant because it not only establishes his heritage but also connects him to prominent figures within the tribe, suggesting a lineage of faith and leadership. The tribe of Judah, from which King David and later Jesus Christ would descend, is often associated with rulership and divine destiny within biblical narrative.

In the historical context, the Israelites were in the wilderness after being delivered from slavery in Egypt. God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including the anointing of Bezaleel, were part of establishing a structured worship and religious life for the nation. Bezaleel's role was to oversee the crafting of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, a task that required both artistic skill and spiritual insight. The mention of Bezaleel by name emphasizes the importance of individual calling and the value of craftsmanship in the service of God, as well as God's involvement in every aspect of the community's life, including the arts and craftsmanship.

The themes of Exodus 31:2 include divine calling, the importance of lineage and heritage, the role of skilled labor in religious service, and the establishment of worship practices. The verse underscores God's interest in the details of life and work, and His equipping of individuals with specific talents to fulfill His purposes. Bezaleel's story is a testament to the belief that every person has a unique role in the unfolding of God's plan, and that when God calls someone by name, He also empowers them for the task at hand.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7200
    There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רָאָה
    Transliteration: râʼâh
    Pronunciation: raw-aw'
    Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
  2. Strong's Number: H7121
    There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָרָא
    Transliteration: qârâʼ
    Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
    Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
  3. Strong's Number: H8034
    There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֵׁם
    Transliteration: shêm
    Pronunciation: shame
    Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
  4. Strong's Number: H1212
    There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בְּצַלְאֵל
    Transliteration: Bᵉtsalʼêl
    Pronunciation: bets-al-ale'
    Description: probably from צֵל and אֵל with a prepositional prefix; in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God; Betsalel, the name of two Israelites; Bezaleel.
  5. Strong's Number: H1121
    There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בֵּן
    Transliteration: bên
    Pronunciation: bane
    Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
  6. Strong's Number: H221
    There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אוּרִי
    Transliteration: ʼÛwrîy
    Pronunciation: oo-ree'
    Description: from אוּר; fiery; Uri, the name of three Israelites; Uri.
  7. Strong's Number: H2354
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חוּר
    Transliteration: Chûwr
    Pronunciation: khoor
    Description: the same as חוּר or חוּר; Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite; Hur.
  8. Strong's Number: H4294
    There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַטֶּה
    Transliteration: maṭṭeh
    Pronunciation: mat-teh'
    Description: or (feminine) מַטָּה; from נָטָה; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe.
  9. Strong's Number: H3063
    There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהוּדָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
    Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah.