King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And in cutting of stones, to set [them], and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
Complete Jewish Bible:
cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft.
Berean Standard Bible:
to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.
American Standard Version:
and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And in cutting{H2799} of stones{H68}, to set{H4390} them, and in carving{H2799} of timber{H6086}, to work{H6213} in all manner of workmanship{H4399}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Exodus 28:9
- And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel:
Exodus 28:21
- And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, [like] the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 31:5
1. Themes:
- Divine Skill and Craftsmanship: Exodus 31:5 emphasizes the importance of skill and craftsmanship in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites. The verse highlights the specialized abilities given by God to Bezalel, who is filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to execute artistic works in stone and wood.
- Calling and Purpose: The verse reflects the theme of being chosen and equipped by God for a specific purpose. Bezalel is singled out for his role in the Tabernacle's creation, illustrating how individuals can be endowed with unique talents to serve God and the community.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The infilling of the Spirit of God upon Bezalel underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering individuals for service, particularly in the context of building up the spiritual life of the community.
2. Historical Context:
- The Exodus Era: Exodus 31:5 is set during the time of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, after God had delivered them from slavery under the leadership of Moses. The verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, which would serve as the center of worship for the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.
- The Tabernacle's Construction: The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, including the selection of skilled artisans, reflect the importance of worship and the presence of God in the midst of the Israelite community. The Tabernacle was to be built according to divine specifications, with precise attention to craftsmanship, symbolizing the holiness and transcendence of God.
- Bezalel and Oholiab: Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, of the tribe of Dan, were chosen by God to oversee the Tabernacle's construction. They were given wisdom and ability to teach and lead others in the various crafts necessary for the project, indicating the communal effort involved in this sacred task.
In summary, Exodus 31:5 underscores the themes of divine empowerment for skilled work, the importance of the Holy Spirit in gifting individuals for specific roles, and the communal effort in building a sacred space for worship. It is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' journey from slavery to the Promised Land, with the Tabernacle serving as a tangible sign of God's presence among them.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2799
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֲרֹשֶׁת
Transliteration: chărôsheth
Pronunciation: khar-o'-sheth
Description: from חָרַשׁ; mechanical work; carving, cutting. - Strong's Number: H68
There are 1276 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶבֶן
Transliteration: ʼeben
Pronunciation: eh'-ben
Description: from the root of בָּנָה through the meaning to build; a stone; [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). - Strong's Number: H4390
There are 240 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָלֵא
Transliteration: mâlêʼ
Pronunciation: maw-lay'
Description: or מָלָא; (Esther 7:5), a primitive root; to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively); accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. - Strong's Number: H6086
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵץ
Transliteration: ʻêts
Pronunciation: ates
Description: from עָצָה; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks); [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. - Strong's Number: H6213
There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשָׂה
Transliteration: ʻâsâh
Pronunciation: aw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. - Strong's Number: H4399
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְלָאכָה
Transliteration: mᵉlâʼkâh
Pronunciation: mel-aw-kaw'
Description: from the same as מֲלְאָךְ; properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor); business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship).