Exodus 31:3

KJV

And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have filled {H4390} him with the spirit {H7307} of God {H430}, in wisdom {H2451}, and in understanding {H8394}, and in knowledge {H1847}, and in all manner of workmanship {H4399},

Complete Jewish Bible

I have filled him with the Spirit of God - with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry.

Berean Standard Bible

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,

American Standard Version

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:3 reveals God's divine empowerment of Bezaleel, specifically chosen to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights that Bezaleel's extraordinary abilities were not merely innate talents but a direct infilling by the Spirit of God, endowing him with comprehensive wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, all directed towards the intricate and sacred work of craftsmanship required for God's dwelling place among His people. It underscores that God equips those He calls for His purposes, extending divine inspiration to practical and artistic endeavors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, as outlined from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Bezaleel and Oholiab Chosen"). Immediately preceding this verse, in [Exodus 31:2](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - God Names Bezaleel"), God explicitly names Bezaleel, son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, as the individual He has "called by name" for this monumental task. The naming of a specific individual, followed by the explanation of his divine endowment, emphasizes the intentionality and supernatural nature of God's provision for His sacred work. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Exodus 31:4-6](/exodus/31-4 "Exodus 31:4-6 - Specific Skills and Assistants")) further elaborate on the specific skills Bezaleel and his assistant Oholiab possess, reinforcing the idea that these are divinely bestowed capacities for the precise execution of the Tabernacle's design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, skilled craftsmanship was highly valued, often passed down through apprenticeships within families or guilds. However, the anointing described in [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezaleel Filled with the Spirit") transcends mere human training or inherited skill. The concept of the "Spirit of God" (Hebrew: *ruach Elohim*) empowering individuals for specific tasks was not entirely new, as seen in the creative power of God's Spirit hovering over the waters in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God in Creation"). However, its application here to practical, artistic, and architectural endeavors for a sacred structure is profoundly significant. It elevates the work of craftsmanship to a divinely inspired ministry, demonstrating that God's presence and power extend not only to prophetic utterance or leadership but also to the meticulous, beautiful, and precise execution of physical tasks for His glory. This divine empowerment ensured that the Tabernacle, the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness, would be constructed with supernatural excellence and according to His exact specifications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit of God (Hebrew, _ruach Elohim'_):** This powerful phrase denotes the active, life-giving, and enabling essence of God. It signifies a divine breath, wind, or power that is distinct from human capabilities. In this context, it refers to a special, supernatural anointing or infilling by God's own presence, specifically for the purpose of empowering Bezaleel for sacred service. It implies a direct, personal, and comprehensive divine enablement beyond natural talent.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmah'_):** More than mere intellectual knowledge, *chokmah* refers to practical skill, sagacity, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations. It encompasses discernment, prudence, and the capacity to make sound judgments and execute plans skillfully. Here, it specifically relates to the practical application of design principles and construction techniques for the Tabernacle.
* **All manner of workmanship (Hebrew, _b'chol m'lakhah'_):** This comprehensive phrase signifies every kind of skilled labor, craft, and artistic endeavor. It highlights the breadth and versatility of Bezaleel's divinely inspired capabilities, encompassing everything from intricate metalwork and stone setting to detailed woodworking and textile artistry, all essential for the diverse requirements of the Tabernacle's construction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have filled him with the spirit of God":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of Bezaleel's abilities. The verb "filled" (מָלֵא, *male'*) indicates a complete and pervasive endowment, not merely a superficial touch. It signifies that God Himself has supernaturally equipped Bezaleel, making his skills a direct manifestation of divine power rather than solely human effort or training. This emphasizes God's active involvement in preparing His servants for His specific purposes.
* **"in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge":** This tripartite phrase details the specific intellectual and cognitive capacities imparted by the Spirit of God. "Wisdom" (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*) refers to practical skill and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. "Understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, *tevunah*) implies discernment, comprehension, and the ability to grasp underlying principles and make intelligent judgments. "Knowledge" (דַּעַת, *da'at*) denotes acquaintance with facts, insight, and the ability to perceive and interpret information. Together, these terms describe a comprehensive intellectual endowment necessary for the complex design and execution of the Tabernacle.
* **"and in all manner of workmanship":** This concluding phrase specifies the practical outcome and application of the divinely imparted wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. "All manner of workmanship" (בְּכָל־מְלָאכָה, *b'chol m'lakhah*) encompasses every type of skilled labor, artistic creation, and craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle. This demonstrates that the Spirit's anointing is not limited to "spiritual" gifts in a narrow sense but extends to practical, artistic, and technical abilities, elevating them to sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 31:3 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Empowerment**, where God directly intervenes to equip a human agent for a specific task. This motif underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the details of His redemptive plan, ensuring that His will is carried out with divine precision. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** or **Listing** ("wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge") to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Bezaleel's intellectual and practical endowment. This repetition highlights the multifaceted nature of the Spirit's filling, demonstrating that God provides all necessary faculties. Furthermore, the phrase "all manner of workmanship" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totalizing Language**, stressing the exhaustive scope of Bezaleel's divinely inspired abilities, encompassing every conceivable craft necessary for the Tabernacle. This serves to magnify the divine source of his skills and the excellence expected in the sacred work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:3 establishes a foundational theological principle: God Himself equips individuals for the specific tasks He calls them to, extending His divine Spirit to enable both spiritual and practical excellence. This divine empowerment for sacred service is not limited to prophetic utterance or leadership but encompasses artistic, intellectual, and manual skills, demonstrating God's value for beauty, precision, and excellence in all aspects of worship and service. Bezaleel's anointing foreshadows a recurring biblical theme where God's Spirit empowers individuals for specific roles, from judges and prophets in the Old Testament to the diverse gifting of believers in the New Testament for the edification of the Church and the advancement of His kingdom.

* [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers at Pentecost")
* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good")
* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 31:3 offers profound and enduring relevance for believers today, reminding us that God is deeply invested in every aspect of our lives and work. It challenges the false dichotomy between "sacred" and "secular" work, revealing that all legitimate vocations, when consecrated to God, can be avenues for divine empowerment and expressions of worship. Whether one is an artist, engineer, teacher, parent, or tradesperson, this verse affirms that God can fill individuals with His Spirit to excel in their specific callings, not just for personal gain, but for His glory and the good of His kingdom. We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all our endeavors, recognizing that true excellence often stems from divine enabling rather than mere human effort. This perspective transforms our daily work into an act of worship, motivating us to perform with diligence, creativity, and integrity, knowing that our abilities are gifts from God, intended to honor Him and serve others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine empowerment of Bezaleel challenge my understanding of "spiritual gifts" and their application in daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life or work do I need to specifically ask God for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, trusting in His Spirit to fill me?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset that views my practical skills and creative endeavors as opportunities for worship and service to God's glory?**

### FAQ

**Does the "filling with the Spirit" for craftsmanship in Exodus 31:3 apply to all believers and their work today?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of divine empowerment for specific tasks, as seen with Bezaleel, extends to all believers today, though the nature and manifestation of the Spirit's filling may differ. While Bezaleel received a unique anointing for a monumental, singular task in redemptive history (building the Tabernacle), the New Testament teaches that all believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit upon conversion (e.g., [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). This indwelling Spirit empowers believers with diverse spiritual gifts, not just for "spiritual" ministries like prophecy or teaching, but also for practical service, administration, and creative endeavors that build up the body of Christ and advance God's kingdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")). Therefore, whether one is a craftsman, an educator, a businessperson, or a homemaker, God's Spirit can equip and enable them to perform their work with excellence, creativity, and integrity, transforming their labor into an act of worship and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:3, with its account of Bezaleel being filled with the Spirit of God for the construction of the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself was a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a shadow pointing to the true and eternal dwelling. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Tabernacle" or "Temple" of God, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the one uniquely and perfectly filled with the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Receives the Spirit Without Measure")), possessing all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge not just for craftsmanship, but for the very work of creation and redemption ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Just as Bezaleel built a physical structure for God's presence, Christ's life, death, and resurrection established the new spiritual temple—the Church—which is His body, built by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, who empowered Bezaleel, is the same Spirit whom Christ, having ascended, poured out on His Church at Pentecost ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ Pours Out the Spirit")), empowering all believers with diverse gifts to continue His work of building up the body and manifesting God's presence in the world until His glorious return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.