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 unveils God's sovereign act of divinely empowering Bezaleel, the chosen chief craftsman for the Tabernacle's construction. This verse underscores that Bezaleel's exceptional capabilities were not merely inherent talents but a direct, comprehensive infilling by the Spirit of God, bestowing upon him profound wisdom, discerning understanding, and practical knowledge. These spiritual endowments were specifically purposed for every intricate and sacred aspect of craftsmanship required for God's dwelling place among His people, powerfully illustrating that God supernaturally equips those He calls for His redemptive purposes, extending divine inspiration even to practical and artistic endeavors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within God's meticulously detailed instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, a narrative arc spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Appointment of Bezaleel and Oholiab"). Immediately preceding this verse, [Exodus 31:2](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - God Names Bezaleel") explicitly names Bezaleel, son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, as the individual God has "called by name" for this monumental undertaking. This divine nomination, followed by the profound explanation of his supernatural endowment in verse 3, highlights the intentionality and miraculous nature of God's provision for His sacred work. The subsequent verses, such as [Exodus 31:4-6](/exodus/31-4-6 "Exodus 31:4-6 - Specific Skills and Assistants"), further detail the specific skills Bezaleel and his assistant Oholiab possess, reinforcing the concept that these are divinely bestowed capacities essential for the precise and excellent execution of the Tabernacle's intricate design.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, skilled craftsmanship was highly esteemed, with expertise typically acquired through apprenticeships within family lineages or professional 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 proficiency. The concept of the "Spirit of God" (Hebrew: *ruach Elohim*) empowering individuals for specific tasks was not entirely unprecedented, as evidenced by the Spirit's creative power hovering over the primordial waters in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God in Creation"). Nevertheless, 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 beyond prophetic utterance or leadership to encompass the meticulous, beautiful, and precise execution of physical tasks for His glory. This divine empowerment ensured that the Tabernacle, the tangible manifestation of God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness, would be constructed with supernatural excellence and according to His exact specifications.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 31:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Initiative and Provision**, showcasing God's active role in equipping His people for the tasks He assigns. He doesn't merely give commands but provides the means and ability to fulfill them, especially for the central act of worship and communion represented by the Tabernacle. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Sacredness of Skill and Craftsmanship**. It elevates artistic and manual labor, demonstrating that such endeavors, when consecrated to God, are not secondary but can be channels of divine inspiration and expressions of worship. This challenges any false dichotomy between "spiritual" and "secular" work, affirming that all gifts, when empowered by God's Spirit, contribute to His kingdom. Finally, it foreshadows the broader biblical theme of **Empowerment by the Spirit**, a concept that recurs throughout the Old Testament with judges and prophets, and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all believers, as seen in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"), enabling them for diverse ministries within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This verb (H4390) signifies a complete and pervasive endowment, indicating that Bezaleel's abilities were not merely touched or enhanced, but thoroughly saturated by the divine. It implies a comprehensive infilling, where God's presence and power permeated every aspect of his being related to the task, ensuring a profound and supernatural capacity for the work.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** The term (H7307) here refers to the active, life-giving, and enabling essence of God. It denotes a divine breath, wind, or power that is distinct from human capabilities. In this context, it signifies 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, _chokmâh'_):** More than mere intellectual knowledge, *chokmâh* (H2451) 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, enabling Bezaleel to translate divine blueprints into tangible reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have filled him with the spirit of God":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of Bezaleel's extraordinary 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 powerful 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 minute details of His redemptive plan, ensuring that His will is carried out with divine precision and excellence. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** or **Triadic 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 for the task. Furthermore, the phrase "all manner of workmanship" functions as **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 unparalleled 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 profound 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/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ")

### 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. It cultivates a profound sense of purpose and dignity in every task, no matter how seemingly mundane, when performed under the anointing of God's Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine empowerment of Bezaleel challenge my understanding of "spiritual gifts" and their application in daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or work do I need to ask God for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, trusting in His Spirit to fill and enable 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, rather than mere personal pursuits?**

### 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/1-13-14 "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/12-4-11 "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, reflecting God's own creative nature.

### 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 and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself was a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a profound 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/1-16-17 "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 and founded on the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, who empowered Bezaleel for sacred service, is the very 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 35:31

And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1 Kings 7:14

He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

Isaiah 28:26

For his God doth instruct him to discretion, [and] doth teach him.

Isaiah 28:6

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?