Exodus 31:4

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

To devise {H2803} cunning works {H4284}, to work {H6213} in gold {H2091}, and in silver {H3701}, and in brass {H5178},

He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze,

to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze,

to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Commentary

Exodus 31:4 (KJV) is part of God's detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, specifically highlighting the divine endowment of skills to Bezalel, son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah.

Context of Exodus 31:4

This verse immediately follows God's declaration in Exodus 31:2 that He has called Bezalel by name, and in Exodus 31:3 that He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. Verse 4 then specifies the nature of this divinely inspired skill: the ability "To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass." These instructions are crucial for building the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, fulfilling the command given in Exodus 25:8.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment for Sacred Service: The verse emphasizes that the intricate and precious work of the Tabernacle was not merely human effort but directly enabled by God. He provides the specific abilities needed for His purposes, demonstrating that all true skill originates from Him.
  • Excellence in Worship: The use of valuable materials like gold, silver, and brass, combined with "cunning works" (intricate designs), underscores the call for the highest quality and beauty in objects dedicated to God's glory. This teaches that our service to God should be marked by excellence, reflecting His perfection.
  • God's Attention to Detail: The specificity of the materials and the nature of the craftsmanship highlight God's meticulous nature. He cares about every detail of what is done for Him, providing the precise skills necessary for each component of the Tabernacle construction.
  • Sanctified Craftsmanship: This verse elevates artistic and technical skills. It shows that abilities often considered secular can be consecrated and used directly for divine purposes, turning skilled labor into an act of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to devise cunning works" translates the Hebrew choshev machashavot (ื—ึนืฉึตืื‘ ืžึทื—ึฒืฉึธืื‘ึนืช). This isn't just about manual dexterity but implies deep thought, intricate design, and inventive planning. It speaks of an artistic mind capable of conceiving and executing complex, beautiful patterns and structures. The metals mentionedโ€”gold, silver, and brass (often understood as bronze)โ€”were the primary precious and working metals of the ancient world, signifying both value and durability, fitting for the sacred implements and structures of the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

Exodus 31:4 reminds us that God is the source of all talent and skill. Whether one is a designer, an artist, an engineer, or works with their hands, every ability can be dedicated to Him. This passage encourages believers to use their unique gifts and talents, no matter how specialized, for God's glory and the building up of His kingdom. Just as Bezalel was divinely enabled for the Tabernacle, so too are believers equipped by God for their calling, as seen in the New Testament concept of spiritual gifts for the body of Christ. Our work, when done with excellence and a heart for God, becomes an act of worship, reflecting His creative nature and bringing glory to His name.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 26:1

    ยถ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

  • Exodus 28:15

    ยถ And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; [of] gold, [of] blue, and [of] purple, and [of] scarlet, and [of] fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:13

    And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

  • 2 Chronicles 2:14

    The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

  • 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:7

    Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.

  • Exodus 25:32

    And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
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