Exodus 31:6

KJV

And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

And I, behold, I have given {H5414} with him Aholiab {H171}, the son {H1121} of Ahisamach {H294}, of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}: and in the hearts {H3820} of all that are wise {H2450} hearted {H3820} I have put {H5414} wisdom {H2451}, that they may make {H6213} all that I have commanded {H6680} thee;

Complete Jewish Bible

"I have also appointed as his assistant Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan. Moreover, I have endowed all the craftsmen with the wisdom to make everything I have ordered you -

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:

American Standard Version

And I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:6 details God's divine appointment of Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, as a co-laborer with Bezalel in the monumental task of constructing the Tabernacle. This verse underscores God's meticulous provision for His sacred dwelling, not only by designating specific individuals but also by supernaturally endowing them and other skilled artisans with profound wisdom and practical ability, ensuring the precise execution of His detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's design and furnishings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 31:1-11 marks a crucial transition in the Tabernacle instructions, shifting from the detailed architectural and ceremonial blueprints given to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-30 - Tabernacle Instructions") to the divine provision of the human resources necessary to execute these plans. God first specifically names Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, as the chief architect and craftsman, filling him with the Spirit of God, "in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" ([Exodus 31:2-5](/exodus/31-2-5 "Exodus 31:2-5 - Bezalel's Divine Appointment and Equipping")). Verse 6 then introduces Aholiab as Bezalel's divinely appointed assistant, emphasizing the collaborative and complementary nature of this sacred endeavor. The subsequent verses ([Exodus 31:7-11](/exodus/31-7-11 "Exodus 31:7-11 - Specific Tabernacle Items to Be Made")) list the specific items of the Tabernacle and its furnishings that these gifted individuals are commissioned to create, reinforcing the meticulous detail of God's command and the comprehensive scope of their divinely empowered task. This section highlights that God not only provides the blueprint for His dwelling but also supernaturally equips the skilled laborers and imparts the necessary wisdom to bring it to fruition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering, a period of profound formation for the nascent nation following their liberation from Egypt. Without a fixed dwelling, the Tabernacle served as God's portable sanctuary, symbolizing His immediate presence in their midst and providing a central place for worship, atonement, and divine communication. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, skilled craftsmanship—especially in metalwork, weaving, carving, and gem-setting—was highly valued and often associated with divine inspiration, as such intricate and beautiful work was seen as beyond mere human capability. The fact that God explicitly states He "put wisdom" into the hearts of these artisans ([Exodus 31:6](/exodus/31-6 "Exodus 31:6 - Aholiab and the Wise-Hearted")) elevates their craft from a secular trade to a sacred calling, directly empowered by the Divine. Furthermore, the selection of individuals from diverse tribes, such as Judah (Bezalel) and Dan (Aholiab), underscores the unity of the twelve tribes in a common, God-ordained purpose, transcending tribal distinctions for the sake of corporate worship and the establishment of God's presence among His people. This divine equipping ensured that the Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God, would be built to His exact specifications, reflecting His glory and holiness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Equipping**. God does not give commands without also providing the means and the ability to fulfill them, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Holistic Worship and Service**, illustrating that all legitimate skills and talents, even those seemingly mundane like craftsmanship, can be consecrated and empowered by God for sacred purposes. This challenges any artificial divide between "sacred" and "secular" work. Thirdly, the inclusion of individuals from various tribes reinforces the theme of **Community and Unity in Purpose**, showing that the entire nation is called to participate in the establishment of God's presence, with diverse gifts contributing to a singular, divine objective. Finally, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God's Choice**, as He selects and empowers individuals like Aholiab, even from less prominent tribes, demonstrating that His calling is not limited by human status or societal expectations, a theme echoed in the selection of Moses himself in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Calling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aholiab (Hebrew, _’Ohŏlîyʼâb'_):** From the Hebrew words for "tent" (אָהֶל, _’ohel_) and "father" (אָב, _’ab_), meaning "tent of (his) father." This name is profoundly symbolic for an individual appointed to construct God's dwelling place, the Tabernacle. It suggests an intimate connection to the divine presence and purpose, almost as if his very identity is tied to the sacred structure he is called to create. His inclusion, from the tribe of Dan (one of the smaller tribes), highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping individuals regardless of their tribal prominence or perceived status.
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** and **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** The phrase "wise hearted" (חֲכַם־לֵב, _ḥakham-lev_) is a crucial compound term. _Châkâm_ (H2450) means "wise," denoting skill, discernment, and practical aptitude, often implying a deep understanding of how to apply knowledge. _Lêb_ (H3820) refers to the "heart," which in Hebrew anthropology is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral character—the entire inner person. Thus, "wise hearted" signifies not just intellectual knowledge or theoretical understanding but a deep, intuitive, and practical skill that originates from the innermost being, a comprehensive understanding and ability for craftsmanship and artistry. It implies an innate aptitude and a divinely imparted capacity for the specific tasks of the Tabernacle.
* **Put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** and **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** The verb _nâthan_ (H5414) means "to give" or "to put," emphasizing a direct, active impartation from God. This is not a passive reception but an intentional act of divine gifting. _Chokmâh_ (H2451) is "wisdom," but in this context, it specifically refers to practical skill, technical expertise, and artistic insight necessary for the intricate work of the Tabernacle. This is not merely human ingenuity or learned skill but a supernatural enabling, demonstrating that God Himself is the ultimate source of all true skill and ability required for His service, particularly for sacred tasks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan:"** This clause immediately follows the divine commissioning of Bezalel, emphasizing God's direct and sovereign action ("I, behold, I have given"). The phrase "with him" underscores Aholiab's role as a divinely appointed co-laborer, not merely a subordinate, but a complementary partner to Bezalel. Aholiab's tribal affiliation, Dan, is significant, showing that God's chosen instruments are not confined to the traditionally prominent tribes (like Judah or Levi) but can come from any part of His people, demonstrating His inclusive and sovereign choice in equipping His servants.
* **"and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom,"** This pivotal phrase expands the scope of divine empowerment beyond just Bezalel and Aholiab. It reveals God's intention to equip a broader community of skilled individuals. The "wise hearted" are those whose inner being is predisposed and gifted for craftsmanship and artistry, possessing an innate aptitude for such work. The declaration "I have put wisdom" reiterates God's active role as the ultimate source of all skill and insight, ensuring that the work is not merely human effort but divinely inspired and enabled.
* **"that they may make all that I have commanded thee;"** This final clause clarifies the precise purpose of this divine impartation of wisdom. The ultimate goal is the precise and faithful execution of God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as previously commanded to Moses. This emphasizes the divine origin and sacred nature of the work, ensuring that every element of the Tabernacle would perfectly reflect God's design and purpose, serving as a tangible representation of His holiness and presence among His people. The divine empowering is always for the purpose of fulfilling divine commands.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Divine Commissioning** is prominently featured in God's direct and emphatic declaration, "And I, behold, I have given," highlighting His active, sovereign role in selecting and empowering individuals for sacred service. The **Repetition** of the verb "given" (implied in "put wisdom") underscores the divine source of all skill and the intentionality of God's provision. The phrase "wise hearted" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the "heart" represents the entire inner person—encompassing intellect, will, and skill—thereby emphasizing a holistic, divinely infused capability rather than mere technical proficiency. Furthermore, the explicit naming of Aholiab and his tribe, following Bezalel's earlier mention, uses **Specific Nomination** to validate their roles and emphasize the meticulousness of God's planning for His dwelling place, demonstrating that no detail, including human resources, is overlooked in His divine economy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:6 profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty and meticulous provision for His kingdom work. It reveals that God not only issues commands but also supernaturally equips His people with the necessary gifts, talents, and wisdom to fulfill those commands. The divine impartation of "wisdom" for craftsmanship elevates skilled labor to a sacred calling, demonstrating that all legitimate abilities, whether artistic, intellectual, or practical, originate from God and are intended for His glory. This principle extends beyond the Tabernacle builders, establishing a foundational truth that God empowers His people for every task He calls them to, fostering both individual gifting and collaborative effort within the community of faith. It teaches us that true competence for God's service is a divine endowment, not merely a human achievement, ensuring that His work is accomplished according to His perfect will and by His divine enablement.

* [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - The Gifts of the Spirit for the Common Good")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 31:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that our abilities, passions, and even our innate aptitudes are not accidental but are divinely bestowed gifts intended for God's purposes. This verse challenges us to move beyond a secular-sacred divide, recognizing that every sphere of life, including our vocations, hobbies, and daily tasks, can be avenues for God's glory when empowered by His Spirit. It encourages us to identify and cultivate our unique "wise-hearted" gifts, whether they involve artistic creation, practical problem-solving, teaching, leading, serving, or any other skill, understanding that each contribution is vital to the flourishing of God's kingdom. Furthermore, it fosters a spirit of humility, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all skill and wisdom, and promotes collaboration within the body of Christ, celebrating the diverse ways God equips His people to build up His church and advance His mission in the world. Our excellence in any field, when offered back to God, becomes an act of worship and a testament to His empowering grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wise-hearted" gifts or skills do I possess that God might have "put" in me for His purposes, and how am I currently using them for His glory?**
* **How can I more intentionally acknowledge God as the source of my abilities in my daily life and work, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude?**
* **In what ways can I better collaborate with others in my community of faith, recognizing and valuing their diverse God-given gifts, to accomplish shared divine purposes?**
* **Am I striving for excellence in my endeavors, viewing my work as an act of worship and a faithful response to God's command to "make all that [He has] commanded"?**

### FAQ
**Who was Aholiab, and why is his inclusion significant?**

Answer: Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, was divinely appointed by God as Bezalel's primary assistant and co-laborer in the intricate and sacred task of constructing the Tabernacle. His inclusion is highly significant for several reasons. First, it highlights God's meticulous planning and comprehensive provision, ensuring that the monumental task of building His dwelling place would be accomplished with excellence and precision. Second, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration and complementary gifts within God's work, as Aholiab's specific skills (likely in weaving, embroidery, and other fine crafts, complementing Bezalel's broader architectural and metalwork expertise) were essential for the project's completion. Third, his origin from the tribe of Dan, one of the smaller and less prominent tribes, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign choice and His ability to raise up gifted individuals from any background, underscoring that divine calling and empowerment are not limited by human status, tribal hierarchy, or perceived prominence. He was specifically endowed with "wisdom" by God, just like Bezalel, to ensure the faithful execution of God's commands for the Tabernacle (see [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel filled with the Spirit")).

**What does "wise hearted" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "wise hearted" (Hebrew: *ḥakham-lev*) refers to individuals who possess a deep, intuitive, and practical skill, particularly in craftsmanship and artistry. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "heart" (*lev*) is not merely the organ of emotion but the seat of intellect, will, and moral character, representing the entire inner person. Therefore, "wise hearted" signifies more than just intellectual knowledge or natural talent; it denotes an innate aptitude combined with a divinely imparted capacity for intricate work, artistic design, and discerning execution. God explicitly states, "I have put wisdom" in their hearts ([Exodus 31:6](/exodus/31-6 "Exodus 31:6 - God Puts Wisdom in the Wise-Hearted")), indicating that this skill is not merely acquired through human training but is a supernatural endowment from Him, specifically for the sacred task of building the Tabernacle according to His precise instructions. This concept foreshadows the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts, where God equips believers with diverse abilities for the building up of His church and the advancement of His kingdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:6, with its emphasis on God supernaturally equipping individuals with wisdom and skill for the construction of His earthly dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, meticulously designed and crafted by divinely empowered artisans, served as a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a tangible symbol of His presence that foreshadowed a greater reality. In Christ, God's ultimate dwelling place is manifested not in a structure of wood and fabric, but in a person—the [Word made flesh, who tabernacled among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), fully embodying God's presence and glory. Just as God "put wisdom" into the hearts of Bezalel and Aholiab to build the physical sanctuary, so too was Christ, the [wisdom of God incarnate](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), perfectly equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to build the spiritual temple, His Church (see [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). He is the true architect and builder, who not only provides the blueprint for salvation but also empowers His disciples with spiritual gifts and wisdom through the Holy Spirit to continue His redemptive work, building up the body of Christ and making disciples of all nations, thereby extending God's presence throughout the world (see [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The divine equipping of artisans for the Tabernacle points forward to the divine equipping of believers for the building of God's eternal kingdom, all centered on Christ, the cornerstone.

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 28:3

And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 35:34

And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, [both] he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

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 35:10

And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

James 1:16

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.