TRV
Translation
King James Version
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)
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:
World English Bible Messianic
Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And behold, I haue ioyned with him Aholiab the sonne of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted, haue I put wisdome to make all that I haue commanded thee:
Young's Literal Translation
`And I, lo, I have given with him Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, and in the heart of every wise-hearted one I have given wisdom, and they have made all that which I have commanded thee.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 2,427 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 31 verses 1–11
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6 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;
7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,
8 And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,
9 And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,
10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
11 And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
A great deal of fine work God had ordered to be done about the tabernacle; the materials the people were to provide, but who must put them into form? Moses himself was learned in all the learning of the Egyptians, nay, he was well acquainted with the words of God, and the visions of the Almighty; but he knew not how to engrave or embroider. We may suppose that there were some very ingenious men among the Israelites; but, having lived all their days in bondage in Egypt, we cannot think they were any of them instructed in these curious arts. They knew how to make brick and work in clay, but to work in gold and in cutting diamonds was what they had never been brought up to. How should the work be done with the neatness and exactness that were required when they had no goldsmiths or jewellers but what must be made out of masons and bricklayers? We may suppose that there were a sufficient number who would gladly be employed, and would do their best; but it would be hard to find out a proper person to preside in this work. Who was sufficient for these things? But God takes care of this matter also.
I. He nominates the persons that were to be employed, that there might be no contest about the preferment, nor envy at those that were preferred, God himself having made the choice. 1. Bezaleel was to be the architect, or master workman, Exo 31:2. He was of the tribe of Judah, a tribe that God delighted to honour; the grandson of Hur, probably that Hur who had helped to hold up Moses's hands (ch. 17), and was at this time in commission with Aaron for the government of the people in the absence of Moses (Exo 24:14); out of that family which was of note in Israel was the workman chosen, and it added no little honour to the family that a branch of it was employed, though but as a mechanic, or handicraft tradesman, for the service of the tabernacle. The Jews' tradition is that Hur was the husband of Miriam; and, if so, it was requisite that God should appoint him to this service, lest, if Moses himself had done it, he should be thought partial to his own kindred, his brother Aaron also being advanced to the priesthood. God will put honour upon Moses's relations, and yet will make it to appear that he takes not the honour to himself or his own family, but that it is purely the Lord's doing. 2. Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan, is appointed next to Bezaleel, and partner with him, Exo 31:6. Two are better than one. Christ sent forth his disciples who were to rear the gospel tabernacle, two and two, and we read of his two witnesses. Aholiab was of the tribe of Dan, which was one of the less honourable tribes, that the tribes of Judah and Levi might not be lifted up, as if they were to engross all the preferments; to prevent a schism in the body, God gives honour to that part which lacked, Co1 12:24. The head cannot say to the foot, I have no need of thee. Hiram, who was the head workman in the building of Solomon's temple, was also of the tribe of Dan, Ch2 2:14. 3. There were others that were employed by and under these in the several operations about the tabernacle, Exo 31:6. Note, When God has work to do he will never want instruments to do it with, for all hearts and heads too are under his eye, and in his hand; and those may cheerfully go about any service for God, and go on in it, who have reason to think that, one way or other, he has called them to it; for whom he calls he will own and bear out.
II. He qualifies these persons for the service (Exo 31:3): I have filled him with the Spirit of God; and (Exo 31:6) in the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom. Note, 1. Skill in common arts and employments is the gift of God; from him are derived both the faculty and the improvement of the faculty. It is he that puts even this wisdom into the inward parts, Job 38:36. He teaches the husbandman discretion (Isa 28:26), and the tradesman too; and he must have the praise of it. 2. God dispenses his gifts variously, one gift to one, another to another, and all for the good of the whole body, both of mankind and of the church. Moses was fittest of all to govern Israel, but Bezaleel was fitter than he to build the tabernacle. The common benefit is very much supported by the variety of men's faculties and inclinations; the genius of some leads them to be serviceable one way, of others another way, and all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, Co1 12:11. This forbids pride, envy, contempt, and carnal emulation, and strengthens the bond of mutual love. 3. Those whom God calls to any service he will either find, or make, fit for it. If God give the commission, he will in some measure give the qualifications, according as the service is. The work, that was to be done here was to make the tabernacle and the utensils of it, which are here particularly reckoned up, Exo 31:7, etc. And for this the persons employed were enabled to work in gold, and silver, and brass. When Christ sent his apostles to rear the gospel tabernacle, he poured out his Spirit upon them, to enable them to speak with tongues the wonderful works of God; not to work upon metal, but to work upon men; so much more excellent were the gifts, as the tabernacle to be pitched was a greater and more perfect tabernacle, as the apostle calls it, Heb 9:11.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Exodus 31:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30 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). 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) 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) 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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).
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), 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).
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, 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, perfectly equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to build the spiritual temple, His Church (see Matthew 16:18). 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 and Acts 1:8). 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.