Exodus 35:21

KJV

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, [and] they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935}, every one {H376} whose {H834} heart {H3820} stirred him up {H5375}, and every one whom his spirit {H7307} made willing {H5068}, and they brought {H935} the LORD'S {H3068} offering {H8641} to the work {H4399} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and for all his service {H5656}, and for the holy {H6944} garments {H899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they came, everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit made him willing, and brought ADONAI's offering for the work on the tent of meeting, for the service in it and for the holy garments.

Berean Standard Bible

And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.

American Standard Version

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, andbrought Jehovah’s offering, for the work of the tent of meeting, and for all the service thereof, and for the holy garments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:21 powerfully depicts the immediate and widespread response of the Israelite community to Moses' divine mandate for constructing the Tabernacle. This verse highlights that their generous contributions were not coerced but flowed from a deeply willing heart and spirit, underscoring the profound internal motivation and spiritual devotion that propelled their participation in God's sacred work, setting a foundational precedent for all future acts of worship and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately following Moses' comprehensive reiteration of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, initially detailed from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab"). The narrative flow is crucial: after the severe breach of the covenant through the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf") and the subsequent renewal of the covenant in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Renewal of the Covenant"), the people's spontaneous and willing response in verse 21 signifies a profound spiritual restoration and renewed commitment to Yahweh. Moses had just called for freewill offerings of various precious materials and skilled labor in [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Moses' Call for Offerings"). Therefore, verse 21 marks the initial, collective, and overwhelmingly positive reaction of the Israelites, setting the stage for the immense provision that would enable the skilled artisans, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, to commence their work on this crucial spiritual project, as meticulously described in subsequent chapters like [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction Begins").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle represented a pivotal moment in Israel's nascent history as a nation, establishing a tangible and portable symbol of God's immediate presence among His nomadic people. While temples were common in the ancient Near East, Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its portability and its representation of the one true God dwelling among His chosen people, distinct from the polytheistic cults of surrounding nations. The precious materials requested—gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, dyed ram skins, and precious stones—were not indigenous to the desert environment. Much of this wealth was likely accumulated during the "spoiling of the Egyptians" as described in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoiling the Egyptians"), an act of divine provision that now enabled the Israelites to contribute generously to God's dwelling place. This act of giving was far more than a mere economic transaction; it was a profound communal act of worship, demonstrating their renewed covenant loyalty and devotion after their recent apostasy. It underscored the deeply ingrained principle that all their possessions ultimately belonged to God and were to be consecrated for His sacred purposes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle was the physical manifestation of God's desire to dwell among His people, a concept central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai. The spontaneous generosity highlights the theme of **Willing Obedience and Consecration**, demonstrating that true devotion is characterized by a joyful, uncoerced response to God's commands, contrasting sharply with the earlier rebellion at Mount Sinai. It also underscores the theme of **Communal Participation in Sacred Work**, showing how the collective efforts and unified spirit of the entire community are essential for fulfilling God's grand designs. Furthermore, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision**, as the very materials required for the Tabernacle were providentially supplied to the Israelites before they left Egypt, enabling their subsequent acts of generous giving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stirred him up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ_ H5375):** This verb literally means "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry." In this context, it conveys the idea of an inner impulse, an uplifting of the heart or spirit that impels a person to act. It suggests a strong, internal motivation that elevates one's will and directs it towards a specific purpose, moving beyond mere emotion to a profound internal movement towards decisive action.
* **made willing (Hebrew, _nâdab_ H5068):** This verb is closely associated with the concept of a "freewill offering" (Hebrew, _nedavah_). It signifies a spontaneous, uncoerced, and voluntary act of generosity. It emphasizes that the giving was not born out of obligation, pressure, or a sense of duty, but from a genuine, inner desire and readiness to contribute. This term highlights the joyful, ungrudging, and self-impelled nature of their participation.
* **offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh_ H8641):** This noun refers to a "heave offering" or "contribution," specifically designated for sacred purposes. It describes a portion lifted or set aside from one's possessions and presented to God. In this context, it denotes the material gifts – gold, silver, bronze, fabrics, and other precious items – that the Israelites brought for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, signifying their dedication and consecration of their resources to God's work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up":** This opening clause emphasizes the universal and deeply internal nature of the Israelite response. The phrase "every one" indicates widespread participation across the entire community, while "whose heart stirred him up" points to an inner, personal motivation rather than external compulsion. It suggests an active, deliberate choice driven by a profound internal impulse, an uplifting of their inner being towards a sacred purpose.
* **"and every one whom his spirit made willing":** This parallel phrase further reinforces the internal and spiritual impetus behind their actions. The "spirit" here refers to the human spirit, imbued with a readiness and eagerness to give. It reiterates the voluntary and spontaneous nature of their contributions, highlighting that their generosity was not forced but flowed from a truly willing and eager disposition, likely influenced by the divine Spirit.
* **"[and] they brought the LORD'S offering":** This describes the tangible, physical act of bringing the contributions. The phrase "the LORD'S offering" underscores that these gifts were specifically dedicated to God and His purposes, not for human gain or personal glory. It signifies a sacred act of devotion, acknowledging divine ownership and consecrating their resources to the One who provided them.
* **"to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments":** This final clause precisely specifies the sacred purpose for which the offerings were intended. They were for the physical construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell; for the ongoing service and rituals performed within it, ensuring proper worship; and specifically for the sacred vestments of the priests who would minister before the Lord. This detail highlights the comprehensive and meticulous nature of their giving, covering all essential aspects of God's dwelling and the worship conducted therein.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to underscore its central message of willing generosity. **Parallelism** is prominently featured with the dual phrasing, "every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing." This structure creates a strong emphasis through **repetition** and **synonymy**, intensifying the idea of internal, uncoerced motivation. The use of "heart" and "spirit" functions as **synecdoche** or **metonymy**, representing the entirety of a person's inner being, will, and disposition, indicating a holistic and profound commitment. The verse also employs **emphasis** by strategically foregrounding the *motivation* for giving over the mere act of giving itself. The structure places the internal promptings ("heart stirred," "spirit made willing") before the physical act ("they brought"), highlighting that God values the attitude and disposition behind the gift as much as, if not more than, the gift itself. This serves as a powerful thematic statement about the nature of true worship and service, demonstrating that genuine devotion springs from an internal wellspring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:21 establishes a foundational theological principle: God desires willing, freewill offerings from His people, not coerced or grudging contributions. This verse underscores that true generosity stems from an internal, Spirit-prompted desire to participate in God's work, rather than external pressure or obligation. It highlights the paramount importance of the heart's disposition in worship and service, demonstrating that God values the attitude of the giver as much as, if not more than, the gift itself. Furthermore, it showcases the transformative power of community participation and unity in bringing God's divine plans to fruition, as the collective willingness of "every one" enabled the construction of His dwelling place. This principle of cheerful and voluntary giving, rooted in a restored relationship with God after the golden calf incident, remains a timeless truth for believers across all dispensations, emphasizing that our service to God should always be an overflow of love and gratitude.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's Prayer and the People's Freewill Offering")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:21 offers enduring principles for believers today concerning our approach to God and His work. It serves as a potent reminder that our service, our giving, and our contributions to God's kingdom should always flow from a willing heart, rather than from external pressure, guilt, or mere obligation. The Israelites’ immediate and generous response, prompted by their "heart stirred up" and "spirit made willing," challenges us to examine the motivation behind our own acts of devotion. Whether it involves financial contributions, volunteering our time and skills, dedicating our talents, or simply offering our presence and prayers, the Lord cherishes offerings that are motivated by genuine love, devotion, and a sincere desire to honor Him. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of joyful generosity, ensuring that our participation in building up God's spiritual dwelling place—the church—is driven by a truly willing and cheerful spirit, reflecting the very heart of God’s desire for His people to serve Him freely and joyfully. It calls us to introspectively consider if our actions for God are merely dutiful or truly Spirit-prompted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I giving to God's work out of genuine willingness and joy, or from a sense of obligation or pressure?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more readily stirred and willing to serve God in all areas of my life, embracing a spirit of joyful generosity?**
* **In what specific ways can I contribute my time, talents, and resources to God's kingdom with a cheerful and willing spirit, mirroring the Israelites' exemplary response?**

### FAQ

**What does "heart stirred him up" and "spirit made willing" truly mean?**

Answer: These phrases describe an internal, uncoerced motivation of the highest order. "Heart stirred him up" (from the Hebrew _nasa'_) suggests an inner impulse or elevation of purpose, a deep prompting that moves a person to act. It implies a profound internal uplift that compels one towards a specific action. "Spirit made willing" (from _nadav_) emphasizes a spontaneous, voluntary, and eager readiness to give or serve. It highlights that the generosity was not forced but flowed from an inner desire and readiness. Together, they signify that the Israelites' generosity was not due to external pressure or command, but an inner desire, likely divinely prompted by the Holy Spirit, to participate joyfully in God's sacred work.

**Why was it so important for the offerings to be "willing"?**

Answer: God consistently values the disposition of the giver as much as, if not more than, the gift itself. Willingness demonstrates genuine love, devotion, and a true relationship with God, contrasting sharply with grudging, forced, or merely dutiful contributions. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"), where Paul teaches that "God loves a cheerful giver." A willing heart reflects an alignment with God's purposes, a joyful response to His grace, and a deep understanding that all we have comes from Him. It is an act of worship, not merely a transaction.

**How did the Israelites acquire such valuable materials in the desert?**

Answer: Much of their wealth, including gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones, was acquired when they left Egypt. As described in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoiling the Egyptians"), the Egyptians, eager for the Israelites to leave after the plagues, "lent" them articles of silver and gold and clothing. This act was a divine fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave Egypt with great possessions ([Genesis 15:14](/genesis/15-14 "Genesis 15:14 - God's Promise to Abraham")). This divine provision enabled the Israelites to possess the very materials needed for the Tabernacle, which they now willingly consecrated back to the Lord for His dwelling place, demonstrating their gratitude and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:21, with its profound emphasis on the willing heart and spirit in contributing to God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, which the Israelites so eagerly built, was a temporary, physical dwelling for God among His people, a "shadow of the good things to come" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow")). This reality is fully realized in Christ, who is the true "God with us," the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity, as proclaimed in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). Just as the Israelites were moved by their spirit to offer precious materials for God's earthly sanctuary, Christ himself was moved by an unparalleled love and perfect willingness to offer the ultimate sacrifice of His very life. He declared, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly"), demonstrating a perfect, uncoerced willingness to fulfill the Father's redemptive will for our salvation. Furthermore, in the New Covenant, believers are collectively the spiritual temple, the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), and individually called to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are now called to offer our lives, talents, and resources willingly, contributing to the building of His spiritual kingdom, the Church, which is His body ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - Building Up the Body of Christ")), a continuation of the same Spirit-prompted generosity and devotion seen at the Tabernacle's inception, but now directed towards the eternal purposes of God in Christ.

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 25:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

Exodus 35:29

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Exodus 35:26

And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' [hair].

Exodus 35:5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Exodus 35:22

And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.

Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: