TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
And they came H935, both H5921 men H582 and women H802, as many as H3605 were willing H5081 hearted H3820, and brought H935 bracelets H2397, and earrings H5141, and rings H2885, and tablets H3558, all jewels H3627 of gold H2091: and every man H376 that offered H5130 offered an offering H8573 of gold H2091 unto the LORD H3068.
Complete Jewish Bible
Both men and women came, as many as had willing hearts; they brought nose-rings, earrings, signet-rings, belts, all kinds of gold jewelry - everyone bringing an offering of gold to ADONAI.
Berean Standard Bible
So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.
American Standard Version
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man that offered an offering of gold unto Jehovah.
World English Bible Messianic
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to the LORD.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Both men and women, as many as were free hearted, came and brought taches and earings, and rings, and bracelets, all were iewels of golde: and euery one that offered an offring of gold vnto the Lord:
Young's Literal Translation
And they come in--the men with the women--every willing-hearted one--they have brought in nose-ring, and ear-ring, and seal-ring, and necklace, all golden goods, even every one who hath waved a wave-offering of gold to Jehovah.
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In the KJVVerse 2,554 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 20–29
20 ¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
21 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.
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.
23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD'S offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.
25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.
27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
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.
Moses having made known to them the will of God, they went home and immediately put in practice what they had heard, Exo 35:20. O that every congregation would thus depart from the hearing of the word of God, with a full resolution to be doers of the same! Observe here,
I. The offerings that were brought for the service of the tabernacle (Exo 35:21, etc.), concerning which many things may be noted. 1. It is intimated that they brought their offerings immediately; they departed to their tents immediately to fetch their offering, and did not desire time to consider of it, lest their zeal should be cooled by delays. What duty God convinces us of, and calls us to, we should set about speedily. No season will be more convenient than the present season. 2. It is said that their spirits made them willing (Exo 35:21), and their hearts, Exo 35:29. What they did they did cheerfully, and from a good principle. They were willing, and it was not any external inducement that made them so, but their spirits. It was from a principle of love to God and his service, a desire of his presence with them in his ordinances, gratitude for the great things he had done for them, faith in his promise of what he would further do (or, at least, from the present consideration of these things), that they were willing to offer. What we give and do for God is then acceptable when it comes from a good principle in the heart and spirit. 3. When it is said that as many as were willing-hearted brought their offerings (Exo 35:22), it should seem as if there were some who were not, who loved their gold better than their God, and would not part with it, no, not for the service of the tabernacle. Such there are, who will be called Israelites, and yet will not be moved by the equity of the thing, God's expectations from them, and the good examples of those about them, to part with any thing for the interests of God's kingdom: they are for the true religion, provided it be cheap and will cost them nothing. 4. The offerings were of divers kinds, according as they had; those that had gold and precious stones brought them, not thinking any thing too good and too rich to part with for the honour of God. Those that had not precious stones to bring brought goats' hair, and rams' skins. If we cannot do as much as others for God, we must not therefore sit still and do nothing: if the meaner offerings which are according to our ability gain us not such a reputation among men, yet they shall not fail of acceptance with God, who requires according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not, Co2 8:12; Kg2 5:23. Two mites from a pauper were more pleasing than so many talents from a Dives. God has an eye to the heart of the giver more than to the value of the gift. 5. Many of the things they offered were their ornaments, bracelets and rings, and tablets or lockets (Exo 35:22); and even the women parted with these. Can a maid forget her ornaments? Thus far they forgot them that they preferred the beautifying of the sanctuary before their own adorning. Let this teach us, in general, to part with that for God, when he calls for it, which is very dear to us, which we value, and value ourselves by; and particularly to lay aside our ornaments, and deny ourselves in them, when either they occasion offence to others or feed our own pride. If we think those gospel rules concerning our clothing too strict (Ti1 2:9, Ti1 2:10; Pe1 3:3, Pe1 3:4), I fear we should scarcely have done as these Israelites did. If they thought their ornaments well bestowed upon the tabernacle, shall not we think the want of ornaments well made up by the graces of the Spirit? Pro 1:9. 6. These rich things that they offered, we may suppose, were mostly the spoils of the Egyptians; for the Israelites in Egypt were kept poor, till they borrowed at parting. And we may suppose the rulers had better things (Exo 35:27), because, having more influence among the Egyptians, they borrowed larger sums. Who would have thought that ever the wealth of Egypt should have been so well employed? but thus God has often made the earth to help the woman, Rev 12:16. It was by a special providence and promise of God that the Israelites got all that spoil, and therefore it was highly fit that they should devote a part of it to the service of that God to whom they owed it all. Let every man give according as God hath prospered him, Co1 16:2. Extraordinary successes should be acknowledged by extraordinary offerings. Apply it to human learning, arts and sciences, which are borrowed, as it were, from the Egyptians. Those that are enriched with these must devote them to the service of God and his tabernacle: they may be used as helps to understand the scriptures, as ornaments or handmaids to divinity. But then great care must be taken that Egypt's gods mingle not with Egypt's gold. Moses, though learned in all the learning of the Egyptians, did not therefore pretend, in the least instance, to correct the pattern shown him in the mount. The furnishing of the tabernacle with the riches of Egypt was perhaps a good omen to the Gentiles, who, in the fulness of time, should be brought into the gospel tabernacle, and their silver and their gold with them (Isa 60:9), and it should be said, Blessed be Egypt my people, Isa 19:25. 7. We may suppose that the remembrance of the offerings made for the golden calf made them the more forward in these offerings. Those that had then parted with their ear-rings would not testify their repentance by giving the rest of their jewels to the service of God: godly sorrow worketh such a revenge, Co2 7:11. And those that had kept themselves pure from that idolatry yet argued with themselves, "Were they so forward in contributing to an idol, and shall we be backward or sneaking in our offerings to the Lord?" Thus some good was brought even out of that evil.
II. The work that was done for the service of the tabernacle (Exo 35:25): The women did spin with their hands. Some spun fine work, of blue and purple; others coarse work, of goats' hair, and yet theirs also is said to be done in wisdom, Exo 35:26. As it is not only rich gifts, so it is not only fine work that God accepts. Notice is here taken of the good women's work for God, as well as of Bezaleel's and Aholiab's. The meanest hand for the honour of God, shall have an honourable recompence. Mary's anointing of Christ's head shall be told for a memorial (Mat 26:13); and a record is kept of the women that laboured in the gospel tabernacle (Phi 4:3), and were helpers to Paul in Christ Jesus, Rom 16:3. It is part of the character of the virtuous woman that she layeth her hands to the spindle, Pro 31:19. This employment was here turned to a pious use, as it may be still (though we have no hangings to make for the tabernacle) by the imitation of the charity of Dorcas, who made coats and garments for poor widows, Act 9:39. Even those that are not in a capacity to give in charity may yet work in charity; and thus the poor may relieve the poor, and those that have nothing but their limbs and senses may be very charitable in the labour of love.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–29. Public domain.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 35:22 vividly portrays the spontaneous and abundant generosity of the Israelites as they responded to Moses' call for contributions to the Tabernacle. Driven by a truly willing heart, both men and women brought a wide array of valuable gold items—including bracelets, earrings, rings, and various personal ornaments—as freewill offerings to the LORD, demonstrating their profound collective devotion and eagerness to participate in the sacred project of constructing God's dwelling place among them in the wilderness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 35:22 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message of generous giving. Repetition of the concept of "offering" and the material "gold" throughout the verse and the surrounding passage (Exodus 35:21 and Exodus 35:29) serves to emphasize the abundance, preciousness, and spiritual significance of the contributions. The phrase "willing hearted" functions as a powerful motif, recurring throughout the chapter (Exodus 35:5, Exodus 35:21, Exodus 35:26, Exodus 35:29) to underscore the essential spiritual disposition required for true worship and service. The detailed enumeration of specific gold items—bracelets, earrings, rings, and tablets—uses vivid imagery and synecdoche (where a part represents the whole) to help the reader visualize the tangible sacrifices made, transforming abstract generosity into concrete acts of profound devotion. This detailed description creates a palpable sense of the overwhelming quantity and intrinsic value of the offerings, highlighting the Israelites' collective enthusiasm and personal sacrifice.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:22 profoundly illustrates the principle of freewill giving, establishing a foundational theological truth that God values the heart of the giver above the gift itself. The spontaneous, uncoerced generosity of the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction serves as a timeless model for all subsequent acts of worship and service within the covenant community. Their willingness to part with highly valuable personal possessions for a communal sacred purpose underscores their renewed covenant fidelity and deep desire for God's tangible presence among them, especially following the recent sin of the golden calf. This act of giving was not merely about meeting a material need but about expressing profound devotion, fostering unity, and demonstrating a shared commitment to God's dwelling place. It powerfully demonstrates that true spiritual engagement is characterized by a joyful, eager, and willing participation in God's redemptive purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Exodus 35:22 offers a timeless and profound blueprint for authentic Christian living and giving. It challenges us to deeply examine the motivation behind our contributions—whether of time, talent, or treasure—to God's kingdom and His church. Is our giving born out of obligation, grudging necessity, or a truly "willing heart" that delights in the opportunity to serve God? Just as the Israelites brought their most precious gold for the Tabernacle, we are called to offer our very best to the LORD, recognizing that everything we possess is ultimately a gracious gift from Him. This verse encourages a spirit of proactive, joyful generosity, reminding us that our participation in God's work should be characterized by eagerness, enthusiasm, and a deep desire to see His presence manifested in our midst and His redemptive purposes fulfilled in the world. It stands as a powerful reminder that God delights in cheerful givers whose hearts are fully devoted to Him and whose offerings flow from a place of love and gratitude.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "tablets" refer to in this verse?
Answer: In the King James Version, "tablets" translates the Hebrew word kûwmâz (H3558). While its exact form has been a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally understood to refer to a specific type of gold ornament, likely a necklace, pendant, or possibly a body ornament such as a golden girdle or armlet. It was a valuable piece of personal jewelry, indicating the preciousness and personal sacrifice involved in the contributions made by the Israelites for the Tabernacle. This item, alongside bracelets, earrings, and rings, highlights the significant personal cost of their freewill offerings, as they willingly gave up their most cherished adornments for the construction of God's sacred dwelling place, as described in Exodus 35:22.
Why was the "willing heart" so important for these offerings?
Answer: The emphasis on a "willing heart" (Hebrew: nâdîyb lêb, H5081 + H3820) was crucial because it underscored that the true value of the offering was not merely in the material goods themselves, but profoundly in the spirit and motivation of the giver. God desires genuine devotion and love, not grudging compliance or forced contributions. This principle is foundational to biblical giving, demonstrating that true worship stems from an internal disposition of generosity, joy, and sincere desire to honor God. It contrasts sharply with the idea of giving out of obligation, for personal gain, or under duress. This emphasis on the willing heart foreshadows New Testament teachings on cheerful giving, such as those found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul states that "God loves a cheerful giver." The willing heart ensured that the offerings for the Tabernacle were acts of sincere worship, covenant fidelity, and a joyful response to God's grace.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:22, with its vivid portrayal of the Israelites' willing and abundant offerings for the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound type and shadow of Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and the true meeting place between God and humanity. Just as the Israelites willingly offered their most precious gold to build a sanctuary for God's presence, Christ, with an infinitely "willing heart" and perfect obedience, offered Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. He did not give from His possessions but gave His very life, His divine glory, and His human body as the true temple (John 2:19-21). His giving was not merely generous but total, born out of perfect love for the Father and for humanity, securing for us eternal redemption and reconciliation. Through His singular, sufficient sacrifice, we, as believers, are transformed from mere recipients into active participants in God's ongoing work. We become living stones built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), a holy priesthood, and a dwelling place for God's Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). Our New Covenant giving, therefore, is not primarily about gold or material possessions for a physical structure, but about offering our entire lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), in grateful response to the immeasurable gift of Christ, whose own willing heart made possible our intimate access to God's eternal presence.