Exodus 35:23

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And every man {H376}, with whom was found {H4672} blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine linen {H8336}, and goats {H5795}' hair, and red {H119} skins {H5785} of rams {H352}, and badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, brought {H935} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn; fine linen; tanned ram skins or fine leather brought them.

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.

American Standard Version

And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, brought them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:23 meticulously lists the specific, valuable materials voluntarily brought by the Israelite community for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the immediate and generous response of the people to Moses' call for freewill offerings, demonstrating their collective eagerness, devotion, and willingness to contribute essential elements like precious dyed fabrics, fine linens, and durable animal skins toward establishing a sacred dwelling place for God in their midst.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically following God's detailed instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding its design and purpose, as outlined in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle"). After receiving these divine blueprints, Moses gathers the entire Israelite community and conveys the Lord's commands, emphasizing the call for freewill offerings from "every man that giveth willingly with his heart" ([Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Moses' Call for Willing Offerings")). Exodus 35:23 then provides a concrete and detailed example of the community's enthusiastic compliance, enumerating a specific subset of the precious and essential items that individuals spontaneously brought forth. This verse is part of a larger, comprehensive list of contributions found in [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - The People's Generous Offerings"), emphasizing the widespread and comprehensive nature of the people's generosity and their eagerness to participate in building a tangible symbol of God's presence among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in their history, the Israelites were a nomadic people, recently liberated from Egyptian bondage, journeying through the wilderness. Their possessions, though potentially limited by their transient lifestyle, still included valuable goods, some likely acquired from the Egyptians during the Exodus ([Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoiling the Egyptians")). The materials listed in [Exodus 35:23](/exodus/35-23 "Exodus 35:23 - Offerings for the Tabernacle")—such as blue, purple, and scarlet dyes, and fine linen—were highly prized commodities in the ancient Near East, often associated with royalty, divinity, and wealth. Their use in the Tabernacle underscored the immense value and sacredness of the structure, reflecting the grandeur and majesty appropriate for the dwelling place of the Almighty God. The collection of these materials was not a tax or forced levy, but a voluntary act, showcasing the communal dedication to their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their commitment to the worship system He ordained. The inclusion of durable animal skins also reflects the practical needs of a portable sanctuary in a harsh desert environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle was to be the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, a concept central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Communal Worship and Participation**, demonstrating that the construction of this sacred space was a collective endeavor, requiring the willing contributions of "every man" and woman ([Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Every Man and Woman Willing to Bring")). Thirdly, the voluntary nature of the offerings reinforces the theme of **Generosity and Willingness**, emphasizing that true service and worship to God stem from a heart moved by devotion, not compulsion. Finally, the meticulous listing of materials points to the theme of **Holiness and Sacredness**, as only the finest and most symbolic materials were deemed fit for the Lord's sanctuary, reflecting the purity and majesty of God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth'_):** This refers to a specific, highly prized blue dye, likely derived from a mollusk (the Murex snail). In ancient Israelite culture, blue was often associated with the heavens, divinity, and the transcendent nature of God. Its extensive use in the Tabernacle's curtains, veils, and priestly garments ([Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains"), [Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - Ephod of Blue, Purple, and Scarlet")) symbolized the heavenly origin and sacred character of the divine presence within the sanctuary, drawing the earthly sanctuary into connection with the celestial realm.
* **Purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân'_):** Also a very expensive dye, purple was universally recognized throughout the ancient world as the color of royalty, nobility, and wealth. Its prominent presence in the Tabernacle materials ([Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains"), [Exodus 28:6](/exodus/28-6 "Exodus 28:6 - Ephod of Blue, Purple, and Scarlet")) underscored the kingship and supreme authority of Yahweh, who was dwelling among His people. It signified that the Tabernacle was not merely a tent, but a royal palace befitting the King of kings, emphasizing His sovereignty over Israel and all creation.
* **Badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** The precise identification of _tachash_ is debated among scholars. While traditionally translated as "badger," many modern scholars suggest it refers to a durable, waterproof leather, possibly from dugongs, seals, or even a type of porpoise, found in the Red Sea region. The Strong's definition also hints at a "clean animal with fur." Regardless of the exact animal, these skins were used for the outermost covering of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:14](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - Covering of Rams' Skins and Badgers' Skins")), signifying protection, durability, and resilience against the harsh elements of the wilderness. They represented the practical, protective layer that shielded the sacred inner sanctum from external forces, ensuring the integrity of God's dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every man,"**: This opening phrase emphasizes the universal participation of the community. It was not just the wealthy, the skilled artisans, or the leaders, but "every man" (H376, _ʼîysh_, meaning an individual or male person) who possessed these items, indicating a widespread and collective outpouring of generosity and devotion from the entire Israelite populace, underscoring the communal nature of their commitment to God's command.
* **"with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' [hair],"**: This clause lists the primary textile materials. The phrase "with whom was found" (H4672, _mâtsâʼ_, meaning to be present or attain) highlights that these were existing possessions among the people. "Blue, purple, and scarlet" were precious, dyed threads used for the intricate and highly symbolic inner coverings and priestly garments, signifying divinity, royalty, and life/atonement respectively. "Fine linen" (H8336, _shêsh_) was a high-quality, pure white fabric, symbolizing purity and holiness, often associated with priestly attire and sacred spaces. "Goats' [hair]" (H5795, _ʻêz_) was a coarser, durable material, used for one of the outer tent coverings, providing a practical, protective layer against the elements.
* **"and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins,"**: This clause specifies the animal hide materials. "Red skins of rams" (H119, _ʼâdam_ - red; H5785, _ʻôwr_ - skin; H352, _ʼayil_ - ram) were likely ram skins dyed red, used as an additional protective layer for the Tabernacle, possibly for the second covering. "Badgers' skins" (H8476, _tachash_ - badger; H5785, _ʻôwr_ - skin) formed the outermost, most resilient, and waterproof covering, designed to protect the sacred structure from the harsh wilderness environment, ensuring its durability and longevity.
* **"brought [them]."**: This simple concluding phrase, using the verb "brought" (H935, _bôwʼ_, meaning to go or come, implying bringing in), highlights the direct and voluntary action of contribution. It signifies the people's immediate and willing response to Moses' call, physically delivering their valuable possessions for the sacred project, demonstrating their profound commitment and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 35:23 is **Enumeration** (or Listing). The verse meticulously itemizes the specific materials contributed by the Israelites, providing a detailed inventory of the precious and practical items. This comprehensive listing serves to emphasize the sheer volume, variety, and value of the offerings, underscoring the collective generosity and the richness of the resources dedicated to God's dwelling. Beyond mere listing, there is profound **Symbolism** inherent in the materials themselves. The vibrant colors (blue, purple, scarlet) symbolize divine attributes (heavenly, royal, life/atonement), while fine linen represents purity, and the durable skins represent protection and resilience. The act of "bringing" these diverse and valuable items also functions as a **Metonymy** for the people's willing hearts and their collective devotion to God's command, where the physical act of offering stands in for the spiritual disposition. Furthermore, the repeated use of "and" (**polysyndeton**) connecting each item in the list adds to the sense of abundance and thoroughness of the contributions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:23 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of willing and communal participation in God's redemptive work. The Israelites' generous contributions of their most valuable possessions for the Tabernacle underscore the idea that worship and service to God require a sacrificial giving of one's best, not out of compulsion, but from a heart moved by divine instruction and profound devotion. This act of giving was not merely for a physical structure but was an integral part of establishing God's tangible presence among His people, demonstrating their covenant faithfulness and their fervent desire to honor Him. The diverse nature of the materials also points to the truth that all gifts, whether precious fabrics or durable skins, have a vital and indispensable role in building God's kingdom, and each contribution, no matter how seemingly mundane, is essential and valued in His sight, contributing to the holistic beauty and functionality of His dwelling.

* [Exodus 25:2](/exodus/25-2 "Exodus 25:2 - Offerings from a Willing Heart")
* [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 - People Rejoice in Giving Willingly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:23 provides a timeless model for our engagement in God's kingdom work today. Just as the Israelites brought their diverse and valuable possessions—from the most precious dyes to the most durable skins—for the construction of the Tabernacle, so too are believers called to offer their unique gifts, talents, resources, and time to build up the body of Christ and further His mission in the world. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: what "blue, purple, and scarlet," what "fine linen," what "goats' hair," what "red skins of rams," or what "badgers' skins" (representing our material wealth, spiritual gifts, practical skills, and available time) has God entrusted to us? Are we holding onto our resources, or are we, with a "willing heart" and joyful spirit, bringing them forth for God's glory? Our offerings, whether financial, spiritual, or practical, contribute to the collective dwelling place of God's Spirit among us, enabling the church to fulfill its purpose as a beacon of His presence in a broken world. The emphasis on "every man" reminds us that every believer has a part to play, and no contribution is too small or insignificant when offered with sincerity and devotion, for it is the heart behind the gift that truly matters to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What valuable "materials" (gifts, talents, resources, time) has God entrusted to me that I can offer for His work today?**
* **Am I giving to God's work out of compulsion, or with a truly "willing heart" as the Israelites did, reflecting a joyful response to His grace?**
* **How does my personal contribution, no matter how seemingly small, fit into the larger communal effort of building up the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the specific colors mentioned (blue, purple, scarlet)?**

Answer: The colors blue, purple, and scarlet were highly symbolic and extremely valuable in the ancient world, often reserved for royalty, nobility, and sacred purposes. Blue (Hebrew: _tᵉkêleth_) often symbolized the heavens and divinity, connecting the Tabernacle to God's transcendent nature and reminding the Israelites of His heavenly authority. Purple (Hebrew: _ʼargâmân_) was universally associated with royalty and wealth, signifying the kingship and supreme authority of Yahweh, who was dwelling as King among His people. Scarlet (Hebrew: _tô·la‘aṯ šā·nî_) was linked to life, vitality, and blood, often foreshadowing atonement and purification, pointing to the life-giving and cleansing work of God. These colors were not merely decorative but deeply theological, underscoring the majesty, holiness, and redemptive purpose of the Tabernacle and the God who dwelt within it. They were used for the most sacred parts of the Tabernacle, including the inner curtains, veils, and priestly garments, as detailed in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details") and [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Their Meaning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The materials brought for the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:23 find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, with its intricate design and precious materials, was a shadow and type of Christ, the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). The "blue" threads, symbolizing heaven and divinity, point to Christ's divine nature and His heavenly origin, the Son of God who descended to earth ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No One Has Ascended to Heaven Except He Who Descended")). The "purple," signifying royalty, foreshadows Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose eternal kingdom transcends all earthly dominion ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "scarlet," representing life and blood, powerfully prefigures Christ's sacrificial blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins, offering complete atonement and new life to all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood for Eternal Redemption")). The "fine linen" speaks of Christ's perfect purity and righteousness, which He imputes to believers, clothing them in His own blamelessness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us So We Might Become the Righteousness of God")). Even the durable "badgers' skins" that formed the outermost, unassuming layer of the Tabernacle can be seen as a type of Christ's humanity, which, though outwardly humble and without kingly pomp ([Isaiah 53:2-3](/isaiah/53-2-3 "Isaiah 53:2-3 - The Suffering Servant")), provided the ultimate protection and covering for God's glory within, making Him approachable to humanity and shielding us from the wrath of God. Ultimately, the willing offerings of the Israelites for a physical dwelling place for God foreshadow the spiritual offering of ourselves to Christ, who is the true temple, in whom God fully dwells and through whom we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Built into a Holy Temple in the Lord")).

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

1 Chronicles 29:8

And they with whom [precious] stones were found gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

Exodus 35:6

And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' [hair],

Exodus 35:10

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

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 25:7

Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.