Skip to content
Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Every one that did offer H7311 an offering H8641 of silver H3701 and brass H5178 brought H935 the LORD'S H3068 offering H8641: and every man, with whom was found H4672 shittim H7848 wood H6086 for any work H4399 of the service H5656, brought H935 it.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Everyone contributing silver or bronze brought his offering for ADONAI, and everyone who had acacia-wood suitable for any of the work brought it.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it.
Ask
American Standard Version
Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought Jehovah’s offering; and every man, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Everyone who offered an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD’s offering; and everyone, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
All that offered an oblation of siluer and of brasse, brought the offring vnto the Lord: and euery one, that had Shittim wood for any maner worke of the ministration, brought it.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
every one lifting up a heave-offering of silver and brass have brought in the heave-offering of Jehovah; and every one with whom hath been found shittim wood for any work of the service brought it in.
Ask
See on the biblical-era map
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 2,556 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 35:24 meticulously details the specific material contributions of silver, brass, and shittim wood brought by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the widespread, willing, and diverse participation of the community in providing the essential raw materials for God's sacred dwelling place in the wilderness. It underscores their collective devotion, obedience to the divine directives given through Moses, and the tangible expression of their consecrated wealth and available resources, ensuring that all necessary components were readily at hand for the monumental task of building the sanctuary.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Exodus 35:24 is situated within the immediate aftermath of Moses' detailed reiteration of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction and the subsequent call for voluntary offerings, spanning from Exodus 35:4 to Exodus 35:19. This verse, along with the surrounding passages like Exodus 35:20-29, serves as the narrative bridge between the divine command to build and the actual commencement of the work. It vividly portrays the people's enthusiastic and immediate response to the general invitation for "everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit was willing" to bring offerings, as stated in Exodus 35:21. The verse specifically details the contribution of metals and wood, demonstrating the tangible outcome of their willing hearts and preceding the divine appointment of skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35:30-35, who would then transform these raw materials into the sacred sanctuary.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Exodus 35:24 is the Israelite encampment in the Sinai wilderness, shortly after receiving the Law and the intricate blueprints for the Tabernacle at Mount Sinai. This portable sanctuary was not merely a structure but the tangible representation of God's covenantal presence among His people, serving as the central hub for worship, atonement, and divine communication. The materials specified—silver, brass (bronze), and shittim wood—were not arbitrarily chosen. Silver and brass were valuable commodities, likely acquired from the Egyptians during the Exodus, as detailed in Exodus 12:35-36, thereby representing a divine provision and the dedication of "spoils" for sacred purposes. Shittim wood, derived from the acacia tree, was native to the arid Sinai Peninsula, known for its exceptional durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects. These properties made it an ideal and practical choice for the structural framework, altars, and sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Table of Showbread. The communal collection of these diverse materials underscores a unified national effort, where individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their wealth, contributed what they possessed or could readily obtain, demonstrating a profound collective commitment to the divine project.
  • Key Themes: Exodus 35:24 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of Divine Instruction and Human Obedience, showcasing the Israelites' immediate and willing response to God's detailed commands for the Tabernacle's construction, a direct act of obedience following the giving of the Law. Secondly, it highlights Communal Participation and Generosity, emphasizing that the building of God's dwelling was a collective endeavor, requiring contributions from "every one" and "every man," fostering unity and shared responsibility. This generosity is further elaborated in Exodus 35:29, where the people are described as bringing "a freewill offering unto the LORD." Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of God's Dwelling Presence, as the materials were specifically brought for "the LORD'S offering" and "the work of the service," all dedicated to creating a sanctuary where God would reside among His people, as promised in Exodus 25:8. Finally, it subtly points to Sanctification and Consecration, as the very act of bringing these materials, especially the durable shittim wood, for sacred use transformed ordinary items into consecrated elements for divine purposes, symbolizing the holiness required for interaction with God.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Offering (Hebrew, tᵉrûwmâh', H7311): From the root rûwm (H7311), meaning "to be high" or "to raise," this noun (H8641) denotes a "present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute." It signifies a "heave offering" or a "contribution" that is lifted up or set apart for sacred purposes. In this context, it emphasizes a voluntary, dedicated gift, underscoring the intentionality and sacred nature of the contributions as acts of worship, not merely donations.
  • Found (Hebrew, mâtsâʼ', H4672): This primitive root (H4672) means "to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire." It can also figuratively mean "to occur, meet or be present." In Exodus 35:24, "with whom was found" suggests that the shittim wood was not necessarily universally possessed like some other materials, but rather discovered, acquired, or simply present with certain individuals, highlighting the diverse sources and accessibility of the necessary resources.
  • Shittim (Hebrew, shiṭṭâh', H7848): This feminine noun (H7848) refers to the acacia tree (from its "scourging thorns"), specifically the wood of the acacia (Acacia nilotica or Acacia seyal), which was prevalent in the Sinai desert. It was highly prized in the ancient Near East for its exceptional durability, density, and resistance to pests and rot, making it an ideal material for construction in harsh desert environments. Its selection for the core structural elements and sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle underscored the permanence and resilience intended for God's dwelling place and its holy objects, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant and presence.
  • Work (Hebrew, mᵉlâʼkâh', H4397): From the same root as mal'ak (H4397, meaning "messenger"), this noun (H4399) properly denotes "deputyship," i.e., "ministry." More generally, it refers to "employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely)." It also encompasses "business" or "thing (made)." In the context of the Tabernacle, "work of the service" refers to the skilled craftsmanship and labor involved in constructing the sanctuary and its furnishings, emphasizing that these contributions were for the practical, yet sacred, execution of God's design.
  • Service (Hebrew, ʻăbôdâh', H5647): From the verb ʻâbad (H5647, "to work, serve"), this noun (H5656) broadly means "work of any kind." In a religious context, it specifically refers to "ministry," "office," or "service." Here, "work of the service" encompasses not only the construction of the sanctuary but also the ongoing priestly duties and rituals performed within it. The materials were brought for any aspect of this sacred labor and function, indicating their complete dedication to the divine purpose and utility of the Tabernacle.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD'S offering": This clause emphasizes the universal participation and the nature of the contribution. "Every one" signifies widespread involvement across the community, not limited to a select few. The act of "offering" (Hebrew: tᵉrûwmâh) implies a freewill, dedicated gift, lifted up to God. Silver (Hebrew: keçeph, H3701) and brass (Hebrew: nᵉchôsheth, H5178, referring to bronze) were valuable metals, likely obtained from the spoils of Egypt, indicating that the Israelites were giving from their acquired wealth and resources. The crucial phrase "the LORD'S offering" explicitly states the divine ownership and sacred purpose of these contributions; they were not for human gain or common use but consecrated entirely for God's glory and the establishment of His dwelling among them.
  • "and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought [it].": This second clause continues to highlight broad participation, specifically mentioning the contribution of shittim wood. The phrase "with whom was found" suggests that this material might have been less universally possessed than silver and brass, perhaps gathered by those with specific knowledge or opportunity to acquire it in the wilderness. Regardless of its acquisition, its dedication was for "any work of the service," meaning it was designated for any part of the Tabernacle's construction or its subsequent sacred functions where this durable wood was required. The implied "it" in the King James Version translation underscores that the specific material itself was brought, completing the act of contribution.

Literary Devices

Exodus 35:24 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and underscore the significance of the communal contributions. The Repetition of the verb "brought" (Hebrew: bôwʼ, H935) and the concept of "offering" (Hebrew: tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) throughout Exodus 35, and specifically within this verse, powerfully emphasizes the people's eager, widespread, and collective response to the divine command. The phrases "Every one" and "every man" utilize Synecdoche, where a part (each individual) stands for the whole (the entire Israelite community), underscoring the universal participation and unity in this sacred endeavor. The materials themselves, particularly shittim wood, function as potent Symbolism. Its inherent durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant, the permanence of His presence among His people, and the lasting quality required for sacred objects dedicated to Him. Furthermore, the entire act of contribution, encompassing diverse materials and the willing hearts of the givers, serves as a powerful Metonymy for the people's devotion, their obedience, and their communal commitment to establishing God's sanctuary as the central element of their national identity and worship.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Exodus 35:24 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of voluntary and communal giving as an essential act of worship and obedience to God. It reveals that the building of God's dwelling place is a shared responsibility, requiring diverse contributions from every member of the community, regardless of their status or the type of resource they possess. The dedication of valuable and practical resources to "the LORD'S offering" underscores the foundational biblical truth that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and believers are stewards called to use them for His purposes and glory. This willingness to give generously and cheerfully for the advancement of God's kingdom establishes a foundational pattern for all subsequent acts of worship and service, demonstrating that true spiritual engagement is often expressed through tangible sacrifice and active participation in God's redemptive work.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 35:24 offers a timeless and profound model for contemporary believers regarding our participation in God's ongoing work in the world. It challenges us to deeply consider our own resources—whether financial, material, or in terms of our time, talents, and spiritual gifts—and honestly assess how we are dedicating them to the Lord's service. The emphasis on "every one" and "every man" reminds us that no contribution is too small or insignificant when given with a willing, cheerful, and obedient heart. Just as the Israelites brought what they had, whether precious metals or durable wood, we are called to contribute our unique gifts to the spiritual building of God's kingdom and the support of His church, which is His body on earth. This verse encourages a spirit of radical generosity, communal responsibility, and joyful participation, recognizing that our offerings are not merely donations but sacred acts of worship that enable God's presence and redemptive work to flourish in our midst and impact the world. It prompts us to reflect on the attitude of our giving: is it coerced, grudging, or is it a spontaneous overflow of a heart stirred by God's call and love?

Questions for Reflection

  • What "silver, brass, or shittim wood"—meaning my unique resources, talents, or time—has God entrusted to me that I can offer for His service today?
  • How does my current attitude toward giving reflect the "willing heart" of the Israelites described in Exodus 35?
  • In what tangible ways can I contribute to the "work of the service" within my local church or wider community, even if my contribution seems modest?
  • How does understanding that my offering is ultimately "the LORD'S offering" transform my perspective and motivation for giving?

FAQ

Why were silver, brass, and shittim wood specifically chosen for the Tabernacle?

Answer: These materials were chosen for their specific properties, symbolic significance, and practical availability, making them ideal for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings. Silver and brass (bronze) were valuable metals, likely obtained by the Israelites from the Egyptians during the Exodus (Exodus 12:35-36), symbolizing God's provision and the dedication of acquired wealth to Him. Silver was used for sockets, hooks, and various vessels, while brass was crucial for the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the courtyard pillars due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Shittim wood, from the acacia tree, was abundant in the Sinai wilderness. It was highly valued for its extreme durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects, making it perfect for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the altars, and the framework of the Tabernacle, ensuring the longevity and stability of these sacred objects and structures in the harsh desert environment.

What does it mean that these were "the LORD'S offering"?

Answer: The phrase "the LORD'S offering" signifies that these contributions were not merely for human use or benefit, but were specifically designated and dedicated to God and His sacred purposes. It emphasizes divine ownership and the holy nature of the gifts. By designating them as "the LORD'S offering," the Israelites acknowledged that all they possessed ultimately belonged to God, and their act of giving was an act of worship, devotion, and obedience. This concept reinforces the idea that the Tabernacle was not merely a human construction but a divinely commissioned dwelling place for God among His people, built with materials consecrated to Him. It highlights the sacredness of the entire project and the people's willing participation in it as an act of faith and reverence.

How does the willingness to contribute in Exodus 35:24 relate to modern Christian giving?

Answer: The willingness to contribute in Exodus 35:24 provides a foundational and enduring principle for modern Christian giving. Just as the Israelites gave freely, generously, and cheerfully for the physical Tabernacle, believers today are called to give with a cheerful and willing heart for the spiritual building of God's kingdom and the support of His church (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse teaches that every contribution, regardless of its size or type (whether financial, material, time, or talent), is valuable and significant when offered with a sincere heart to the Lord. It underscores the communal responsibility of believers to provide the necessary resources for ministry, outreach, and the care of God's people, ensuring that the "work of the service" continues to flourish in the world and that God's presence is made manifest through His people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 35:24, with its profound focus on the diverse and willing contributions for God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulously constructed Tabernacle, fashioned from silver, brass, and durable shittim wood, served as the physical embodiment of God's presence among His people, a temporary structure foreshadowing a greater, eternal reality. Christ is the true and eternal Tabernacle, the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among us, bringing God's presence into the world in a way the physical Tabernacle could only hint at. The precious materials brought by the Israelites, though essential for the Old Covenant sanctuary, point to the infinitely more precious and perfect offering of Christ Himself. His body was the true temple, destroyed and raised in three days, as He prophesied in John 2:19-21, signifying the end of the need for an earthly, temporary dwelling. Furthermore, the diverse contributions of the community for the physical Tabernacle prefigure the spiritual temple, the Church, which is built upon the foundation of Christ Jesus, where believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house for God's dwelling by the Spirit (1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:19-22). Just as every Israelite contributed to the earthly sanctuary, every believer, by grace through faith in Christ, becomes an integral part of this spiritual dwelling where God's Spirit eternally resides. The "work of the service" for which the shittim wood was brought finds its ultimate purpose in Christ's perfect priestly ministry, who entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:11-12). Thus, the willing offerings of Exodus 35:24 ultimately point to the perfect, once-for-all offering of Christ, who is the substance of all shadows, the true dwelling of God, and the foundation of His eternal kingdom.

Copy as

Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 20–29

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.
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 35:24 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.