Exodus 35:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the women {H802} that were wise {H2450} hearted {H3820} did spin {H2901} with their hands {H3027}, and brought {H935} that which they had spun {H4299}, both of blue {H8504}, and of purple {H713}, and of scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and of fine linen {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the women who were skilled at spinning got to work and brought what they had spun, the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and the fine linen.

Berean Standard Bible

Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen.

American Standard Version

And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, and the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:25 vividly portrays the willing and divinely-enabled contributions of Israelite women towards the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights their skilled craftsmanship in spinning the high-quality materials—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—essential for the sacred dwelling. It underscores the communal nature of the Tabernacle project, emphasizing that every individual, regardless of gender or social standing, was called to participate with their unique gifts and resources, driven by a heart devoted to God's purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:25 is situated within a broader section [Exodus 35:4-29](/exodus/35-4-29 "Exodus 35:4-29 - Moses' Call for Offerings and Skilled Labor") detailing Moses' renewed call for offerings and skilled labor for the Tabernacle's construction. This invitation follows the intense period of revelation at Mount Sinai and the subsequent golden calf incident, serving as a powerful act of reconciliation and renewed covenant commitment. Moses, having received precise instructions from God (as detailed in earlier chapters like [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Appointment of Craftsmen")), now relays these requirements to the people. Verses immediately preceding (e.g., [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearts Bring Offerings")) describe the overwhelming generosity of the people, who brought various materials. Our verse specifically hones in on the women's particular skill in textile production, which was foundational for the Tabernacle's intricate curtains, veils, and priestly garments. It is part of a larger narrative demonstrating Israel's corporate response to God's command to build His dwelling place among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, textile production, particularly spinning and weaving, was predominantly a domestic task performed by women. This skill was not merely a household chore but a vital economic and artistic contribution, often requiring significant dexterity and knowledge of materials. The mention of "blue, purple, and scarlet" dyes indicates the use of highly valuable and often imported pigments, signifying luxury and sacredness. Blue (tekhelet) was derived from a marine mollusk, purple (argaman) from another, and scarlet (tola'at shani) from an insect, all requiring laborious extraction processes. Fine linen (shesh) was also a premium material, often imported from Egypt, known for its purity and strength. The Israelites, having recently left Egypt, would have been familiar with such sophisticated textile arts. The call for these specific materials and the skilled labor to process them for the Tabernacle elevated a common domestic task to a sacred act of worship, demonstrating that all aspects of life and labor could be consecrated to God. This communal effort also reinforced the nascent identity of Israel as a people united in their worship of Yahweh, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Response**, showing Israel's obedience and willing participation in God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle. It underscores the **Significance of Skilled Craftsmanship and Artistic Expression** in worship, demonstrating that God inspires and values human talent when consecrated to His purposes. Furthermore, it emphasizes **Communal Participation and Corporate Worship**, illustrating how the entire community, regardless of gender or social standing, contributed their unique gifts to build a dwelling place for God's presence among them. This collective effort fosters unity and reinforces Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, this word signifies not merely intellectual wisdom but also practical skill, intelligence, and artfulness. In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes the divinely endowed aptitude and discernment that enabled the women to perform intricate and precise work. It highlights a God-given capacity to apply knowledge skillfully, essential for the sacred artistry of the Tabernacle's textiles.
* **Hearted (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this term refers to the heart, used figuratively to encompass the feelings, will, and even the intellect. When combined with "wise," it indicates that the women's skill was not just physical dexterity but stemmed from an inner disposition, a willing spirit, and a discerning mind. Their contribution was thus rooted in their innermost being, reflecting a spiritual aptitude and devotion.
* **Spin (Hebrew, _ṭâvâh'_):** From H2901, this primitive root describes the act of twisting fibers to form thread. This fundamental action was the initial step in transforming raw materials into the luxurious and symbolic fabrics required for the Tabernacle's curtains, veils, and priestly garments. It underscores that even seemingly simple or preparatory tasks, when performed with skill and devotion, were integral to the divine design and the construction of God's dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands":** This clause emphasizes the universal participation of women endowed with a particular spiritual and practical aptitude. Their "wise hearts" guided their "hands," indicating that their skill was not just physical dexterity but an inner discernment and willingness to serve. The act of spinning was a fundamental and laborious process, transforming raw fibers into the threads necessary for weaving. This highlights the foundational nature of their contribution—without their skilled spinning, the elaborate fabrics for the Tabernacle could not have been produced.
* **"and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen":** This part details the outcome of their labor and the specific materials they produced. The phrase "brought that which they had spun" underscores their generosity and dedication, as they offered the fruit of their own diligent work. The specified colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—were highly valuable dyes, each carrying profound symbolic significance within the Tabernacle's design (blue for heaven/divinity, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice/life). "Fine linen" (shesh) represented purity and holiness. These materials were not arbitrary but were precisely commanded by God for the Tabernacle's sacred components, making the women's contribution directly instrumental in manifesting God's glory and redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Metonymy**. The colors blue, purple, and scarlet, along with fine linen, are not merely descriptive but are deeply symbolic. Blue represents the heavens and God's divine presence, purple signifies royalty and kingship, scarlet points to sacrifice and life (often associated with blood), and fine linen denotes purity and holiness. These materials, meticulously spun by the women, visually communicated theological truths within the Tabernacle's design, foreshadowing aspects of Christ's person and work. **Metonymy** is also present in the phrase "wise hearted," where the "heart" (lev) stands for the entire inner person—intellect, will, and spirit—indicating that their skill was not merely physical but rooted in a spiritual aptitude and willing disposition. The "hands" similarly represent their skilled labor and diligent effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:25 profoundly illustrates the principle that God values and utilizes all gifts and talents within His community, especially when offered with a willing and discerning heart. The "wise-hearted" women exemplify how practical skills, often associated with domestic life, can be elevated to sacred service when consecrated to God. This passage underscores the communal nature of worship and service, where diverse contributions, from the grand designs of master craftsmen to the meticulous spinning of threads, are all essential for building God's dwelling place. It reveals God's delight in human partnership in His redemptive purposes, emphasizing that every individual's unique ability, when offered in faith, contributes to the manifestation of His glory.

* [Proverbs 31:19](/proverbs/31-19 "Proverbs 31:19 - The Virtuous Woman's Diligence")
* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:25 offers a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers today. Just as the Israelite women used their specific, often overlooked, skills for the Tabernacle, we are called to identify and deploy our unique abilities—whether in practical service, creative arts, teaching, administration, or hospitality—to build up the body of Christ and further God's kingdom. This verse reminds us that no gift is too small or too mundane when offered with a "wise heart"—a heart that is discerning, willing, and dedicated to the Lord. It compels us to consider how our daily tasks, our hobbies, and our professional skills can be consecrated for God's glory, transforming ordinary activities into acts of worship. It fosters an appreciation for the diverse contributions within the church community, recognizing that every member plays a vital role in the spiritual "building" and flourishing of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wise-hearted" skills or talents has God given me that I might be overlooking or underutilizing in His service?**
* **How can I consecrate my daily work or domestic tasks to God, transforming them into acts of worship and contribution to His kingdom?**
* **In what ways can my local church better recognize and empower all its members, including those whose contributions might seem less prominent, to use their diverse gifts for the common good?**

### FAQ
**What does "wise hearted" specifically mean for the women in Exodus 35:25?**

Answer: In this context, "wise hearted" (from the Hebrew words `châkâm` and `lêb`) goes beyond mere intellectual wisdom. It signifies a divinely endowed practical skill, aptitude, and discernment for craftsmanship. It implies that these women possessed not only the technical ability to spin fine threads but also the spiritual insight and willingness to apply their skills precisely for the sacred purpose of the Tabernacle. It's the same concept of Spirit-filled wisdom attributed to master artisans like Bezaleel in [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezaleel Filled with the Spirit"). Their "wise hearts" enabled them to produce the high-quality, specific materials required for God's dwelling.

**Why were women specifically mentioned for spinning, and what was the significance of the materials they spun?**

Answer: Women were specifically mentioned for spinning because textile production, particularly spinning and weaving, was a primary domestic skill and economic contribution of women in ancient Israelite society. Their expertise was crucial for creating the intricate and valuable fabrics needed for the Tabernacle. The materials they spun—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—were immensely significant. Blue (tekhelet) symbolized the heavens and God's divine glory, purple (argaman) represented royalty and kingship, scarlet (tola'at shani) often pointed to sacrifice and life, and fine linen (shesh) signified purity and holiness. These colors and materials were not arbitrary but were divinely commanded for the Tabernacle's curtains, veils, and priestly garments (e.g., [Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains"), [Exodus 28:5](/exodus/28-5 "Exodus 28:5 - Priestly Garments")), each contributing to the rich symbolism of God's presence and redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:25, with its depiction of "wise-hearted" women contributing to the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. The Tabernacle itself, a dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound type of Christ, who is the true "dwelling place" of God, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Just as the women's skillful labor contributed to the physical manifestation of God's presence, so too does the work of believers in the New Covenant contribute to the spiritual building of God's dwelling place, which is the Church, as described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - God's Household"). Every believer, male and female, is gifted by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Gifts of the Spirit")) with "wise hearts"—spiritual discernment and practical abilities—to serve the body of Christ. The diverse contributions of these women, from the foundational act of spinning to the creation of symbolic fabrics, prefigure the multifaceted gifts within the Church that build up the saints for the work of ministry, until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Ultimately, the willing and skilled service of these women points to the perfect, willing service of Christ, who, by His ultimate sacrifice, wove together a new covenant, making us living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), and granting us confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")).

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 28:3

And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 36:1

¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Philippians 4:3

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

Romans 16:12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

Romans 16:1

¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:4

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Exodus 31:6

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;