Exodus 35:33

KJV

And in the cutting of stones, to set [them], and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the cutting {H2799} of stones {H68}, to set {H4390} them, and in carving {H2799} of wood {H6086}, to make {H6213} any manner of cunning {H4284} work {H4399}.

Complete Jewish Bible

cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft.

Berean Standard Bible

to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft.

American Standard Version

and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of skilful workmanship.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:33 details the specific, divinely-empowered craftsmanship of Bezalel, highlighting his unique skill in working with precious stones and carving wood to create the intricate and artistic components for the Tabernacle. This verse underscores the meticulous attention to detail and the high standard of excellence required for the sacred dwelling place of God, emphasizing that such abilities were not merely natural talents but a supernatural endowment from the Spirit of God for the purpose of holy service, ensuring the sanctuary's conformity to divine design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:33 is situated within Moses' final instructions to the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle, following the golden calf incident and the renewal of the covenant. The chapter begins with a renewed emphasis on the Sabbath, presented as a foundational principle for holy living and worship ([Exodus 35:1-3](/exodus/35-1-3 "Exodus 35:1-3 - Sabbath Observance")). This immediately transitions to the call for freewill offerings from the people for the Tabernacle's materials ([Exodus 35:4-29](/exodus/35-4-29 "Exodus 35:4-29 - Call for Tabernacle Offerings")). Immediately preceding our verse, [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - The Divine Appointment and Gifting of Bezalel and Oholiab") introduces Bezalel and Oholiab as the chief craftsmen, explicitly stating that God had "filled them with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." Verse 33 specifically elaborates on Bezalel's particular expertise in stone cutting, gem setting, and wood carving, illustrating the breadth and depth of his divinely-infused skills necessary for the Tabernacle's ornate and precise construction. This verse, therefore, serves as a concrete example of the "cunning work" enabled by God's Spirit, fulfilling the divine mandate for a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and sacredness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a monumental undertaking for the nomadic Israelites, serving as the central point of their worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among them during their wilderness journey. In the ancient Near East, the construction of temples and sacred spaces was often carried out by highly skilled artisans, sometimes even by royal craftsmen, reflecting the immense value placed on such structures. The divine appointment and empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab for this task set the Tabernacle apart, indicating that its design and execution were not merely human endeavors but divinely inspired. Unlike pagan temples built by human ingenuity alone, the Tabernacle's craftsmanship was directly enabled by the Spirit of God, ensuring its conformity to the divine blueprint given to Moses on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Presence at Mount Sinai"). The meticulous nature of the work, involving precious materials and intricate designs, also reflects the concept that the God of Israel, the Creator of all beauty, deserved the very best in worship and service, a principle evident throughout the Old Testament in descriptions of sacred objects and spaces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Empowerment**, demonstrating that God not only gives commands but also provides the means and the gifted individuals to fulfill them. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Excellence in Worship**, showing that God desires the highest quality of craftsmanship and artistry for His dwelling place, reflecting His own perfect nature. This elevates all forms of skilled labor when consecrated to God. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, as the Tabernacle was designed to be the tangible manifestation of His dwelling, and its intricate construction was essential to its sacred function. Finally, it foreshadows the New Testament concept of the **Gifting of the Holy Spirit** for service within the community of faith, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cutting (Hebrew, _chărôsheth'_ H2799):** Derived from the root _ḥāraš_, meaning "to engrave" or "to be silent," this term refers to mechanical work, specifically carving or cutting. In this context, it denotes the precise and skilled artistry involved in shaping hard materials like stone and wood. It emphasizes the technical proficiency required to transform raw materials into finished, intricate components for the Tabernacle.
* **cunning (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_ H4284):** This word, often translated as "cunning work" in the KJV, comes from the root _ḥāšab_, meaning "to think," "to devise," or "to contrive." Far from implying deception as in modern English, _machăshâbâh_ here signifies a high degree of thoughtful planning, ingenious design, and artistic skill. It describes work that is intricate, elaborate, and conceived with great intelligence and creativity, reflecting a master craftsman's ability to execute complex artistic visions.
* **work (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_ H4399):** From the same root as _malʼākh_ (messenger/angel), this term broadly refers to employment, occupation, or labor, specifically work that is not servile but rather creative, skillful, and purposeful. In the context of the Tabernacle, it encompasses all the various tasks and products of the artisans' labor, emphasizing the sacred nature and high quality of the output. It signifies the entire scope of the divinely-inspired project.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the cutting of stones":** This phrase highlights a highly specialized skill involving the precise shaping, grinding, and polishing of various types of stones. These would likely include the precious and semi-precious stones used for the high priest's breastplate, which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and potentially other decorative elements within the Tabernacle. This task required not only strength but also immense precision, knowledge of different stone properties, and artistic vision.
* **"to set [them]":** This refers to the intricate art of gem-setting, where cut stones are securely and aesthetically mounted into metal or other materials. For the breastplate, this involved embedding twelve distinct stones, each representing a tribe, into gold settings, a task demanding exceptional dexterity and an eye for detail to ensure both durability and beauty.
* **"and in carving of wood":** This indicates the skill of shaping and sculpting wood, likely the acacia wood specified for many Tabernacle components (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant, the altar of incense, the frames of the Tabernacle itself). Wood carving could involve creating intricate patterns, figures, or structural elements, all contributing to the overall design and functionality of the sacred space.
* **"to make any manner of cunning work":** This concluding clause serves as an overarching summary, encompassing the full spectrum of Bezalel's divinely-imparted abilities. It signifies his comprehensive mastery over various artistic and technical crafts, enabling him to execute any complex or ingenious design required for the Tabernacle. It underscores that his skills were not limited to specific tasks but extended to the entire realm of intricate, Spirit-inspired artistry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Merism** by listing "cutting of stones" and "carving of wood" to represent the full scope of material craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle, implying a mastery over a wide range of artistic and practical skills. This specific enumeration also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the extraordinary detail and precision demanded by God for His sanctuary. The entire passage ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - God Equips His Craftsmen")), including this verse, serves as a powerful testament to **Divine Empowerment**, where God directly endows individuals with supernatural abilities for sacred service, demonstrating that His commands are always accompanied by His provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:33 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in equipping His people for His purposes. It reveals that divine empowerment is not limited to prophetic speech or miraculous acts, but extends to practical, artistic, and technical skills. God desires excellence and beauty in worship, and He supernaturally gifts individuals to achieve this standard. This principle underscores the sacredness of all work done unto the Lord, elevating craftsmanship and artistry as vital components of spiritual service. It teaches us that every gift, whether seemingly grand or mundane, can be consecrated for God's glory, contributing to the building up of His kingdom and the manifestation of His presence.

* [Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - Bezalel Filled with the Spirit of God")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:33 offers a timeless reminder that our abilities, whatever they may be, are ultimately gifts from God, intended to be used for His glory and the good of His people. Just as Bezalel was uniquely gifted for the intricate work of the Tabernacle, each believer is equipped by the Holy Spirit with specific talents, whether in art, leadership, teaching, administration, hospitality, or any other sphere of life. This verse challenges us to identify our own "cunning work"—the areas where God has uniquely gifted us—and to cultivate those gifts with diligence and excellence. It calls us to consecrate our vocations, hobbies, and daily tasks as acts of worship, recognizing that every detail, when done "as unto the Lord," contributes to His purposes. Furthermore, it fosters a profound appreciation for the diverse contributions within the body of Christ, where every member's unique skill set is vital for the flourishing of the whole, reflecting the multifaceted wisdom and beauty of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify the "cunning work" God has uniquely gifted me to do, both within and outside of the church?**
* **In what areas of my life—professional, personal, or within the church—can I strive for greater excellence as an act of worship, recognizing that all work done for God's glory is sacred?**
* **How can I better appreciate and affirm the diverse gifts and contributions of others in my community, understanding that every skill can be a divine endowment for God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God specifically naming and gifting individuals like Bezalel for this work?**

Answer: The specific naming and divine gifting of Bezalel (and Oholiab) in passages like [Exodus 31:2-5](/exodus/31-2-5 "Exodus 31:2-5 - Bezalel and Oholiab's Divine Gifting") and [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - God Equips His Craftsmen") highlight several key points. First, it underscores God's intentionality and meticulousness in providing for His commands; if He calls for a task, He also equips for it. Second, it elevates the work of craftsmanship to a sacred level, demonstrating that artistic and technical skills are not merely secular but can be directly inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit for divine purposes. Third, it emphasizes the unique and personal nature of God's relationship with His servants, showing that He knows and equips individuals according to their specific aptitudes for His grand design.

**Does "cunning work" in the KJV imply deception or trickery?**

Answer: No, in the context of Exodus 35:33 and other passages describing the Tabernacle's construction, the KJV phrase "cunning work" does not carry the modern negative connotation of deception or trickery. Instead, it uses an older, archaic meaning of "cunning" which signifies **skillful, ingenious, artful, or expertly crafted**. The Hebrew word _machăshâbâh_ (from _ḥāšab_) consistently refers to intricate, thoughtful, and artistic design and execution. It denotes a high degree of technical proficiency and creative intelligence, essential for producing the complex and beautiful elements of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, all done under divine inspiration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous craftsmanship of Bezalel, divinely empowered to create a dwelling place for God's presence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "cunning work" of Christ. The Tabernacle, with all its intricate details and precious materials, was a temporary shadow of the true reality to come, a testament to God's desire to dwell among His people. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us, making Jesus the ultimate dwelling place of God, the true and perfect sanctuary. Just as Bezalel's work was flawless and precise, Christ's work of redemption is perfectly executed, achieving what no human craftsmanship could: bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. His sacrifice on the cross, described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest of a Greater Tabernacle") as the offering of a "greater and more perfect tent," is the ultimate act of divine artistry, creating a new and living way into God's presence. Furthermore, through Christ, believers themselves become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")), a testament to the ongoing "cunning work" of God in transforming human hearts into sacred spaces for His indwelling presence, fulfilling the deepest longing for God's dwelling among His people.

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.