What number verse is Exodus 35:33 in the Bible?

Exodus 35:33 is the 2,565th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 35:33 sits at position 2,565.

35:3235:32

Exodus 35:33

Q: 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.

35:3435:34

Translation

King James Version

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

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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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of skillful workmanship.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And in grauing stones to set them, and in karuing of wood, euen to make any maner of fine worke.

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Young's Literal Translation

and in graving of stones for settings, and in graving of wood to work in any work of design.

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In the KJVVerse 2,565 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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). This immediately transitions to the call for freewill offerings from the people for the Tabernacle's materials (Exodus 35:4-29). Immediately preceding our verse, Exodus 35:30-35 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. 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.

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), 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.

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 and Exodus 35:30-35 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 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 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), 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.

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Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 30–35

30 ¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

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

34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

Here is the divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to, these general inspectors; for God is the God of order and not of confusion. Observe, 1. Those whom God called by name to this service he filled with the Spirit of God, to qualify them for it, Exo 35:30, Exo 35:31. Skill in secular employments is God's gift, and comes from above, Jam 1:17. From him the faculty is, and the improvement of it. To his honour therefore all knowledge must be devoted, and we must study how to serve him with it. The work was extraordinary which Bezaleel was designed for, and therefore he was qualified in an extraordinary manner for it; thus when the apostles were appointed to be master-builders in setting up the gospel tabernacle they were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding. 2. The were appointed, not only to devise, but to work (Exo 35:32), to work all manner of work, Exo 35:35. Those of eminent gifts, that are capable of directing others, must not thing that these will excuse them in idleness. Many are ingenious enough in cutting out work for other people, and can tell what this man and that man should do, but the burdens they ind on others they themselves will not touch with one of their fingers. These will fall under the character of slothful servants. 3. They were not only to devise and work themselves, but they were to teach others, Exo 35:34. Not only had Bezaleel power to command, but he was to take pains to instruct. Those that rule should teach; and those to whom God had given knowledge should be willing to communicate it for the benefit of others, not coveting to monopolize it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 30–35. 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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