Exodus 38:23

KJV

And with him [was] Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And with him was Aholiab {H171}, son {H1121} of Ahisamach {H294}, of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}, an engraver {H2796}, and a cunning workman {H2803}, and an embroiderer {H7551} in blue {H8504}, and in purple {H713}, and in scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine linen {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Assisting him was Oholi'av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, who was an engraver, a designer and a weaver in colors -in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and in fine linen.

Berean Standard Bible

With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.

American Standard Version

And with him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skilful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in fine linen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:23 introduces Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as a divinely appointed and exceptionally gifted artisan crucial to the Tabernacle's construction. He is specifically noted for his mastery as an engraver, a highly skilled designer and craftsman ("cunning workman"), and an embroiderer, meticulously working with the sacred and symbolically rich materials of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. This verse underscores God's meticulous provision of skilled individuals for the sacred task of building His dwelling place, emphasizing the divine origin and diversity of gifts consecrated for His service and the collaborative nature of His work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the exhaustive account of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically in Exodus chapters 35-38, which detail the execution of the divine blueprint given earlier in the book. Following the initial command for a sanctuary where God might dwell among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Tabernacle")), Moses summoned the Israelites, inviting freewill offerings and calling for those with skill and a willing heart to contribute. Chapter 31 had already presented Bezaleel and Aholiab as divinely chosen and Spirit-filled individuals, specially endowed for this monumental work ([Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Divine Appointment and Equipping of Bezaleel and Aholiab")). Exodus 38 then meticulously chronicles the completion of various components, from the altar of burnt offering to the court, culminating in a precise inventory of all materials used. Verse 23, therefore, serves as a specific commendation and identification of Aholiab's indispensable role, highlighting his unique contributions to the intricate textile and metalwork, working in tandem with Bezaleel, the chief artisan. His mention here reaffirms the divine selection and the importance of every skilled hand in bringing God's sacred dwelling to fruition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle represented an extraordinary undertaking for the newly liberated Israelite nation, demanding a vast array of specialized skills not commonly associated with a formerly enslaved people. The specific mention of "engraver," "cunning workman," and "embroiderer" points to highly developed artistic and technical trades, skills that the Israelites may have encountered or even practiced during their long sojourn in Egypt, a civilization renowned for its sophisticated craftsmanship in metalwork, stonework, and textiles. However, the biblical text unequivocally attributes these exceptional abilities to divine empowerment, emphasizing that God supernaturally filled Bezaleel and Aholiab with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all manner of workmanship ([Exodus 31:3](/exodus/31-3 "Exodus 31:3 - God Fills Bezaleel with His Spirit")). This divine gifting elevated the entire project from mere human labor to a sacred act of worship, ensuring that the Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, would be constructed with unparalleled excellence and precision, thereby reflecting the holiness, glory, and meticulousness of the God it housed. The specific materials—"blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen"—were not only precious but also held significant symbolic value in the ancient Near East, often reserved for royalty, high priests, or sacred purposes, further underscoring the Tabernacle's divine significance.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 38:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision and Empowerment**, demonstrating God's active role in equipping His people with the necessary gifts and abilities to accomplish His will. The fact that Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, is chosen alongside Bezaleel from Judah, highlights God's **Impartiality and Inclusivity**, showing that He raises up servants from all backgrounds and tribes for His purposes, challenging any tribal or social hierarchies. The meticulous detail in the verse underscores the theme of **Excellence in Worship and Service**, emphasizing that God's dwelling place required the highest standards of craftsmanship, teaching that all work done for God should be performed with diligence and excellence. Furthermore, Aholiab's specialized skills in working with precious, symbolically charged materials like "blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen" contributes to the theme of **Symbolism and Sacred Space**, where every element of the Tabernacle was designed to teach profound theological truths about God's character, His holiness, and the path to atonement. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a theological statement about God's character and His interaction with humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aholiab (Hebrew, _ʼOhŏlîyʼâb_):** From H171, meaning "tent of (his) father." This name is remarkably poignant and fitting for an individual divinely chosen to help construct the Tabernacle, which was literally the "tent" where God, the ultimate Father, would dwell among His people. It signifies not only his personal identity but also prophetically connects his life's purpose and work to the very presence of God, establishing him as an integral part of God's dwelling.
* **cunning workman (Hebrew, _châshab_):** From H2803, a primitive root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive... to think, regard, value, compute." While the KJV translates this as "cunning workman," the underlying Hebrew denotes a master designer, an ingenious planner, or one who works with intricate and elaborate patterns. It suggests a high level of intellectual skill and artistic ingenuity, far beyond mere manual dexterity. Aholiab was not simply executing plans but possessed the capacity to conceive and devise complex designs, particularly in weaving and metalwork, making him a true artisan and engineer of profound understanding.
* **embroiderer (Hebrew, _râqam_):** From H7551, a primitive root meaning "to variegate color, i.e. embroider; by implication, to fabricate." This term specifically refers to one who creates variegated work or patterns by weaving threads of different colors, often producing pictorial or symbolic designs. It implies a highly skilled textile artist capable of producing intricate and visually stunning imagery on fabric, distinct from simple weaving. Aholiab's expertise in this area was indispensable for the elaborate curtains, veils, and priestly garments of the Tabernacle, which were adorned with cherubim and other symbolic patterns, bringing beauty and theological depth to the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with him [was] Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan":** This clause immediately establishes Aholiab's collaborative role, emphasizing that he worked alongside Bezaleel, the chief artisan mentioned previously. His lineage is meticulously noted, highlighting his origin from the tribe of Dan. This inclusion is significant as Dan was not one of the traditionally prominent tribes, and later in Israel's history, it became associated with idolatry. God's choice of Aholiab from this tribe underscores His impartiality and His sovereign ability to raise up gifted servants from any background or lineage for His sacred purposes, demonstrating that all are welcome and valuable in His service, regardless of their tribal standing or future trajectory.
* **"an engraver":** This specifies one of Aholiab's primary and highly specialized skills. An engraver (Hebrew _chârâsh_) typically worked with hard materials such as metal (gold, silver, bronze) or stone, creating intricate designs, inscriptions, or decorative elements. This skill would have been essential for crafting the various metal fittings, plates, and possibly the settings for precious stones on the priestly garments within the Tabernacle complex, requiring precision and artistic vision.
* **"and a cunning workman":** This phrase, as detailed in the Key Word Analysis, points to Aholiab's superior intellectual and artistic capacity. He was not merely a technician following instructions but a master designer, capable of conceiving and executing complex and ingenious works, particularly in weaving and metalwork. This designation elevates his status beyond a mere craftsman to an artisan with profound understanding, creative ability, and the capacity for intricate planning and execution.
* **"and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen":** This clause details Aholiab's exceptional expertise in textile artistry, specifically his ability to work with the most precious and symbolically significant materials used in the Tabernacle. "Blue" (Hebrew _tᵉkêleth_) often symbolized heaven, divinity, or God's presence; "purple" (Hebrew _ʼargâmân_) represented royalty, majesty, and sovereignty; "scarlet" (Hebrew _shânîy_ or _tôwlâʻ_) symbolized life, blood, and atonement; and "fine linen" (Hebrew _shêsh_) represented purity, righteousness, and holiness. Aholiab's skill in working with these materials meant he was instrumental in creating the beautiful, intricate, and theologically rich curtains, veils, and priestly garments that adorned the Tabernacle, imbuing them with profound theological meaning through their color, texture, and elaborate design.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:23 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis** through its detailed listing of Aholiab's qualifications and materials. The enumeration of his specific skills ("an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer") and the precise materials he worked with ("blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen") serves to highlight the breadth and depth of his divinely bestowed talents, assuring the reader of the comprehensive nature of the divine provision for the Tabernacle's construction. This detailed listing functions as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the meticulousness required for the sacred dwelling and the comprehensive nature of the divine gifting. Furthermore, the specific mention of colors and materials carries significant **Symbolism**, as these elements were not merely decorative but conveyed profound theological truths about God's character, the nature of worship, and the path to atonement, making the Tabernacle a visual sermon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:23 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in equipping His people for His work, underscoring the theological truth that all genuine skill and talent, when consecrated to God, become instruments for divine purpose. Aholiab, like Bezaleel, was not merely a skilled artisan but a Spirit-filled craftsman, demonstrating that God empowers individuals with diverse gifts—intellectual, artistic, and practical—to accomplish His will. This passage emphasizes that excellence in craftsmanship and diligent service are not just human endeavors but acts of worship, reflecting the holiness, majesty, and meticulousness of God, who Himself is the ultimate Creator and Designer. It also highlights the importance of collaboration and unity in God's kingdom, as individuals from different tribes and with complementary skills worked together harmoniously to build a dwelling place for the Lord, foreshadowing the diverse body of Christ working together.

* [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - God Equips Bezaleel and Aholiab with His Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity and Unity of Spiritual Gifts")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship Created for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Aholiab's story serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that every individual possesses unique gifts and talents, divinely bestowed for a purpose far greater than personal gain or worldly acclaim. Whether our skills are intellectual, artistic, practical, relational, or administrative, they are all opportunities for consecrated service to God and His kingdom. Just as Aholiab used his engraving, designing, and embroidering abilities with excellence to build a physical dwelling for God, we are called to employ our gifts with diligence, integrity, and a spirit of worship to build up the spiritual house of God, the Church. This verse challenges us to identify our own "cunning workmanship"—our unique abilities and passions—to recognize the divine source of these capacities, and to offer them back to God wholeheartedly. It encourages us to understand that even the most seemingly mundane or specialized tasks can be sanctified and become acts of profound worship when done for His glory. Furthermore, Aholiab's collaboration with Bezaleel models the importance of valuing diverse gifts and working together in unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that God's grand design requires the contribution of every member.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific skills or talents do I possess that I can intentionally consecrate for God's glory, echoing Aholiab's dedication?**
* **How does the emphasis on "excellence" and "meticulous craftsmanship" in the Tabernacle's construction inform my approach to work, service, and worship in my own life today?**
* **In what ways can I better collaborate with others in my community or church, valuing their diverse gifts, to advance God's purposes more effectively?**
* **Do I consistently recognize the divine source of my abilities, or do I attribute them solely to myself? How might shifting this perspective transform my approach to daily life and ministry?**

### FAQ

**Who was Aholiab and why is he important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Aholiab was a divinely gifted craftsman from the tribe of Dan, specifically chosen by God to assist Bezaleel, the chief artisan, in the construction of the Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings. He is important because his inclusion highlights God's meticulous provision for His sacred work, demonstrating that God equips individuals with specific skills, wisdom, and understanding for His divine purposes. His role also underscores the collaborative nature of God's work, showing how diverse gifts come together, and God's impartiality in choosing servants from all tribes, not just the most prominent or expected.

**What do Aholiab's specific skills as an "engraver, cunning workman, and embroiderer" signify?**

Answer: These skills signify a remarkable breadth and depth of artistic and technical expertise, indicating Aholiab was a master artisan. As an "engraver," he worked with hard materials like metal and stone, creating intricate designs and inscriptions essential for various Tabernacle components. As a "cunning workman" (from the Hebrew _châshab_), he was a master designer and ingenious planner, capable of devising complex patterns and executing highly intricate work, particularly in weaving and metalwork. As an "embroiderer," he excelled in textile artistry, creating variegated and symbolic patterns with precious threads. Together, these skills reveal that Aholiab was not merely a laborer but a highly skilled artisan, engineer, and artist, essential for the detailed and symbolic craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle's construction.

**Why are specific colors (blue, purple, scarlet) and fine linen mentioned in relation to Aholiab's work?**

Answer: The mention of "blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen" is highly significant because these were the most precious and symbolically rich materials used throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments. "Blue" often represented the heavens and divinity, symbolizing God's heavenly nature and presence. "Purple" symbolized royalty, majesty, and sovereignty, befitting the dwelling of the King of Kings. "Scarlet" signified life, blood, and atonement, pointing to the sacrificial system. "Fine linen" represented purity, righteousness, and holiness. Aholiab's expertise in working with these materials meant he was instrumental in creating the beautiful, intricate, and theologically meaningful curtains, veils, and priestly garments that adorned the Tabernacle, each element speaking volumes about God's character and His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Tabernacle, meticulously constructed with such divine precision and human skill, served as a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a tangible shadow pointing to a greater, eternal reality. Aholiab's divinely empowered craftsmanship, contributing to the beauty, functionality, and symbolic richness of this earthly sanctuary, ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the true and perfect "cunning workman" and builder of the eternal temple. Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," speaking not of a physical edifice but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the ultimate artisan who perfectly executed the Father's intricate plan of redemption, building a spiritual house not made with human hands, but with His own body and atoning blood. Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, Jesus opened the way for God to dwell not just in a transient tent, but eternally within the hearts of believers, making us living stones in a spiritual house built upon Him as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones and a Spiritual House")). The Holy Spirit, who filled and empowered Aholiab for physical construction, now indwells and empowers believers with diverse spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ, His Church, which is the true dwelling place of God in the world today ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Building Up of the Body")). Thus, Aholiab's work, though magnificent, foreshadows the infinitely superior and eternal craftsmanship of Christ in establishing the new covenant, where God's presence is not confined to a tent or building, but is intimately experienced by His redeemed people through the indwelling Spirit.

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 35:34

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

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;