King James Version

What Does Exodus 31:6 Mean?

Exodus 31:6 in the King James Version says “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 a... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Exodus 31:6 · KJV


Context

4

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

5

And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

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;

7

The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, furniture: Heb. vessels

8

And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, furniture: Heb. vessels


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with God's Spirit for artistic work—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, craftsmanship. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit equips not only for preaching/teaching but for creative, technical skills. All talents serve God's purposes when consecrated to Him. The Spirit who designed creation enables artisans to create beauty for worship. Christ, the wisdom of God, is the ultimate craftsman who builds His church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These craftsmen led teams of skilled workers who constructed the tabernacle according to Moses' pattern. Their Spirit-filling for technical work demonstrated that God values and empowers all forms of service, not just spiritual leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's equipping for artistic work validate creativity and craftsmanship as ministry?
  2. What talents has God given you that can serve His purposes when consecrated to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַֽאֲנִ֞י1 of 21
H589

i

הִנֵּ֧ה2 of 21
H2009

lo!

נָתַ֣תִּי3 of 21

And I behold I have given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אִתּ֗וֹ4 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֵ֣ת5 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָֽהֳלִיאָ֞ב6 of 21

with him Aholiab

H171

oholiab, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 21

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙8 of 21

of Ahisamach

H294

achisamak, an israelite

לְמַטֵּה9 of 21

of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

דָ֔ן10 of 21

of Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

לֵ֖ב11 of 21

and in the hearts

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כָּל12 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֲכַם13 of 21

of all that are wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לֵ֖ב14 of 21

and in the hearts

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

נָתַ֣תִּי15 of 21

And I behold I have given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חָכְמָ֑ה16 of 21

wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְעָשׂ֕וּ17 of 21

that they may make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֖ת18 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל19 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוִּיתִֽךָ׃21 of 21

all that I have commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 31:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 31:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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