King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:1 Mean?

Exodus 35:1 in the King James Version says “And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words whic... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.

Exodus 35:1 · KJV


Context

1

And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.

2

Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. an: Heb. holiness

3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses assembles the entire congregation before beginning tabernacle construction, emphasizing that sacred work requires communal participation. The phrase 'these are the words which the LORD hath commanded' (אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים, eleh ha-devarim) mirrors the introduction to the Ten Commandments (20:1), signaling the gravity of what follows. This gathering precedes construction to ensure all Israel understands the divine blueprint and participates with willing hearts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken after Moses' second forty-day meeting with God (34:28-35), this assembly marks the transition from receiving instructions (chs 25-31) to implementing them. The entire camp gathers at the base of Sinai to hear God's commands communally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does gathering the entire community before beginning sacred work demonstrate the importance of shared understanding and commitment?
  2. In what ways does Moses' role as mediator of God's commands prefigure Christ's role as the ultimate mediator?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּקְהֵ֣ל1 of 16

gathered

H6950

to convoke

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 16

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶֽת3 of 16
H853

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

כָּל4 of 16
H3605

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

עֲדַ֛ת5 of 16

all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵ֥י6 of 16

of the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 16

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֚לֶּה10 of 16
H428

these or those

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים11 of 16

unto them These are the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר12 of 16
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה13 of 16

hath commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֥ת15 of 16

that ye should do

H6213

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

אֹתָֽם׃16 of 16
H853

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


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 35:1 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 35:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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