King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:11 Mean?

Exodus 35:11 in the King James Version says “The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

Exodus 35:11 · KJV


Context

9

And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

10

And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

11

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

12

The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread ,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetition 'every wise hearted among you shall come' (כָּל־חֲכַם־לֵב בָּכֶם, kol-chakham-lev bakhem) emphasizes that skill for God's work comes not from training alone but from wisdom—a heart-level competence given by God's Spirit. The call is inclusive ('all… among you') yet specific (requiring Spirit-given wisdom). This establishes that tabernacle construction requires both willing hearts (v. 5) and wise hearts (v. 10)—divine enablement, not just human ability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Unlike Egypt's highly specialized artisan guilds, Israel's craftsmen were likely shepherds and laborers with no prior training in fine metalwork or weaving. God would supernaturally impart skill, as explicitly stated in 31:3-6 where Bezalel receives the Spirit for craftsmanship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the concept of 'wise hearted' challenge the distinction between spiritual gifts and practical skills?
  2. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to give wisdom for physical craftsmanship in building God's dwelling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֶת1 of 16
H853

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

הַ֨מִּשְׁכָּ֔ן2 of 16

The tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

אֶֽת3 of 16
H853

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

אָהֳל֖וֹ4 of 16

his tent

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְאֶת5 of 16
H853

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

מִכְסֵ֑הוּ6 of 16

and his covering

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

אֶת7 of 16
H853

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

קְרָסָיו֙8 of 16

his taches

H7165

a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)

וְאֶת9 of 16
H853

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

קְרָשָׁ֔יו10 of 16

and his boards

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

בְּרִיחָ֕ו12 of 16

his bars

H1280

a bolt

אֶת13 of 16
H853

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

עַמֻּדָ֖יו14 of 16

his pillars

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וְאֶת15 of 16
H853

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

אֲדָנָֽיו׃16 of 16

and his sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)


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 35:11 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 35:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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