King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:21 Mean?

Exodus 35:21 in the King James Version says “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LO... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 35:21 · KJV


Context

19

The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

20

And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

21

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

22

And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.

23

And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses concludes the list of needed items, having comprehensively detailed everything from the grandest (ark, menorah) to the most practical (pins, cords). This thoroughness demonstrates that God cares about every aspect of His dwelling—nothing is too small for His attention, and nothing should be omitted or improvised. The phrase 'all that the LORD hath commanded' emphasizes that tabernacle construction must follow divine pattern precisely (25:9, 40), anticipating Hebrews 8:5's warning about following the heavenly pattern exactly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The complete list spans both furnishings and materials, showing that tabernacle construction would require coordinated effort involving metalworkers, weavers, carvers, and other craftsmen. Every component mentioned in chapters 25-31 is now called for in freewill offerings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's attention to every detail of tabernacle construction teach about His character and His concern for His dwelling place?
  2. How does the requirement to follow God's exact pattern challenge contemporary approaches to worship and church structure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
הֵ֠בִיאוּ1 of 22

And they came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָּל2 of 22
H3605

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

אִ֖ישׁ3 of 22

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁר֩4 of 22

whose

H834

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

נְשָׂא֣וֹ5 of 22

stirred him up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לִבּ֑וֹ6 of 22

heart

H3820

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

וְכֹ֡ל7 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר֩8 of 22

whose

H834

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

נָֽדְבָ֨ה9 of 22

made willing

H5068

to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously

רוּח֜וֹ10 of 22

and every one whom his spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֹת֗וֹ11 of 22
H853

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

הֵ֠בִיאוּ12 of 22

And they came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת13 of 22
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֨ת14 of 22

offering

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

יְהוָ֜ה15 of 22

the LORD'S

H3068

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

לִמְלֶ֨אכֶת16 of 22

to the work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

אֹ֤הֶל17 of 22

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֙18 of 22

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וּלְכָל19 of 22
H3605

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

עֲבֹ֣דָת֔וֹ20 of 22

and for all his service

H5656

work of any kind

וּלְבִגְדֵ֖י21 of 22

garments

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃22 of 22

and for the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


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 35:21 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 35:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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