King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:22 Mean?

Exodus 35:22 in the King James Version says “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 35:22 · KJV


Context

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.

24

Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD'S offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The response to Moses' call is immediate and wholehearted: 'the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses'—not in reluctance but in eager obedience. The narrative structure (call in v. 4-21, response in v. 22-29) emphasizes willing response to divine invitation. This departure 'from the presence of Moses' to gather offerings demonstrates that true worship moves from hearing God's word to acting upon it, from assembly to implementation of what was learned.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This moment marks the transition from instruction to action. The people return to their tents to gather what they possess, transforming Egypt's plunder into materials for God's glory. The entire community participates, making tabernacle construction a corporate act of worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the people's immediate departure to gather offerings teach about authentic response to God's word?
  2. How does Israel's eager response to God's call for offerings contrast with half-hearted or reluctant giving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
הֵ֠בִיאוּ1 of 22

And they came

H935

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

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים2 of 22

men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עַל3 of 22

both

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַנָּשִׁ֑ים4 of 22

and women

H802

a woman

וְכָל5 of 22

as many as

H3605

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

נְדִ֣יב6 of 22

were willing

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

לֵ֗ב7 of 22

hearted

H3820

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

הֵ֠בִיאוּ8 of 22

And they came

H935

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

חָ֣ח9 of 22

bracelets

H2397

a ring for the nose (or lips)

וָנֶ֜זֶם10 of 22

and earrings

H5141

a nose-ring

וְטַבַּ֤עַת11 of 22

and rings

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

וְכוּמָז֙12 of 22

and tablets

H3558

a jewel (probably gold beads)

וְכָל13 of 22

as many as

H3605

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

כְּלִ֣י14 of 22

all jewels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

זָהָ֖ב15 of 22

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְכָל16 of 22

as many as

H3605

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

אִ֕ישׁ17 of 22

and every man

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)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 22
H834

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

הֵנִ֛יף19 of 22

that offered

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

תְּנוּפַ֥ת20 of 22

offered an offering

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

זָהָ֖ב21 of 22

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לַֽיהוָֽה׃22 of 22

unto the LORD

H3068

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


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 35:22 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 35:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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