King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:23 Mean?

Exodus 35:23 in the King James Version says “And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of ram... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 35:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet , and of fine linen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew intensifies the willing heart theme: 'every one whose heart stirred him up' (כָּל־אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ, kol-asher nasa'o libbo, literally 'lifted up his heart') and 'whose spirit made him willing' (אֲשֶׁר נָדְבָה רוּחוֹ, asher nadva rucho, 'whose spirit impelled him'). This double emphasis—heart and spirit both moving the person—shows genuine worship springs from internal transformation, not external compulsion. God desires worship flowing from hearts He has touched, not grudging compliance with religious duty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This voluntary outpouring contrasts dramatically with ancient Near Eastern temple construction, which typically relied on forced labor and taxation. Israel's pattern demonstrates covenant relationship: God's people freely give because they freely love their Redeemer.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the phrases 'heart stirred him up' and 'spirit made him willing' describe authentic spiritual motivation?
  2. What is the relationship between experiencing God's redemption and responding with generous, willing worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְכָל1 of 17
H3605

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

אִ֞ישׁ2 of 17

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)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 17
H834

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

נִמְצָ֣א4 of 17

with whom was found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אִתּ֗וֹ5 of 17
H854

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

תְּכֵ֧לֶת6 of 17

blue

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן7 of 17

and purple

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְתוֹלַ֥עַת8 of 17
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

שָׁנִ֖י9 of 17

and scarlet

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

וְשֵׁ֣שׁ10 of 17

and fine linen

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

וְעִזִּ֑ים11 of 17

and goats

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

וְעֹרֹ֥ת12 of 17

skins

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

אֵילִ֧ם13 of 17

of rams

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

מְאָדָּמִ֛ים14 of 17

hair and red

H119

to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy

וְעֹרֹ֥ת15 of 17

skins

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

תְּחָשִׁ֖ים16 of 17

and badgers

H8476

a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope

הֵבִֽיאוּ׃17 of 17

brought

H935

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


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 35:23 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 35:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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