King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:29 Mean?

Exodus 35:29 in the King James Version says “The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to b... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Exodus 35:29 · KJV


Context

27

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

28

And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

29

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

30

And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

31

And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shittim wood (acacia, עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, atzei shittim) brought by the people would form the structural framework overlaid with gold—combining human (wood) with divine (gold) in the furnishings. The participatory phrase 'offered an offering' (הֵבִיאוּ תְרוּמָה, hevi'u terumah) emphasizes the active presenting of gifts, not passive compliance. Bringing structural materials demonstrates understanding that God's house requires both beauty (precious metals, fine fabrics) and strength (durable wood)—form and function united in holy purpose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Acacia trees grew in the Sinai wilderness, providing locally available material. However, acquiring sufficient quantity required effort—cutting, transporting, and delivering to the construction site. This accessible yet valuable wood democratized participation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual principle is illustrated by the combination of common wood overlaid with precious gold?
  2. How does the offering of structural materials alongside precious materials teach that all gifts, regardless of apparent value, are necessary for God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כָּל1 of 21
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 21

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)

וְאִשָּׁ֗ה3 of 21

and woman

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 21

whose

H834

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

נָדַ֣ב5 of 21

made them willing

H5068

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

לִבָּם֮6 of 21

heart

H3820

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

אֹתָם֒7 of 21
H853

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

הֵבִ֧יאוּ8 of 21

brought

H935

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

לְכָל9 of 21
H3605

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

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה10 of 21

for all manner of work

H4399

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 21

whose

H834

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

צִוָּ֧ה12 of 21

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לַֽיהוָֽה׃13 of 21

unto the LORD

H3068

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת14 of 21

to be made

H6213

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

בְּיַד15 of 21

by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶׁ֑ה16 of 21

of Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הֵבִ֧יאוּ17 of 21

brought

H935

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

בְנֵֽי18 of 21

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל19 of 21

of Israel

H3478

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

נְדָבָ֖ה20 of 21

a willing offering

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

לַֽיהוָֽה׃21 of 21

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 35:29 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 35:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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