King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:30 Mean?

Exodus 35:30 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, o... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Exodus 35:30 · KJV


Context

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;

32

And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rulers bring onyx stones (אַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם, avnei ha-shoham) and stones for setting (אַבְנֵי הַמִּלֻּאִים, avnei ha-millu'im) for the ephod and breastplate—precious gems bearing tribal names before God. The specific mention of rulers (נְשִׂיאִים, nesi'im, 'princes' or 'leaders') bringing these costliest items demonstrates leadership through sacrificial example. These stones would rest on the high priest's shoulders (strength) and heart (love), symbolizing Christ bearing His people's names continually before the Father in intercession.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Acquiring precious stones required wealth and connections—likely involving trade with distant regions. The breastplate alone required twelve different gemstones (28:17-20), each representing one tribe. Leaders' contribution of these expensive items set an example of generous giving.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the leaders' contribution of the most expensive items teach about leadership and sacrificial example?
  2. How does the imagery of names engraved on precious stones carried before God illustrate Christ's intercessory work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 16

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶן4 of 16

the son

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

רְא֛וּ6 of 16

See

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

קָרָ֥א7 of 16

hath called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 16

the LORD

H3068

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

בְּשֵׁ֑ם9 of 16

by name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל10 of 16

Bezaleel

H1212

betsalel, the name of two israelites

בֶן11 of 16

the son

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

אוּרִ֥י12 of 16

of Uri

H221

uri, the name of three israelites

בֶן13 of 16

the son

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

ח֖וּר14 of 16

of Hur

H2354

chur, the name of four israelites and one midianite

לְמַטֵּ֥ה15 of 16

of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

יְהוּדָֽה׃16 of 16

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory


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 35:30 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 35:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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