King James Version

What Does Exodus 35:5 Mean?

Exodus 35:5 in the King James Version says “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,”

Exodus 35:5 · KJV

Context

3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

4

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

6

And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,

7

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

Read Exodus 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The call for offerings specifically targets those whose heart makes them willing (אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ, asher yidvenu libbo—'whose heart makes him willing'). The Hebrew emphasizes internal motivation—the heart 'impels' or 'volunteers' the person. This principle establishes that God desires gifts flowing from love, not obligation. The extensive list that follows (gold, silver, bronze, fine linens, oils, spices, stones) represents the best of Egypt's plunder, now consecrated for divine purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The materials requested were precisely those Israel plundered from Egypt (12:35-36), demonstrating how God transforms spoils of deliverance into instruments of worship. These were costly materials requiring genuine sacrifice from the community.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's emphasis on willing hearts teach about the nature of acceptable worship and giving?
  2. How did Egypt's wealth, given to Israel at the Exodus, find its ultimate purpose in building God's dwelling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
קְח֨וּ1 of 14

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽאִתְּכֶ֤ם2 of 14
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת3 of 14

“it an offering”

H8641

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

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כֹּ֚ל5 of 14

“whosoever”

H3605

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

נְדִ֣יב6 of 14

“is of a willing”

H5081

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

לִבּ֔וֹ7 of 14

“heart”

H3820

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

יְבִיאֶ֕הָ8 of 14

“let him bring”

H935

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

אֵ֖ת9 of 14
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת10 of 14

“it an offering”

H8641

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

יְהוָ֑ה11 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

זָהָ֥ב12 of 14

“gold”

H2091

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

וָכֶ֖סֶף13 of 14

“and silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּנְחֹֽשֶׁת׃14 of 14

“and brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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 35:5 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 35:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:7Psalms 110:3Exodus 25:2-72 Corinthians 8:11-12Judges 5:9Mark 12:41-44

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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