King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:1 Mean?

Exodus 36:1 in the King James Version says “Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.”

Exodus 36:1 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

1

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

3

And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter opens with 'Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab'—moving from calling (ch. 35) to working, from potential to actualization. The phrase 'every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom' (חֲכַם־לֵב אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְהוָה חָכְמָה, chakham-lev asher natan YHWH chokhmah) emphasizes divine enablement as the source of competence. The repetition 'to know how to work' underscores that spiritual wisdom produces practical skill—God's Spirit enables both understanding and execution of sacred work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse marks the transition from preparation to construction. The workers had received their calling, the materials had been gathered, and now the actual building begins—demonstrating that God's work requires both divine calling and human obedience in executing it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transition from being called to actually working illustrate the relationship between divine gifting and human responsibility?
  2. What does it mean that God 'put wisdom' in the workers for practical construction skills?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
לַֽעֲשֹׂ֔ת1 of 24

“Then wrought”

H6213

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

בְצַלְאֵ֨ל2 of 24

“Bezaleel”

H1212

betsalel, the name of two israelites

וְאָֽהֳלִיאָ֜ב3 of 24

“and Aholiab”

H171

oholiab, an israelite

וְכֹ֣ל׀4 of 24
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ5 of 24

“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)

חֲכַם6 of 24

“and every wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

לֵ֗ב7 of 24

“hearted”

H3820

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

אֲשֶׁר֩8 of 24
H834

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

נָתַ֨ן9 of 24

“put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 24

“according to all that the LORD”

H3068

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

חָכְמָ֤ה11 of 24

“wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וּתְבוּנָה֙12 of 24

“and understanding”

H8394

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

בָּהֵ֔מָּה13 of 24

“in whom”

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָדַ֣עַת14 of 24

“to know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֔ת15 of 24

“Then wrought”

H6213

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

אֶֽת16 of 24
H853

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

כָּל17 of 24
H3605

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

מְלֶ֖אכֶת18 of 24

“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)

עֲבֹדַ֣ת19 of 24

“for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ20 of 24

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לְכֹ֥ל21 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר22 of 24
H834

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

צִוָּ֖ה23 of 24

“had commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָֽה׃24 of 24

“according to all that 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 36:1 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 36:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:3Exodus 35:30-35Exodus 31:1-6Exodus 39:1-40:38Exodus 25:8Luke 1:6

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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