King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:2 Mean?

Exodus 36:2 in the King James Version says “And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every on... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Exodus 36:2 · KJV


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.

4

And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses calls the workers 'every one whose heart stirred him up' (אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ, asher nasa'o libbo), repeating the willing-heart theme from chapter 35. This demonstrates that both giving materials (35:21) and giving labor require the same heart motivation—internal compulsion from God's Spirit, not external coercion. The calling to 'come unto the work to do it' emphasizes that good intentions must transition to actual labor; stirred hearts must produce working hands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Unlike ancient Near Eastern forced labor systems, Israel's tabernacle construction relied entirely on volunteers whose hearts moved them to work. This willing service demonstrated covenant relationship: God's redeemed people joyfully labor for His glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does building God's dwelling require both willing givers (ch. 35) and willing workers (ch. 36)?
  2. How does the principle of heart-stirred labor challenge contemporary approaches to Christian service and ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 25

called

H7121

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

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 25

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּצַלְאֵל֮4 of 25

Bezaleel

H1212

betsalel, the name of two israelites

וְאֶל5 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָֽהֳלִיאָב֒6 of 25

and Aholiab

H171

oholiab, an israelite

וְאֶל֙7 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל8 of 25
H3605

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

אִ֣ישׁ9 of 25

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)

חֲכַם10 of 25

and every wise

H2450

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

לִבּ֔וֹ11 of 25

even every one whose heart

H3820

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר12 of 25
H834

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

נָתַ֧ן13 of 25

had put

H5414

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

יְהוָ֛ה14 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

חָכְמָ֖ה15 of 25

wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

לִבּ֔וֹ16 of 25

even every one whose heart

H3820

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

כֹּ֚ל17 of 25
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר18 of 25
H834

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

נְשָׂא֣וֹ19 of 25

stirred him up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לִבּ֔וֹ20 of 25

even every one whose heart

H3820

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

לְקָרְבָ֥ה21 of 25

to come

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל22 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמְּלָאכָ֖ה23 of 25

unto the work

H4399

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

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֥ת24 of 25

to do

H6213

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

אֹתָֽהּ׃25 of 25
H853

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


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 36:2 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 36:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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