King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:3 Mean?

Exodus 36:3 in the King James Version says “And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 36:3 · 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;

5

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

Read Exodus 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The workers receive 'all the offering which the children of Israel had brought'—passive construction emphasizing that people brought gifts; workers received them. The continuing phrase 'and they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning' describes sustained generosity, not one-time enthusiasm. The daily bringing of freewill offerings (נְדָבָה, nedavah) demonstrates that generous worship flows from ongoing relationship with God, not momentary emotion. This persistent giving would soon become problematic (v. 5-7) when abundance exceeded need.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Morning-by-morning offerings indicate people returning repeatedly to give more—an unprecedented outpouring. This sustained generosity contrasts with the earlier complaint about lack of food and water (ch. 16-17), showing how encountering God's glory transforms grumbling into giving.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the pattern of daily freewill offerings teach about sustained generosity versus sporadic giving?
  2. How does ongoing encounter with God's presence produce ongoing generous response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּקְח֞וּ1 of 22

“And they received”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִלִּפְנֵ֣י2 of 22

“of”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֗ה3 of 22

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֵ֤ת4 of 22
H853

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

כָּל5 of 22
H3605

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

הַתְּרוּמָה֙6 of 22

“all the offering”

H8641

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 22
H834

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

הֵבִ֨יאוּ8 of 22

“had brought”

H935

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

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 22

“which 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל10 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

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

לִמְלֶ֛אכֶת11 of 22

“for the work”

H4399

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

עֲבֹדַ֥ת12 of 22

“of the service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ13 of 22

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֣ת14 of 22

“to make”

H6213

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

אֹתָ֑הּ15 of 22
H853

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

וְ֠הֵם16 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֵבִ֨יאוּ17 of 22

“had brought”

H935

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

אֵלָ֥יו18 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ע֛וֹד19 of 22
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

נְדָבָ֖ה20 of 22

“yet unto him free offerings”

H5071

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

בַּבֹּֽקֶר׃21 of 22

“every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בַּבֹּֽקֶר׃22 of 22

“every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

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 36:3 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 36:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 35:29Proverbs 8:15Exodus 35:27Psalms 101:8Psalms 5:3Jeremiah 21:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 36 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes