King James Version

What Does Exodus 36:6 Mean?

Exodus 36:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman m... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.

Exodus 36:6 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.

7

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

8

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work made he them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses issues a proclamation 'throughout the camp' (בַּמַּחֲנֶה, ba-machaneh) commanding cessation of offerings—perhaps the only biblical instance of commanding people to stop giving. The phrase 'Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering' (אַל־יַעֲשׂוּ־עוֹד מְלָאכָה לִתְרוּמַת הַקֹּדֶשׁ, al-ya'asu-od melakhah litrumah ha-kodesh) demonstrates that even good things (giving) must be done in proper measure and timing. Wisdom knows both when to give and when to cease giving.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This proclamation required Moses to exercise leadership by restraining enthusiasm—a delicate task. Stopping the flow of offerings could have been interpreted negatively, but the people obeyed, demonstrating their trust in Moses' leadership and understanding that excess should not be gathered.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Moses' command to stop giving teach about leadership and the wisdom to restrain even good impulses?
  2. How does the principle of 'enough' challenge prosperity-focused ministry cultures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְצַ֣ו1 of 17

gave commandment

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 17

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיַּֽעֲבִ֨ירוּ3 of 17
H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

ק֥וֹל4 of 17

and they caused it to be proclaimed

H6963

a voice or sound

בַּֽמַּחֲנֶה֮5 of 17

throughout the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

לֵאמֹר֒6 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ7 of 17

Let neither 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)

וְאִשָּׁ֗ה8 of 17

nor woman

H802

a woman

אַל9 of 17
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יַֽעֲשׂוּ10 of 17

make

H6213

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

ע֛וֹד11 of 17
H5750

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

מְלָאכָ֖ה12 of 17

any more work

H4399

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

לִתְרוּמַ֣ת13 of 17

for the offering

H8641

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

הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ14 of 17

of the sanctuary

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וַיִּכָּלֵ֥א15 of 17

were restrained

H3607

to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)

הָעָ֖ם16 of 17

So the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵֽהָבִֽיא׃17 of 17

from bringing

H935

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


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 36:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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