King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:22 Mean?

Exodus 38:22 in the King James Version says “And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 38:22 · KJV


Context

20

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

21

This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

22

And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

23

And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet , and fine linen.

24

All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bezaleel's comprehensive work—'all that the LORD commanded Moses' (אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה, et kol-asher-tzivvah YHWH et-Mosheh)—emphasizes complete obedience to divine pattern. The description 'son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah' provides full identification, demonstrating personal accountability for named individuals. Bezaleel's work wasn't anonymous committee production but identifiable craftsmanship—teaching that God values individual faithfulness and rewards it with lasting recognition. His name ('in God's shadow') and ancestry (Hur stood with Moses at Rephidim, Exodus 17:12) demonstrate that God chooses and prepares workers for His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bezaleel's mention at this point in the accounting demonstrates his primary responsibility for tabernacle construction. His partnership with Aholiab (mentioned next) and supervision of other skilled workers showed collaborative leadership. The historical record preserves Bezaleel's name through millennia, demonstrating that faithful service receives eternal recognition beyond temporary fame.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does personal identification and accountability (named individual completing specified work) teach about God valuing individual faithfulness?
  2. How does Bezaleel's lasting recognition demonstrate that faithful service receives eternal reward beyond temporary fame?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבְצַלְאֵ֛ל1 of 15

And Bezaleel

H1212

betsalel, the name of two israelites

בֶן2 of 15

the son

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

אוּרִ֥י3 of 15

of Uri

H221

uri, the name of three israelites

בֶן4 of 15

the son

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

ח֖וּר5 of 15

of Hur

H2354

chur, the name of four israelites and one midianite

לְמַטֵּ֣ה6 of 15

of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 15

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עָשָׂ֕ה8 of 15

made

H6213

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

אֵ֛ת9 of 15
H853

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

כָּל10 of 15
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 15
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה12 of 15

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 15

all that the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת14 of 15
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃15 of 15

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 38:22 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 38:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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