King James Version

What Does Exodus 38:23 Mean?

Exodus 38:23 in the King James Version says “And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 38:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aholiab's partnership 'with him' demonstrates collaborative ministry—'an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer' (חָרָשׁ וְחֹשֵׁב וְרֹקֵם, charash ve-choshev ve-rokem) in the colored threads. The three specific skills (engraving, designing, embroidering) represent diverse expertise united in common purpose, teaching that God's work requires varied gifts working in harmony. Aholiab (from Dan, northern tribe) partnering with Bezaleel (from Judah, southern tribe) demonstrates that building God's house transcends tribal and regional boundaries—all contribute according to Spirit-given abilities regardless of background.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Aholiab's specific skills (particularly embroidery in colored threads) complemented Bezaleel's strengths (metalwork and construction). Their documented partnership demonstrates intentional collaboration in ancient specialized craftsmanship, setting pattern for cooperative ministry. Dan's contribution through Aholiab ensured northern tribes' participation in tabernacle construction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the partnership of diverse skills (Bezaleel and Aholiab) teach about complementary gifts in building God's house?
  2. How does tribal diversity (Judah and Dan) in leadership demonstrate that God's work transcends human boundaries and requires all contributions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאִתּ֗וֹ1 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אָֽהֳלִיאָ֞ב2 of 14

“And with him was Aholiab”

H171

oholiab, an israelite

בֶּן3 of 14

“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

אֲחִֽיסָמָ֛ךְ4 of 14

“of Ahisamach”

H294

achisamak, an israelite

לְמַטֵּה5 of 14

“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),

דָ֖ן6 of 14

“of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

חָרָ֣שׁ7 of 14

“an engraver”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

וְחֹשֵׁ֑ב8 of 14

“and a cunning workman”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

וְרֹקֵ֗ם9 of 14

“and an embroiderer”

H7551

to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate

בַּתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙10 of 14

“in blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וּבָֽאַרְגָּמָ֔ן11 of 14

“and in purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וּבְתוֹלַ֥עַת12 of 14
H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

הַשָּׁנִ֖י13 of 14

“and in scarlet”

H8144

crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it

וּבַשֵּֽׁשׁ׃14 of 14

“and fine linen”

H8336

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

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 38:23 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 38:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 35:34Exodus 31:6

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