King James Version

What Does Exodus 39:42 Mean?

Exodus 39:42 in the King James Version says “According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

Exodus 39:42 · KJV


Context

40

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

42

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work'—this summary emphasizes radical obedience. The repetition (matching 39:32, 43; 40:16) underscores that acceptable worship requires divine prescription followed exactly. After the golden calf apostasy (ch 32), where Israel did 'according to' their desires, this renewed obedience vindicates God's grace restoring covenant relationship. The plural 'children of Israel' teaches corporate responsibility—all participated in obedience, not just leaders. This prefigures the church's collective submission to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes the inventory presented to Moses for inspection. The comprehensive obedience, involving hundreds of workers over months, demonstrated a remarkable transformation from the golden calf rebellion to faithful service—evidence of genuine repentance and covenant renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's complete obedience after the golden calf apostasy demonstrate the transforming power of grace?
  2. What does corporate obedience ('children of Israel,' plural) teach about the church's collective responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כְּכֹ֛ל1 of 13
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 13
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה3 of 13

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 13

According to all that the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת5 of 13
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֑ה6 of 13

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כֵּ֤ן7 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עָשׂוּ֙8 of 13

made

H6213

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

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 13

so 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 13

of Israel

H3478

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

אֵ֖ת11 of 13
H853

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

כָּל12 of 13
H3605

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

הָֽעֲבֹדָֽה׃13 of 13

all the work

H5656

work of any kind


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 39:42 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 39:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study