Exodus 31:1
Exodus 31:1 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses,
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the Lord said to Moses,
The Lord told Moses,
And the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Yahweh also said to Moses/me, “Note that I have chosen Bezalel, the son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah, for special tasks.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 31:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 31:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 31:1
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Exodus 31:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Exodus 31:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:1
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 31:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
Context — Bezalel and Oholiab
Exodus 31:1 Summary
[This verse shows us that God speaks directly to people, in this case, Moses, to give them instructions and guidance. Just like God spoke to Moses, He also speaks to us today, as seen in John 10:27 where Jesus says, 'My sheep listen to my voice.' We can learn to listen to God's voice by reading the Bible and spending time in prayer, just as Moses did. By doing so, we can be more attentive to God's guidance and instructions in our lives, and fulfill the plans He has for us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God single out Moses to speak to in this verse?
God speaks to Moses because He has chosen him as a leader and mediator for the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:10 and Exodus 4:10-12. This highlights Moses' unique role in God's plan.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Then the LORD said to Moses'?
This phrase indicates a new instruction or revelation from God to Moses, similar to other instances where God speaks to Moses, such as in Exodus 25:1 and Numbers 1:1. It signifies a direct communication from God.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of Exodus?
This verse is part of the section where God gives instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 25-31. It sets the stage for the specific instructions regarding the skilled craftsmen, like Bezalel, who will work on the Tabernacle.
What can we learn about God's communication style from this verse?
From this verse, we can see that God communicates directly with individuals, as also seen in Genesis 12:1-3 where He speaks to Abraham, and in Isaiah 6:1-13 where He speaks to Isaiah. This highlights God's personal and relational nature.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to speak to someone, and how can I position myself to hear His voice?
- How does God's direct communication with Moses encourage or challenge me in my own relationship with God?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, be attentive to God's voice and instructions in my life?
- What are the implications of God's specific and detailed instructions for my own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:1
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After the Lord had given Moses instructions about building a tabernacle, the model of which he had shown him, and what should be the furniture of it, who should
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
Exodus 31:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Ver. 1. And the Lord spake unto Moses.] At "sundry times," during those forty days, and not all at once, were these directions delivered to Moses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
XXXI. THE OF AND AHOLIAB.(1-11) The instructions needed for the making of the tabernacle, its furniture, and the priests’ dresses, were now complete. Moses was sufficiently informed, by what he had heard and seen, both as to the “Tent of Meeting” itself, and as to all its appurtenances and paraphernalia. But Moses was not himself an artist. Among the branches of knowledge comprised in his Egyptian education the skill of the artistic constructor had not been included. (See Excursus B. at the end of the Book.) It was therefore necessary that the manual work of carrying out the instructions given him should be entrusted to others. We might have expected that it would have been left to Moses to select the individuals from among the thousands of artificers who had accompanied him out of Egypt. But God saw fit to mark the importance of the work by taking the direct appointment of the persons to be employed upon Himself. He knew what was in man. He knew to whom he had given the highest artistic power, and who at the same time that they possessed it would work in the most religious spirit.
He accordingly named two persons, Bezaleel and Aholiab, as those to whom the superintendence of the whole business should be given. Bezaleel was to be leader and chief, Aholiab assistant. Bezaleel’s task was to be general, Aholiab’s, apparently, special (Exodus 38:23). Both, however, were to receive the special assistance of God’s Holy Spirit for the due execution of their respective tasks (Exodus 31:3-6), and both, as chosen instruments of God, and faithful workers in His service, had their names equally commemorated in His Holy Book, and were thus upheld as examples to future ages.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
CHAPTER XXXI Bezaleel appointed for the work of the tabernacle, 1-5. Aholiab appointed for the same, 6. The particular things on which they were to be employed, the ark and mercy-seat, 7. Table, candlestick, and altar of incense, 8. Altar of burnt-offering and the laver, 9. Priest's garments, 10. Anointing oil and sweet incense, 11. God renews the command relative to the sanctification of the Sabbath, 12-17. Delivers to Moses the two tables of stone, 18. NOTES ON CHAP.
XXXI
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:1
1–6. The nomination of Bĕ ?ẓ ?al’çl and Oholiab.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 31:1
Exodus 35:30-35. This solemn call of Bezaleel and Aholiab is full of instruction. Their work was to be only that of handicraftsmen.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:1
AND AHOLIAB, Exodus 31:1-11. 2. I have called by name — The artistic construction of the house of God is no ordinary work, and after its plan and dimensions and the most minute details of its