Exodus 31:3
Exodus 31:3 in Multiple Translations
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
And I have given him the spirit of God and made him wise and full of knowledge and expert in every sort of handwork,
I have filled him with the Spirit of God giving him ability, creativity, and expertise in all kinds of craftsmanship.
Whom I haue filled with the Spirit of God, in wisedome, and in vnderstanding and in knowledge and in all workmanship:
and I fill him [with] the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all work,
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship,
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom and understanding, and knowledge in all manner of work.
I have caused him to be completely controlled/empowered by my Spirit, and I have given him special ability to make things and have enabled him to know how to do very skilled work.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 31:3
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 31:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֲמַלֵּ֥א
אֹת֖/וֹ
ר֣וּחַ
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
בְּ/חָכְמָ֛ה
וּ/בִ/תְבוּנָ֥ה
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
וּ/בְ/כָל
מְלָאכָֽה
וָ/אֲמַלֵּ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בְּ/חָכְמָ֛ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בִ/תְבוּנָ֥ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | Prep | N-fs
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מְלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 31:3
וָ/אֲמַלֵּ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/חָכְמָ֛ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וּ/בִ/תְבוּנָ֥ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
וּ/בְ/דַ֖עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וּ/בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
Study Notes — Exodus 31:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 31:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
- Sermons on Exodus 31:3
Context — Bezalel and Oholiab
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
3And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,
4to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 35:31 | And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:26 | For his God instructs and teaches him properly. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 7:14 | He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 | There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. |
| 5 | Isaiah 28:6 | a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 3:9 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” |
Exodus 31:3 Summary
This verse means that God gave Bezalel special skills and abilities to do his work, and that God can give us the skills and abilities we need too (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). When God fills us with His Spirit, we can do great things for Him, just like Bezalel did when he built the tabernacle (Exodus 31:4-5). This is similar to what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, as described in Ephesians 5:18, and it enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God. By trusting in God's presence and guidance, we can experience His power and wisdom in our daily lives, and fulfill the purpose He has for us (Philippians 2:13).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit of God?
To be filled with the Spirit of God means to be empowered and guided by God's presence, as seen in Exodus 31:3, and is similar to the concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5:18, where believers are called to be filled with the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God.
What kind of skills and abilities did Bezalel receive from God?
According to Exodus 31:3, Bezalel received skills, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, which would enable him to design and create artistic works, as described in Exodus 31:4-5, similar to the skills and abilities given to others in the Bible, such as Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Is this filling of the Spirit only for special people like Bezalel?
No, the Bible teaches that all believers can be filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:38 and Ephesians 5:18, and that God gives different gifts and abilities to each person, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, for the purpose of serving and glorifying Him.
How does this relate to my own life and work?
As a believer, you can ask God to fill you with His Spirit and give you the skills and abilities you need to serve Him and fulfill your purpose, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where David asks God to fulfill His purpose for him, and in Philippians 2:13, where it is written that God works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I need to be filled with the Spirit of God and empowered to serve Him?
- How can I use my own skills and abilities to glorify God and serve others, just like Bezalel used his gifts to build the tabernacle?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's presence and guidance in my daily life, just as Bezalel trusted in God's filling to complete his work?
- In what ways can I seek to be filled with the Spirit of God, like Bezalel, and experience His power and guidance in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God,.... Not with the special graces of the Spirit, or with spiritual gifts fitting for spiritual service in the knowledge of spiritual things, and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, I have filled him with the spirit of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
I have filled him with the spirit of God, which was now necessary, because the Israelites in Egypt wanted ingenious education to learn these things, and therefore needed inspiration. In wisdom, or, with wisdom, the following clauses being explicatory of the former, showing what gifts of the Spirit God had filled him with, to wit, wisdom, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,Ver. 3. And I have filled him.] God gifts whomsoever he calls to any employment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
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 31:3
Verse 3. I have filled him with the spirit of God] See Clarke on Exodus 28:3. In wisdom] חכמה, chochmah, from חכם chacham, to be wise, skilful, or prudent, denoting the compass of mind and strength of capacity necessary to form a wise man: hence our word wisdom, the power of judging what is wise or best to be done; from the Saxon, [Anglo-Saxon], to teach, to advise, and [Anglo-Saxon], to judge; hence [Anglo-Saxon], the doom or judgment of the well taught, wise, or prudent man. Understanding] תבונה tebunah, from בן ban or bun, to separate, distinguish, discern; capacity to comprehend the different parts of a work, how to connect, arrange, c., in order to make a complete whole. Knowledge] דעת daath, denoting particular acquaintance with a person or thing practical, experimental knowledge.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:3
3. the spirit of God] Regarded in the OT. as the source of any exceptional power or activity of man, as well as of supernatural spiritual gifts: see e.g. (in different connexions) Genesis 41:38, Numbers 11:17, Deuteronomy 34:9 (of administrative capacity), Judges 3:10, 1 Samuel 11:6; 1 Samuel 16:13, Micah 3:8, Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1; and cf. the writer’s Genesis, p. 4; DB. ii. 403a: here, of exceptional artistic capacity. in] i.e. displaying itself in. wisdom] of artistic skill, as v. 6, Exodus 28:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:3
3. Filled him with the spirit of God — There is no need of explaining this as equivalent merely to the phrase “a divine spirit,” or translating “a spirit of God.” The Holy Spirit of God is intended,
Sermons on Exodus 31:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Bristol Conference 1975-11 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to God's work, even amidst busy daily lives. He uses the example of a man who traveled from Persia to Jerus |
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God the Holy Spirit: His Advent by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world befo |
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Threshing - the Lord's Method by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower from the Bible. He emphasizes that spiritual understanding is the main point of the parable. The preacher explains t |
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(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surr |
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(Spiritual Gifts): Gifts of the Spirit 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church. He criticizes those who lack the necessary qualities to effectively comm |
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Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by J. Vernon McGee | In the video, a listener shares her realization that she needs to be more involved in her husband's efforts to evangelize his family. She was inspired by a radio sermon that emphas |
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(John - Part 49): He That Believeth on me... Greater Works Than These Shall He Do by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for the deliverance from sin, lies, and addiction. He urges the congregation to recognize the miracu |