Exodus 31:4
Exodus 31:4 in Multiple Translations
to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
To do all sorts of delicate work in gold and silver and brass;
He can produce designs in gold, silver, and bronze,
To finde out curious workes to worke in golde, and in siluer, and in brasse,
to devise devices to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze,
To devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
To devise whatsoever may be artificially made of gold, and silver, and brass,
He can engrave skillful designs in gold, silver, and bronze.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 31:4
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 31:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לַ/חְשֹׁ֖ב
מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑ת
לַ/עֲשׂ֛וֹת
בַּ/זָּהָ֥ב
וּ/בַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
וּ/בַ/נְּחֹֽשֶׁת
לַ/חְשֹׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑ת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
לַ/עֲשׂ֛וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/זָּהָ֥ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/בַ/נְּחֹֽשֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 31:4
לַ/חְשֹׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
מַחֲשָׁבֹ֑ת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
לַ/עֲשׂ֛וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בַּ/זָּהָ֥ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Prep | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וּ/בַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וּ/בַ/נְּחֹֽשֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
Study Notes — Exodus 31:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 31:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
- Sermons on Exodus 31:4
Context — Bezalel and Oholiab
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. 6Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 26:1 | “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:32–35 | Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 2:13–14 | So now I am sending you Huram-abi, a skillful man endowed with creativity. He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord, your father David. |
| 4 | Exodus 28:15 | You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 2:7 | Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided. |
| 6 | 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. |
Exodus 31:4 Summary
Exodus 31:4 talks about the Israelites designing artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, which were used to build the tabernacle, a special place where God would meet with His people (as seen in Exodus 25:8). This shows that God values beauty and creativity, and wants us to use our skills and talents to glorify Him (as seen in Psalm 19:1 and Genesis 1:1). Just like the Israelites, we can use our own skills and talents to serve God and others, and to point them to His glory. By doing so, we can be filled with the Spirit of God, just like Bezalel, and use our abilities to make a difference in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of artistic works were the Israelites supposed to design according to Exodus 31:4?
The Israelites were supposed to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, as stated in Exodus 31:4, and this included items such as the golden altar and the bronze laver, as described in Exodus 30:17-21 and Exodus 37:10-16.
How did the Israelites acquire the skills to design these artistic works?
The Israelites acquired the skills to design these artistic works because God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, as stated in Exodus 31:3, and also gave skill to all the craftsmen, as stated in Exodus 31:6.
What was the purpose of designing these artistic works in Exodus 31:4?
The purpose of designing these artistic works was to create items for the tabernacle, as commanded by God in Exodus 31:1-11, and to glorify God through their craftsmanship, as seen in the example of Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35:30-35.
How does Exodus 31:4 relate to other parts of the Bible?
Exodus 31:4 relates to other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 1:1, where God creates the world with precision and beauty, and Psalm 19:1, where the heavens declare the glory of God, showing that God values creativity and craftsmanship, as seen in the creation account and the construction of the tabernacle.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my own skills and talents to glorify God, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 31:4?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of creativity and craftsmanship in my own life, and use it to serve God and others?
- What are some examples of artistic works in my own life that I can dedicate to God, and how can I use them to point others to Him?
- In what ways can I, like Bezalel, be filled with the Spirit of God and use my skills and abilities to serve God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 31:4
To devise cunning works,.... To invent, contrive, and draw patterns, for the weavers particularly, for the making of the curtains of the tabernacle, the vail of the most holy place, the ephod, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 31:4
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
Exodus 31:4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,Ver. 4. To devise cunning works.] All skill in lawful callings, whether manual or mental, is of God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
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 31:4
Verse 4. Cunning works] מחשבת machashaboth, works of invention or genius, in the goldsmith and silversmith line.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 31:4
1–6. The nomination of Bĕ ?ẓ ?al’çl and Oholiab.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 31:4
4, 5. To devise cunning works — To plan and execute designs; to think out and elaborate such works of art in metal, stone, and wood, and other material, as would be required in the sanctuary, or in connexion with its services.
Sermons on Exodus 31:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b |
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(Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |
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Prayer Summit - Part 6 by Gerhard Dutoit by Gerhard Du Toit | This sermon delves into the significance of prayer in the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of developing intimacy with God through prayer passages in the New Testament. It e |
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The Tabernacle 11 the Curtains by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle as a model of what was in the wilderness. He explains that the tabernacle represents Christ personally and corporately. The spe |
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From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tab |
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(Exodus) Exodus 28:6-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the high priest's garments in the Bible. The high priest's garments were made with great care and craftsmanship, using mat |