And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

EXODUS 35:21KJV
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Exodus 35:21 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:21 mean?

Exodus 35:21 describes how the Israelites, whose hearts were moved and whose spirits were willing, brought offerings to support the building and service of the tabernacle and its holy garments. The verse highlights that participation was voluntary, coming from those who genuinely wanted to contribute.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel after coming down from Mount Sinai, relaying God’s instructions for building the tabernacle—a special tent where God would dwell among them. This verse shows that the materials and resources for the tabernacle came from freewill offerings, not from obligation, and emphasizes the importance of inner willingness and generosity in giving.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:21

  • "Heart" (לֵבָב, levav): This word points to the inner self or the seat of emotion and will. The verse stresses that giving was not just an outward act but came from deep within each person.
  • "Spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): This term often refers to a person’s inner drive or motivation. Here, it highlights that the willingness to give was inspired from within, not forced by external pressure.
  • "Offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word means a contribution or a lifted-up gift. It underscores that what was brought was set apart as something special for God’s purposes.
  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): While the tag lists "tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel), the context is the tabernacle—the sacred dwelling place. This helps the reader see the focus on creating a holy space for God’s presence.

Why Exodus 35:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God values offerings given freely and from the heart, not out of compulsion or duty.
  • Exodus 35:21 connects the act of giving with both the heart and spirit, showing that true generosity involves both emotion and will.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where the community’s voluntary generosity makes the building of the tabernacle possible, highlighting the collective effort and unity of the people.

Where else these words appear

“willing” Hebrew H5068 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?
  • 2 Chronicles 17:16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

“offering” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:20 Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“whose” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.