And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.

EXODUS 35:26KJV
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Exodus 35:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:26 mean?

Exodus 35:26 describes how all the women whose hearts were moved by wisdom spun goat hair to contribute to the building of the tabernacle. The verse highlights that their skill and willingness came from an inner motivation and understanding, not just obligation.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about building the tabernacle, a special place for worship. The verse specifically notes the women who felt inspired and wise enough to help by spinning goat hair, which was a valuable material for the tabernacle’s coverings. Their participation is presented as both skillful and heartfelt, showing that their contribution was both practical and meaningful.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:26

  • לֵב (lev; "heart"): This word points to the inner self, including feelings, will, and understanding. Here, it emphasizes that the women’s actions were motivated by genuine inner conviction, not just duty.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa; "stirred"): This verb means "to lift up" or "to be moved." In this context, it suggests that the women felt a strong inner prompting or inspiration to act.
  • חָכְמָה (chokhmah; "wisdom"): This word refers to skill, expertise, or practical wisdom. The verse highlights that their ability to spin was not just technical but also a form of wisdom, showing insight and care in their work.
  • טָוָה (tavah; "spun"): This verb means "to spin," referring to the actual process of making thread or yarn from goat hair. It shows the practical, hands-on contribution these women made.

Why Exodus 35:26 matters

  • Exodus 35:26 clarifies that the women’s work was valued not just for its usefulness but for the wisdom and heartfelt willingness behind it, countering any idea that only men or leaders played important roles in building the tabernacle.
  • The verse connects personal motivation ("heart stirred") with practical skill ("wisdom"), showing that both are needed for meaningful service in the community.
  • This detail fits into the wider passage by emphasizing that the tabernacle was a collective effort, with each person contributing according to their ability and inner prompting, making the project a true community act of worship.

Where else these words appear

“spun” Hebrew H2901 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.

“goats'” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.