And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

EXODUS 35:31KJV
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Exodus 35:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:31 mean?

Exodus 35:31 says that God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, giving him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill in every kind of craft. This verse highlights that Bezalel’s abilities for the work on the tabernacle came directly from God’s empowering presence.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, explaining how God chose and equipped Bezalel for the special work of building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse emphasizes that Bezalel’s talents in craftsmanship were not just natural skills, but gifts given by God’s Spirit for a sacred purpose.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:31

  • "filled" (מָלֵא, male): This word means to make full or to complete. Here, it shows that Bezalel was completely equipped by God, not just given a little help.
  • "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach): Often means breath, wind, or spirit. In this verse, it refers to God’s empowering presence, not just an attitude or mood.
  • "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This word means practical skill as well as insight. It is not just book knowledge, but the ability to do things well.
  • "understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tevunah): This word means discernment or the ability to see how things fit together. It suggests deep comprehension, not just surface-level smarts.
  • "knowledge" (דַּעַת, da‘at): This is knowing facts or information, but also having the know-how to apply them.
  • "workmanship" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): Refers to work, especially skilled or creative work. It points to the craftsmanship needed for building and making.

Why Exodus 35:31 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God is the source of both spiritual gifts and practical skills, showing no divide between sacred and everyday abilities.
  • It highlights that the work on the tabernacle was a spiritual task, not just manual labor, because God’s Spirit was directly involved in equipping the workers.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where the actual building of the tabernacle begins, emphasizing that God’s instructions and empowerment come before the work itself.