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
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Hebrew H8394 · used in 42 verses

  • 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,
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

“knowledge” Hebrew H1847 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Proverbs 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“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.

“workmanship” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 29:1 And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.