And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

EXODUS 35:34KJV
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What does Exodus 35:34 mean?

Exodus 35:34 says that God gave Bezalel and Aholiab the ability not only to do skilled work, but also to teach others how to do it. This verse highlights that their talent was not just for their own use, but for helping others learn as well.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is telling the Israelites about the people God has chosen to lead the building of the tabernacle. Bezalel and Aholiab are singled out because God has given them special skills and also the heart to pass on their knowledge. The verse shows that teaching is a gift in itself, and that God values those who can share their abilities with others.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:34

  • "put" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to place." Here, it shows that the ability to teach comes from God, not just from personal effort or talent.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of a person’s will, emotion, and understanding. God put this desire and ability to teach deep within Bezalel and Aholiab.
  • "teach" (יָרָה, yarah): This word often means "to instruct" or "to direct." It carries the sense of guiding someone along the right path, not just giving information.

Why Exodus 35:34 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that skill alone is enough; it emphasizes that the ability to teach and share knowledge is also a special gift from God.
  • Exodus 35:34 connects to the larger story by showing that the building of the tabernacle was a community effort, with skilled leaders training others.
  • The verse highlights that God equips people not just for personal achievement, but so they can help and build up others in the community.

Where else these words appear

“Ahisamach” Hebrew H294 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 31:6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
  • Exodus 38:23 And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

“Aholiab” Hebrew H171 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 31:6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
  • Exodus 36:1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
  • Exodus 36:2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“teach” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 1 Kings 8:36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.