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:

EXODUS 36:2KJV
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Exodus 36:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:2 mean?

Exodus 36:2 describes how Moses summoned Bezaleel, Aholiab, and all the skilled men whose hearts were stirred by God with wisdom to come and work on building the tabernacle. The verse highlights that those who participated were not only talented but also motivated inwardly by God to take part in this sacred work.

In this verse, Moses is acting as the leader of the Israelites, calling together the craftsmen for the construction of the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary for worship during their journey in the wilderness. The people chosen were described as "wise hearted," meaning they had both skill and a special God-given motivation. The passage emphasizes that their ability and willingness came from God stirring their hearts, not just from natural talent.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:2

  • "Wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām) and "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh) both point to skill and practical know-how, not just intelligence. In this context, it means the craftsmen were gifted with the ability to do the work well.
  • "Heart" (לֵב, lēv) and "hearted" (לֵב, lēv) are used repeatedly, showing that the motivation and willingness came from deep within the person, not just from obligation.
  • "Stirred up" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’) carries the sense of being lifted or moved, suggesting an inner prompting or enthusiasm that led the men to volunteer for the work.

Why Exodus 36:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the work on the tabernacle was not done by just anyone, but by those who were both skilled and inwardly motivated by God, which sets a standard for sacred work.
  • The emphasis on God putting wisdom and stirring hearts shows that spiritual work involves both divine gifting and personal willingness, not just technical ability.
  • In the larger context, Exodus 36:2 connects to the theme of willing, generous participation in building the tabernacle, which is a recurring idea in these chapters.

Where else these words appear

“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 35:34 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 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.

“Bezaleel” Hebrew H1212 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
  • 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

“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.