And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

EXODUS 36:5KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 36:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:5 mean?

Exodus 36:5 describes how the workers building the tabernacle told Moses that the people of Israel were bringing far more materials than were needed for the work God had commanded. The verse shows that the people's generosity exceeded what was required for the construction.

The setting is in the wilderness, where Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle as God instructed. The skilled workers, responsible for the project, report to Moses that the contributions from the people are more than sufficient. This moment highlights both the people's willingness to give and the careful management of resources for a sacred task.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:5

  • The word "service" (עֲבֹדָה, ‘avodah) refers to work or labor, especially in the context of serving God. Here, it emphasizes that the work being done is not just construction, but a form of worship and obedience.
  • The word "enough" (דַּי, day) means sufficiency or adequacy. The workers are saying there is more than enough—an abundance—showing the overwhelming response of the people.
  • The word "commanded" (צִוָּה, tsivvah) means to order or instruct. This highlights that the work is being done according to God's specific directions, not just human plans.

Why Exodus 36:5 matters

  • Exodus 36:5 clears up any idea that the people were reluctant or stingy; instead, it shows a community eager to support what God had asked for.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of both generosity and wise stewardship—Moses and the workers do not just accept everything, but assess what is truly needed.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing a rare moment of unity and enthusiasm among the Israelites, contrasting with other times when they struggled to follow God's instructions.

Where else these words appear

“enough” Hebrew H1767 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
  • 1 Kings 14:28 And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.
  • Isaiah 40:16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

“work” 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.