For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

EXODUS 36:7KJV
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Exodus 36:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:7 mean?

Exodus 36:7 says that the materials the Israelites brought for building the tabernacle were not only enough for the work, but actually more than needed. The verse highlights that the people’s generosity exceeded what was required for the project.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the construction of the tabernacle, and the people have been bringing offerings of materials. The craftsmen report to Moses that they have more than enough supplies to complete everything God commanded. This verse shows the overwhelming response of the people and sets the stage for Moses soon telling them to stop bringing more.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:7

  • The word translated “stuff” and “work” is מְלָאכָה (melakhah), which means work, task, or craftsmanship. Here, it refers to both the materials and the work itself, showing how closely the supplies and the skilled labor are connected in this context.
  • The word “sufficient” is דַּי (day), meaning enough or adequate. The verse uses it to stress that the needs were fully met.
  • The word “much” is יָתַר (yathar), meaning to remain or to be left over. The sense is that there was an abundance—more than what was necessary for the task.

Why Exodus 36:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the tabernacle was built with just barely enough resources; instead, it emphasizes abundance and the people’s wholehearted giving.
  • Exodus 36:7 highlights the unity and generosity of the Israelites at this point in their journey, contrasting with earlier moments of complaint or disobedience.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing that when the community comes together for a shared purpose, their combined efforts can more than meet the need.

Where else these words appear

“sufficient” Hebrew H1767 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 36:5 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.
  • 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.

“much” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 21:5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“stuff” 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.