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.

EXODUS 38:23KJV
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Exodus 38:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 38:23 mean?

Exodus 38:23 names Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach from the tribe of Dan, as a skilled craftsman who worked alongside Bezalel on the construction of the tabernacle. The verse highlights Aholiab’s expertise as an engraver, a skilled worker, and an embroiderer using blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen materials.

This verse is part of a larger section describing the building of the tabernacle, where Moses records the names and roles of those specially gifted for the work. By mentioning Aholiab’s background and skills, the text emphasizes that the tabernacle’s beauty and craftsmanship came from people with diverse talents and tribal origins, not just from one leader or tribe.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 38:23

  • אֹחֲלִיאָב (Aholiav, “Aholiab”): The name means “tent of the father,” and his mention here shows that skilled work was not limited to the tribe of Judah (Bezalel’s tribe) but included Dan, a less prominent tribe.
  • חָרָשׁ (charash, “engraver”): This word often refers to someone who carves or engraves, highlighting Aholiab’s ability to work with detailed designs, possibly in wood, metal, or stone.
  • חָשַׁב (chashav, “cunning workman”): This term points to someone who is skillful or inventive, suggesting that Aholiab was not just a laborer but also creative and thoughtful in his craft.
  • רֹקֵם (roqem, “embroiderer”): This word describes someone who decorates fabric with needlework, showing that Aholiab’s skills included fine, artistic work with textiles.

Why Exodus 38:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the tabernacle was a collaborative effort involving people from different tribes and backgrounds, not just a single leader or group.
  • By listing Aholiab’s specific skills, the text values artistic and technical abilities as important for worship and community life, not just religious or priestly roles.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing that every aspect of the tabernacle, from structure to decoration, was carefully planned and executed by gifted individuals.

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 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.

“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.

“embroiderer” Hebrew H7551 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
  • Exodus 38:18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

“engraver” Hebrew H2796 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:15 Moreover there are workmen with thee in abundance, hewers and workers of stone and timber, and all manner of cunning men for every manner of work.
  • Isaiah 44:13 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.