Bible Strands
Exodus 35:31
And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the assembled Israelites, announcing that the LORD has specifically selected Bezalel to oversee the tabernacle's construction. This declaration occurs immediately as the community prepares to execute the detailed sanctuary instructions.
The words — ר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֑ים (Ru.ach 'E.lo.Him) translates literally as spirit of God, and בְּ/חָכְמָ֛ה (be./cha.khe.Mah) means with skill or wisdom. The syntax places these terms side-by-side to identify the divine source and the practical nature of the endowment.
The thread — The pattern of God granting specific abilities appears in James 1:17, which identifies every good gift as originating from above. The application of divine empowerment to skilled labor connects to the metalwork expertise described in 2 Chronicles 2:14 and the Spirit's bestowal of wisdom and understanding in Isaiah 11:2.
Why it lands — The text states that God actively fills a chosen individual with technical ability for sacred work. It requires the reader to acknowledge that human craftsmanship in holy tasks derives from divine provision rather than autonomous human talent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
Cross-references
- James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
- 2 Chronicles 2:14 He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord, your father David.
- Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.
- Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
- Isaiah 28:26 For his God instructs and teaches him properly.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.