Exodus 35:23
And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
Original Language Analysis
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֞ישׁ
And every man
H376
אִ֞ישׁ
And every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִמְצָ֣א
with whom was found
H4672
נִמְצָ֣א
with whom was found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אִתּ֗וֹ
H854
אִתּ֗וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
6 of 17
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
8 of 17
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
9 of 17
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
and fine linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
and fine linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
10 of 17
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
וְעִזִּ֑ים
and goats
H5795
וְעִזִּ֑ים
and goats
Strong's:
H5795
Word #:
11 of 17
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
אֵילִ֧ם
of rams
H352
אֵילִ֧ם
of rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
מְאָדָּמִ֛ים
hair and red
H119
מְאָדָּמִ֛ים
hair and red
Strong's:
H119
Word #:
14 of 17
to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy
Historical Context
This voluntary outpouring contrasts dramatically with ancient Near Eastern temple construction, which typically relied on forced labor and taxation. Israel's pattern demonstrates covenant relationship: God's people freely give because they freely love their Redeemer.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the phrases 'heart stirred him up' and 'spirit made him willing' describe authentic spiritual motivation?
- What is the relationship between experiencing God's redemption and responding with generous, willing worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew intensifies the willing heart theme: 'every one whose heart stirred him up' (כָּל־אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ, kol-asher nasa'o libbo, literally 'lifted up his heart') and 'whose spirit made him willing' (אֲשֶׁר נָדְבָה רוּחוֹ, asher nadva rucho, 'whose spirit impelled him'). This double emphasis—heart and spirit both moving the person—shows genuine worship springs from internal transformation, not external compulsion. God desires worship flowing from hearts He has touched, not grudging compliance with religious duty.