Exodus 35:25
And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
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)
לֵ֖ב
hearted
H3820
לֵ֖ב
hearted
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 17
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בְּיָדֶ֣יהָ
with their hands
H3027
בְּיָדֶ֣יהָ
with their hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ
and brought
H935
וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙
both of blue
H8504
הַתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙
both of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
10 of 17
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תּוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
תּוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
14 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
הַשָּׁנִ֖י
and of scarlet
H8144
הַשָּׁנִ֖י
and of scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
15 of 17
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
Historical Context
This jewelry likely came from Egypt (12:35-36) where both men and women wore extensive ornamentation. Gold jewelry was wealth in portable form—giving it required genuine sacrifice. The transformation of golden-calf gold into tabernacle gold represents redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the giving of personal jewelry symbolize offering one's very self to God?
- What does the redemptive transformation of gold (from calf to tabernacle) teach about God's ability to redeem our failures?
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Analysis & Commentary
The people bring bracelets (חָח, chach), earrings (נֶזֶם, nezem), rings (טַבַּעַת, tabba'at), and tablets (כּוּמָז, kumaz)—personal jewelry and ornamentation. These intimate possessions, worn on the body, represent giving one's very self to God. The willingness to part with personal adornment for God's dwelling contrasts sharply with Aaron's earlier collection of gold earrings to make the golden calf (32:2-3). The same gold that nearly destroyed Israel through idolatry now builds God's house through redemptive repurposing.