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.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֖ם
The people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מִדֵּ֤י
than enough
H1767
מִדֵּ֤י
than enough
Strong's:
H1767
Word #:
8 of 15
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה
of the work
H4399
לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה
of the work
Strong's:
H4399
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
2 Chronicles 24:14And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.Exodus 32:3And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.Philippians 2:21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Historical Context
This unprecedented situation—stopping offerings due to excess—stands unique in biblical history. It demonstrates that the golden calf generation, properly turned back to God, could give as enthusiastically for true worship as they had for idolatry (ch. 32).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the abundance of offerings teach about God's provision when His people give willingly and generously?
- How does this 'more than enough' principle appear throughout Scripture in God's provision for His purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The craftsmen report 'The people bring much more than enough' (מַרְבִּים לְהָבִיא מִדֵּי הָעֲבֹדָה, marbim lehavi midei ha-avodah)—literally 'exceeding to bring more than enough for the service.' This abundance demonstrates that when God's people give from stirred hearts, He ensures more than sufficient provision for His purposes. The phrase 'much more than enough' reflects gospel mathematics where God's provision always exceeds mere adequacy—baskets of fragments after feeding multitudes (Mark 6:43), 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20).