Exodus 38:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִתּ֗וֹ
H854
וְאִתּ֗וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמַטֵּה
of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 14
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
דָ֖ן
of Dan
H1835
דָ֖ן
of Dan
Strong's:
H1835
Word #:
6 of 14
dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
וְחֹשֵׁ֑ב
and a cunning workman
H2803
וְחֹשֵׁ֑ב
and a cunning workman
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
וְרֹקֵ֗ם
and an embroiderer
H7551
וְרֹקֵ֗ם
and an embroiderer
Strong's:
H7551
Word #:
9 of 14
to variegate color, i.e., embroider; by implication, to fabricate
בַּתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙
in blue
H8504
בַּתְּכֵ֙לֶת֙
in blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
10 of 14
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וּבְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וּבְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
12 of 14
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
Cross References
Exodus 35:34And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.Exodus 31:6And 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;
Historical Context
Aholiab's specific skills (particularly embroidery in colored threads) complemented Bezaleel's strengths (metalwork and construction). Their documented partnership demonstrates intentional collaboration in ancient specialized craftsmanship, setting pattern for cooperative ministry. Dan's contribution through Aholiab ensured northern tribes' participation in tabernacle construction.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the partnership of diverse skills (Bezaleel and Aholiab) teach about complementary gifts in building God's house?
- How does tribal diversity (Judah and Dan) in leadership demonstrate that God's work transcends human boundaries and requires all contributions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Aholiab's partnership 'with him' demonstrates collaborative ministry—'an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer' (חָרָשׁ וְחֹשֵׁב וְרֹקֵם, charash ve-choshev ve-rokem) in the colored threads. The three specific skills (engraving, designing, embroidering) represent diverse expertise united in common purpose, teaching that God's work requires varied gifts working in harmony. Aholiab (from Dan, northern tribe) partnering with Bezaleel (from Judah, southern tribe) demonstrates that building God's house transcends tribal and regional boundaries—all contribute according to Spirit-given abilities regardless of background.