Exodus 31:4 kjv

To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Exodus 31:4 nkjv

to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze,

Exodus 31:4 niv

to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,

Exodus 31:4 esv

to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,

Exodus 31:4 nlt

He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.

Exodus 31 verses

Exodus 31 4 Meaning

Exodus 31:4 outlines the specific divine endowments given to Bezalel by God's Spirit: the ability to conceptualize and execute intricate designs, specifically for working with the valuable metals of gold, silver, and bronze (often translated as brass). This verse underscores that the complex and beautiful craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle was not merely human skill, but a direct enablement from the Almighty, transforming ordinary materials into sacred objects for divine worship.

Exodus 31 4 Context

Exodus chapter 31 transitions from God's detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (chapters 25-30) to the specific divine provision for its construction. God appoints Bezalel by name, revealing He has supernaturally gifted him (and implicitly, Oholiab, mentioned in the following verse) with specialized skills. This verse highlights the practical aspects of this divine enablement. Historically, this divine appointment underlines that the sacred dwelling was not a product of mere human genius or craft traditions, but a sanctuary intricately designed and brought to fruition through God-inspired craftsmanship, distinguishing it from pagan idol making or temples built on human whims.

Exodus 31 4 Word analysis

• to design: Hebrew lachshov (לַחְשֹׁב), from the root חָשַׁב (chashav), meaning "to think, devise, plan, invent, or weave." It signifies intelligent, intricate, and imaginative planning, a mental process of conceiving complex forms and patterns, rather than simple construction. This points to a divine gift for intellectual creativity and ingenuity.
• artistic works: Hebrew machashavot (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת), the plural noun derived from the same root chashav. It denotes the "cunning works," "skillful designs," or "artistic conceptions" themselves. This term emphasizes the intricate, highly detailed, and beautiful nature of the planned objects, suggesting works of high artistry and complex construction, requiring deep thought.
• to work: Hebrew la'asot (לַעֲשׂוֹת), from the verb עָשָׂה ('asah), meaning "to make, do, perform, accomplish." This is the practical execution phase, taking the "designs" and manifesting them physically. It signifies the skilled labor involved in bringing the conceived vision into tangible form.
• in gold: Hebrew bazahav (בַּזָּהָב). Gold is a highly precious, incorruptible, and noble metal. In the Tabernacle, it was used for the most sacred items (Ark, lampstand, altar of incense), signifying purity, divinity, and the glory of God.
• and in silver: Hebrew uvakesef (וּבַכֶּסֶף). Silver is also precious and often associated with redemption (e.g., temple tax), purity, and monetary value. It was used for pillars, sockets, and various sacred vessels, often representing atonement or spiritual purification.
• and in brass: Hebrew uvannechoshet (וּבַנְּחֹשֶׁת). This is commonly understood as bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which is durable and strong. Bronze was primarily used for the more durable, structural, and sacrificial elements of the Tabernacle (e.g., altar of burnt offering, laver, court pillars). It represents strength, judgment (as associated with fire), and resilience.

Words-Group Analysis:

• to design artistic works: This phrase encapsulates the intellectual and creative facet of the divine gift. It highlights God's empowerment not just for manual skill, but for profound ingenuity, the ability to conceive complex and aesthetically rich artifacts. This signifies divine artistry manifesting through human hands.
• to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass: This grouping points to the practical application of the divinely inspired designs across a range of materials. It underscores the versatility and mastery of different metalworking techniques. The specific enumeration of these three distinct metals shows the breadth of skilled craftsmanship required, each metal possessing unique properties necessitating different handling and techniques, all empowered by God's Spirit.

Exodus 31 4 Bonus section

• This verse provides biblical validation for the sacredness of vocational skill and the arts. It illustrates that artistic excellence, when dedicated to God, is not secondary but integral to His redemptive purposes, just as priestly and prophetic roles are.
• The meticulous detailing of skills for crafting Tabernacle items underscores God's commitment to excellence and beauty in worship, setting a standard for divine service. Every detail was purposeful and had symbolic significance.
• It teaches that our natural talents and learned skills, when surrendered to God, can be amplified and used supernaturally for His kingdom, blurring the artificial lines between "sacred" and "secular" vocations. God's Spirit equips us not just for overtly spiritual ministries, but also for "every kind of craftsmanship."

Exodus 31 4 Commentary

Exodus 31:4 reveals a profound theological truth: God Himself equips and enables His servants for the specific tasks He assigns. It's not just that Bezalel had skill; it's that God filled him with the very Spirit needed to accomplish His precise designs. This elevates craftsmanship from mere human labor to a Spirit-empowered act of worship. The detailing of "designing artistic works" alongside "working in gold, silver, and bronze" shows God's care for both the conceptual and practical dimensions of service. This verse is a foundational biblical statement on vocation, illustrating that artistic and manual labor, when devoted to God's purposes, are esteemed by Him and made effective through His empowering presence, transforming ordinary human effort into divinely enabled creativity.