Exodus 31:5 kjv

And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

Exodus 31:5 nkjv

in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

Exodus 31:5 niv

to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Exodus 31:5 esv

in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.

Exodus 31:5 nlt

He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

Exodus 31 verses

Exodus 31 5 Meaning

Exodus 31:5 states that Bezalel was divinely enabled for "cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, to work in all manner of craftsmanship." This verse specifies the highly detailed and artistic skills given by God's Spirit to Bezalel for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle. It highlights the divine source of skill for sacred tasks, demonstrating that every aspect of the Tabernacle, from the grand design to the minutest detail of its adornment, was accomplished through God-given abilities. This divine empowerment covered precious stonework and intricate woodworking, culminating in the comprehensive ability to execute any skilled craft necessary for God's dwelling place.

Exodus 31 5 Context

Exodus 31:5 is part of God's direct instruction to Moses concerning the appointment of skilled workers for the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. Specifically, it details the comprehensive nature of the abilities given to Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, whom God "filled with the Spirit of God" (Exod 31:3). This appointment is crucial because it immediately follows the elaborate divine blueprint for the Tabernacle (Exod 25-30), indicating that the realization of this complex architectural and artistic undertaking was not left to mere human ingenuity. Historically, the building of a portable sanctuary was paramount for the wandering Israelites, serving as the dwelling place for God's presence among His people and the center of their worship and atonement system. The precise, intricate skills described in verse 5 were essential for crafting items of great symbolic and spiritual significance, such as the ark, the menorah, and the priestly garments with their precious stones. The provision of such varied, detailed, and high-level craftsmanship highlights God's sovereignty even over the practical aspects of sacred labor, contrasting with common pagan practices where such artistic skills might be attributed to human genius or a variety of lesser deities.

Exodus 31 5 Word analysis

• and in the cutting of stones: This phrase refers to highly skilled gem cutting or lapidary work. The Hebrew word for "cutting" or "engraving" (פִּיתּוּחַ, pittuach) suggests delicate incision and design work, not just crude breaking. This skill was vital for creating the precious stones for the high priest's ephod and breastplate, each representing a tribe of Israel, demanding extreme precision and artistry. It highlights that God values not only spiritual acts but also highly skilled, meticulous craftsmanship when dedicated to His glory.
• for settings: The Hebrew term for "settings" (מִלֻּאָה, millu'ah) specifically points to the work of mounting these cut stones into gold filigree or other frames, as described for the breastplate. This signifies the careful and precise arrangement needed to complete the sacred adornments, ensuring their secure placement and aesthetic appeal. It indicates an attention to detail that went beyond mere utility to beauty and sacred purpose.
• and in the carving of wood: The Hebrew word for "carving" (חֲרֹשֶׁת, charoshet) in this context implies skilled carpentry or woodworking, particularly joinery, shaping, and decorative work, rather than just felling trees or basic construction. This was necessary for items like the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, the table of showbread, and the various poles and frames of the Tabernacle. It suggests an artistic element in manipulating a natural material for divine purposes, turning ordinary wood into sacred articles.
• to work: The Hebrew infinitive construct "to work" (לַעֲשׂוֹת, la'asot) emphasizes the action and practical application of the aforementioned skills. It underscores that these are not merely theoretical knowledge but abilities to be put into diligent labor for God's sanctuary.
• in all manner of craftsmanship: The Hebrew phrase (בְּכָל מְלָאכָה, bechol mela'khah) is a comprehensive statement. Mela'khah means "work," "craft," or "occupation." Coupled with "all" (kol), it means Bezalel possessed an all-encompassing proficiency in every type of artisan work needed for the Tabernacle. This underscores the divine origin of a broad spectrum of human talents and how God perfects and directs these for His purposes. This implies not just diverse skills but also the integrated ability to coordinate them for a unified, complex project.

Words-Group Analysis:

• cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood: This grouping specifies two distinct yet equally vital artisanal skills: lapidary work and woodworking. These were foundational crafts requiring high levels of precision, artistic vision, and mastery of materials. The pairing suggests that no skill, however specialized, was overlooked by God for the Tabernacle's construction.
• to work in all manner of craftsmanship: This phrase serves as an overarching summary, indicating that Bezalel's abilities were not limited to just stone and wood. It encapsulates a broader, God-given genius encompassing all necessary artistic and technical tasks for the sanctuary, showing a comprehensive divine enablement. This underscores God's ability to imbue His chosen vessels with multifaceted excellence.

Exodus 31 5 Bonus section

The mention of stone cutting and wood carving emphasizes the precious and practical elements required for the Tabernacle. The precision implied in gem setting points to God's desire for excellence and beauty in His sanctuary. The divine enabling for these practical skills sets a precedent for understanding the gifting of the Holy Spirit not solely for "spiritual" offices (like prophets or priests) but also for trades and vocations, demonstrating God's holistic interest in the worship and service of His people. This concept of divinely empowered craftsmanship challenges the sacred-secular divide, illustrating that any skill can be sanctified and utilized for God's glory when empowered by His Spirit. Bezalel's gifts were also accompanied by an ability to "teach" (Exod 35:34), showing that his divine empowerment included the capacity to impart knowledge and skill to others, fostering a community of gifted artisans for God's work.

Exodus 31 5 Commentary

Exodus 31:5 reveals the specific artistic and technical genius bestowed by God upon Bezalel for the construction of the Tabernacle. Far from being a mere physical structure, the Tabernacle was a detailed symbolic representation of God's presence and a crucial component of Israelite worship. Therefore, the very skills required to build it were divinely gifted. This verse elaborates on the divine "wisdom, understanding, and knowledge" mentioned in Exodus 31:3, showing their practical manifestation in highly specialized crafts. "Cutting of stones for settings" refers to intricate gemology and lapidary art necessary for the high priest's breastplate and ephod, which were not just decorative but profoundly symbolic, bearing the names of the twelve tribes. "Carving of wood" involved skilled carpentry and intricate artistic designs for various parts of the Tabernacle, like the Ark of the Covenant, whose details would carry spiritual significance. "To work in all manner of craftsmanship" acts as a summary statement, signifying a universal mastery over all the diverse artisan skills required, from metallurgy to textile work, that Bezalel was filled with (cf. Exod 31:4). This means divine empowerment extended beyond prophetic or leadership roles to embrace skilled manual labor, dignifying all work performed unto the Lord. It teaches that all gifts and talents, when consecrated to God, can become vessels for His glory. This is a foundational biblical truth: God's Spirit equips believers not only for spiritual discernment or teaching but also for practical tasks that serve His Kingdom, enabling individuals to perform beyond their natural capacities for divine purposes.

Examples of practical usage:

• A carpenter dedicating their skill to building church furniture as a form of worship.
• A graphic designer using their talents to create biblically sound media for evangelism.
• A musician using their artistry to lead corporate worship.