Exodus 35 23

Exodus 35:23 kjv

And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.

Exodus 35:23 nkjv

And every man, with whom was found blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins, brought them.

Exodus 35:23 niv

Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them.

Exodus 35:23 esv

And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats' hair or tanned rams' skins or goatskins brought them.

Exodus 35:23 nlt

All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather.

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 23 Meaning

Exodus 35:23 describes the array of materials brought by every willing Israelite for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse specifically lists various valuable and common textiles and coverings: blue, purple, and scarlet threads, fine linen, goats' hair, dyed ram skins, and a durable skin, likely a marine mammal or specific type of leather. It emphasizes the broad participation and spontaneous, heartfelt nature of the contributions from those who possessed these items.

Exodus 35 23 Context

Exodus chapter 35 details the reiteration of the Sabbath commandment and then focuses on the materials and skilled laborers needed for the construction of the Tabernacle, as previously commanded by God (Exo 25-31). Following Moses's call for freewill offerings (Exo 35:4-9), verse 23 specifies some of the varied raw materials brought by the people. This act of widespread, joyful giving for God's dwelling stands in stark contrast to the previous episode of rebellion and idolatry with the golden calf (Exo 32), signifying a collective spiritual renewal and obedience. The chapter culminates in the appointment of skilled artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab, to undertake the craftsmanship, highlighting that every part, from the raw material to the skilled hand, contributed to God's holy work.

Exodus 35 23 Word analysis

• And every man (וְכָל־אִישׁ, vekol-ish): The conjunction "and" connects this act of bringing to the preceding general statement about willing hearts. "Every man" underscores the widespread, inclusive nature of the contribution, indicating that participation was not limited to certain individuals but encompassed a wide segment of the community who had the means.
• with whom was found: This phrase indicates possession; it was not about manufacturing or purchasing anew, but about individuals bringing items they already owned. It speaks to immediate availability and willingness to part with personal possessions for God's work.
• blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet): This costly dye, derived from the Murex snail, produced a brilliant blue. Biblically, blue is often associated with the heavens, divinity, and God's glory and holiness (Num 15:38-39). It was used extensively in the Tabernacle's inner curtains and priestly garments, signifying their sacred nature and the heavenly reality the Tabernacle represented.
• purple (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman): Another expensive dye, often produced from different Murex snails, purple was the color of royalty, wealth, and power in the ancient Near East (Jdg 8:26, Esth 8:15). Its inclusion symbolizes the Tabernacle's majestic and sovereign nature, befitting a dwelling place for the King of kings.
• scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי, tola'at shani): This vibrant red dye came from the kermes insect. It signifies richness, life, and blood. In a liturgical context, it can represent life, vibrancy, and occasionally atonement or cleansing, depending on the context (Lev 14:4, Isa 1:18). Here, it contributes to the opulent beauty of the holy coverings.
• fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh): High-quality, white linen from Egypt. Symbolizes purity, holiness, righteousness, and luxury. It was used for priestly garments, the inner coverings of the Tabernacle, and outer court hangings (Exo 28:5-8, Exo 39:27).
• goats' hair (עִזִּים, izzim): This material, less precious than the dyed fabrics but durable, was commonly used for tents by nomadic peoples. It formed the second, innermost layer of the Tabernacle tent, providing both covering and practical utility against the elements. Its mundane quality next to the precious materials shows that all parts, valuable and humble, contribute to God's glory.
• red skins of rams (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, ‘orot elim me'addamim): Ram skins dyed red, providing a strong and visually distinct protective layer over the goat hair curtain. The process of dyeing (from adam, "red") suggests deliberate preparation. These skins formed an outer protective covering of the Tabernacle, providing durability and distinction.
• badgers' skins (תְּחָשִׁים, tekheshim): This term is debated by scholars. While often translated "badger" or "sea cow/dugong" or "porpoise/dolphin" hides, the precise animal is uncertain. What is clear is that these skins were used for the outermost, most durable, and weatherproof covering of the Tabernacle (Num 4:6-12). They provided protection from harsh weather, signifying God's protected sanctuary and practical needs met. Its dark color (perhaps even black) would make it stark in contrast to the beauty inside, hinting at God's hidden glory.
• brought them (הֵבִיאוּ, hevi'u): A simple verb indicating the physical act of presenting the items. It emphasizes the completed action and the willing fulfillment of the instruction, reflecting the generous spirit of the contributors (Exo 35:21).

• blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen: This group represents the luxurious, symbolically rich textiles essential for the inner sanctum and priestly attire. Their combination signifies the royalty, holiness, beauty, and heavenly nature associated with God's dwelling, distinct from common materials.
• goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins: These form a distinct group of more rugged, durable, and protective materials for the external coverings of the Tabernacle. They highlight the practical aspects of its construction—endurance against the elements and longevity—balancing beauty with utility.
• And every man... brought them: This phrase underlines the inclusive, voluntary, and participatory nature of the Tabernacle offering. It was a communal act, demonstrating unity and shared commitment to the sacred task, in contrast to the individual and corporate failings at Mount Sinai prior to this.

Exodus 35 23 Bonus section

The collection of these materials represents the first "capital campaign" for God's dwelling in biblical history, and notably, it was characterized by immense willingness and abundance, rather than compulsion. The Israelites possessed these specific and valuable items likely from the spoils of their exodus from Egypt, consecrated back to God. This act of giving highlights a transformation of heart from the golden calf idolatry (Exo 32) where gold was used for apostasy, to using precious materials for God's glory. The inclusion of diverse materials, from luxurious dyes to animal hides, showcases the completeness required for God's service and points to the truth that every type of gift and resource can be consecrated for divine purposes, echoing the spiritual sacrifices believers are to offer in the New Covenant.

Exodus 35 23 Commentary

Exodus 35:23 illustrates the powerful effect of a divinely stirred heart upon a community. After receiving specific instructions from the LORD for the Tabernacle's construction, the Israelites responded with an overflow of generosity. This verse specifically lists materials essential for the various layers of the Tabernacle and the sacred priestly garments. The materials range from the finest and most symbolically rich—like the rare blue, purple, and scarlet threads, and fine linen, signifying holiness, royalty, and the divine presence—to the more practical and durable, such as goats' hair and animal skins for external protection. This comprehensive giving demonstrated their restored covenant faithfulness and deep devotion, providing every necessary component for a dwelling place fit for the Most High. The willing offering shows that God's people were ready to offer their most valuable possessions and common resources for His service, each material, regardless of perceived value, serving a vital role in the holistic construction of His sanctuary. It reminds believers today that diverse gifts, both aesthetic and utilitarian, are to be offered freely to build up the spiritual house of God.