So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that both men and women gave freely, but it's easy to miss that the jewelry they offered—bracelets, earrings, and rings—was likely the primary form of currency or wealth for many at that time. By willingly giving up these highly valued personal adornments, they demonstrated an extraordinary commitment, showing that their devotion to God outweighed even their most prized possessions.
So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Moses' instructions for building the Tabernacle, the people enthusiastically responded with willing hearts, bringing their most precious gold items as offerings. This wasn't just about any gold, but specifically their personal adornments like bracelets, earrings, and rings, demonstrating a deep devotion that prioritized God’s dwelling over their own status symbols. The text highlights this generosity from both men and women, showcasing a unified community eager to contribute to God's sacred space.
What does it mean for an offering to be 'of a willing heart'? Discover the true spirit behind the Tabernacle's construction.
This passage emphasizes that the gifts for the Tabernacle weren't just items; they were expressions of a deeply willing heart. The text says, 'All who were of a willing heart brought...' (Exodus 35:22). This wasn't about obligation or being forced; it was about a voluntary, cheerful giving. It's fascinating to see that the original language uses phrases like 'every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing' (Exodus 35:21). This highlights an internal motivation, a spirit moved by God to give generously. It teaches us that true offerings to God come from a place of freedom and joy, not compulsion. God values the heart behind the gift just as much, if not more, than the gift itself.
Discover the surprising value and significance of the 'gold objects' brought for the Tabernacle.
The Israelites brought 'brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects' (Exodus 35:22). These weren't just spare change! Many scholars point out that in that ancient culture, personal gold ornaments were significant markers of wealth and status. For men and women alike to willingly part with these cherished possessions – the very things they wore daily to signify their standing – was a profound act of sacrifice. It demonstrated that their devotion to God and His dwelling place was more valuable to them than their personal adornment or societal prestige. It was a tangible way of laying down their 'best' for God's purposes.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
nadab · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Refers to a disposition characterized by spontaneous, generous, and unforced devotion to the Lord. It signifies a person who gives not out of obligation, but out of a sincere desire to honor God.
This passage highlights the principle of giving cheerfully and generously, directly mirroring the 'willing heart' described in Exodus, emphasizing that offerings are pleasing to God when given with joy, not obligation.
Matthew 6:21Jesus said, 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' The people in Exodus demonstrating extraordinary generosity with their gold shows a profound redirection of their hearts and treasures toward God and His purposes.
Philippians 2:3-4This passage calls believers to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others as more significant than themselves. The voluntary and selfless giving of valuable personal ornaments for the Tabernacle exemplifies this selfless spirit.
1 Chronicles 29:14David's prayer expresses that all things come from God and that offerings are a response to His bounty and grace. This echoes the spirit of Exodus 35, where the people gave back to God what they had received, recognizing Him as the ultimate source.
Mark 12:41-44The story of the widow's mite illustrates how God values the heart and the proportion of the gift, not just the amount. The people in Exodus, both men and women, brought what they had, showing that willing hearts can give sacrificially, regardless of the quantity.
jfbExodus 35:22: "And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD."
- they came, both men and women, &c.—literally, "the men over and above the women"; a phraseology which implies that the women acted a prominent part, presented their offerings first, and then were followed by as many of their male companions as were similarly d…
gillExodus 35:22: "And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD."
And they came both men and women, as many as were willing hearted,.... And none else were asked to come; and this supposes, that as there were many of both sexes that were quite cordial, and heartily willing to contribute to the uttermost of what they had for this…
The verse highlights that both men and women gave freely, but it's easy to miss that the jewelry they offered—bracelets, earrings, and rings—was likely the primary form of currency or wealth for many at that time. By willingly giving up these highly valued personal adornments, they demonstrated an extraordinary commitment, showing that their devotion to God outweighed even their most prized possessions.
Following Moses' instructions for building the Tabernacle, the people enthusiastically responded with willing hearts, bringing their most precious gold items as offerings. This wasn't just about any gold, but specifically their personal adornments like bracelets, earrings, and rings, demonstrating a deep devotion that prioritized God’s dwelling over their own status symbols. The text highlights this generosity from both men and women, showcasing a unified community eager to contribute to God's sacred space.
Following Moses' instructions for building the Tabernacle, the people enthusiastically responded with willing hearts, bringing their most precious gold items as offerings. This wasn't just about any gold, but specifically their personal adornments like bracelets, earrings, and rings, demonstrating a deep devotion that prioritized God’s dwelling over their own status symbols. The text highlights this generosity from both men and women, showcasing a unified community eager to contribute to God's sacred space.
"So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the LORD." — The verse highlights that both men and women gave freely, but it's easy to miss that the jewelry they offered—bracelets, earrings, and rings—was likely the primary form of currency or wealth for many…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026