And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that these women aren't just passively contributing; they're actively spinning the materials needed. The phrase "wise-hearted" points to their skill and ingenuity, suggesting God values the practical, skilled labor of ordinary people as much as the grand gestures of leaders. This verse shows that every talent, even seemingly simple ones like spinning, can be dedicated to God's work and contribute to something beautiful and sacred.
And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After receiving detailed instructions from Moses about building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the Israelites enthusiastically bring offerings. This section highlights the collective effort, with both men and women contributing their skills and possessions. Specifically, skilled women are shown diligently spinning various colored yarns and fine linen, demonstrating their vital role in preparing the materials for this sacred structure.
The text highlights women who were 'wise-hearted.' What does this phrase really mean in the context of contributing to God's Tabernacle?
The phrase 'wise-hearted' (Hebrew: chokmah) here refers to more than just innate talent or technical skill. It signifies a deep, practical wisdom and ingenuity that God imparts. It’s a readiness and a capability to understand and execute a task, especially one that is pleasing to God.
These women weren't just dabblers; they possessed a God-given aptitude for spinning. This wasn't just a hobby; it was a craft they were skilled in, and their wisdom lay in applying that skill to the sacred work of the Tabernacle. It’s a reminder that our God-given abilities, no matter how seemingly ordinary, can be dedicated to extraordinary purposes.
The people brought their finest materials, but also their personal efforts. What does this reveal about their hearts?
The contributions to the Tabernacle weren't just about wealth; they were profoundly about the willingness of the heart. Both the precious materials like blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and the fine linen, were offered freely. But the women’s spinning represents a different, yet equally valuable, offering: their labor, skill, and time.
This was not a forced contribution but a 'willing offering,' as verse 29 states. The women actively participated by bringing what they had spun, demonstrating their personal investment and deep desire to be part of God's dwelling place. This teaches us that God values not only what we give but also the spirit in which we give it – with a willing and joyful heart.
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Understand the original words
chakam · Hebrew Adjective
A person who possesses wisdom, intelligence, or technical expertise. In a spiritual context, it describes those who have been gifted by God to use their talents for the service of His kingdom.
This passage highlights the diligent and skillful work of a godly woman, similar to the women in Exodus who used their talents for God's work.
1 Chronicles 29:5This verse speaks of a willing offering for the house of God, echoing the voluntary and heartfelt contributions described in Exodus 35.
2 Corinthians 9:7This New Testament passage emphasizes giving cheerfully and generously, reflecting the spirit of the Israelites who brought their offerings for the Tabernacle.
Philippians 2:3The call to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others as more significant than yourselves, aligns with the selfless dedication shown by the skilled women in spinning for the Tabernacle.
gillExodus 35:25: "And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen."
And all the women that were wise hearted,.... That were ingenious, and had a good hand at spinning particularly, these were of the common and lower sort; the more honourable and richer sort of women are before mentioned, as bringing jewels or ornaments of gold of different sorts: but these were such who did spin…
calvinExodus 35:20-35: "And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses."
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
Veneruntque vir quem extulit cor suum, qui liberalis fuit spiritu suo: attuleruntque oblationem ad opus tabernaculi conventionis, et ad omne opus…
What's striking here is that these women aren't just passively contributing; they're actively spinning the materials needed. The phrase "wise-hearted" points to their skill and ingenuity, suggesting God values the practical, skilled labor of ordinary people as much as the grand gestures of leaders. This verse shows that every talent, even seemingly simple ones like spinning, can be dedicated to God's work and contribute to something beautiful and sacred.
After receiving detailed instructions from Moses about building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the Israelites enthusiastically bring offerings. This section highlights the collective effort, with both men and women contributing their skills and possessions. Specifically, skilled women are shown diligently spinning various colored yarns and fine linen, demonstrating their vital role in preparing the materials for this sacred structure.
After receiving detailed instructions from Moses about building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the Israelites enthusiastically bring offerings. This section highlights the collective effort, with both men and women contributing their skills and possessions. Specifically, skilled women are shown diligently spinning various colored yarns and fine linen, demonstrating their vital role in preparing the materials for this sacred structure.
"And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen." — What's striking here is that these women aren't just passively contributing; they're actively spinning the materials needed. The phrase "wise-hearted" points to their skill and ingenuity, suggestin…
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Last reviewed October 2026