Oholiab and Bezalel
Exodus 31:1-11
Exo.31.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exodus 35:30-35 (verbal): Direct repetition of the appointment of Bezalel and the description that God has filled him with the Spirit, wisdom, and skill for the work of the tabernacle (closely parallels the material immediately following Exod 31:1).
- Exodus 28:3 (verbal): Uses very similar language about God filling "wise‑hearted" craftsmen with the spirit of wisdom to make sacred garments—parallel verbal motif of divine endowment for skilled sacred work.
- Numbers 11:16-17,25 (thematic): God instructs Moses to gather elders and places some of the Spirit that was on Moses upon them—a parallel theme of God distributing his spirit to empower others for leadership or specialized tasks.
- 1 Chronicles 28:12 (thematic): David declares that the plans for the temple were from the Spirit put in his heart—a thematic parallel of divine inspiration/guidance directing temple/tabernacle design and skilled workmanship.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
- And the LORD said to Moses:
Exo.31.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- קראתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בצלאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אורי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Exodus 35:30-35 (quotation): Repeats the commissioning of Bezalel (and Oholiab) and explicitly states God filled him with the Spirit, wisdom, and skill to execute the work—verbal and conceptual parallel to Exod 31:2.
- Exodus 36:1 (structural): Narrative continuation in which Bezalel (with Oholiab) begins the actual construction of the tabernacle items, showing the practical outworking of the commission in Exod 31:2.
- Exodus 31:1,6 (verbal): Immediate intra‑chapter parallel: vv.1 and 6 name and appoint Bezalel and Oholiab and specify their roles—same pericope repeating key names and functions.
- Exodus 28:3 (thematic): God’s gifting of skilled craftsmen to make sacred, cultic objects (here priestly garments) parallels the theme of divine endowment of artisanship given to Bezalel for the tabernacle.
Alternative generated candidates
- See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
- See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
Exo.31.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמלא: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בחכמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובתבונה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובדעת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- מלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 35:31-35 (quotation): Near-verbatim repetition of Exod 31:3 concerning Bezalel: God fills him with the Spirit and grants wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill in all workmanship.
- Exodus 36:1 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation that repeats the divine commissioning and the Spirit‑endowment of Bezalel and Oholiab to carry out the work.
- Isaiah 11:2 (verbal): Similar triad of Spirit‑gifts—'wisdom and understanding (and knowledge...)'—echoing the language and idea of Spirit‑bestowed wisdom and knowledge.
- 1 Kings 7:14 (thematic): Hiram (Huram) described as filled with wisdom and understanding to perform skilled workmanship for the king, paralleling the motif of God‑given skill to artisans.
- Numbers 11:17,25-26 (allusion): God distributes Moses’ Spirit to others so they are empowered for task‑leadership—an analogous motif of the divine Spirit being imparted to enable specific functions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I have filled him with the Spirit of God—with wisdom and understanding and knowledge and with every kind of craft;
- And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom and in understanding and in knowledge, and in every kind of craft:
Exo.31.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לחשב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחשבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- בזהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכסף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנחשת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.35:30-35 (quotation): Repeats and expands the same language about Bezalel being filled with skill and understanding to devise artistic designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze for the sanctuary.
- Exod.36:1 (structural): Continues the account of Bezalel and Aholiab as divinely endowed craftsmen who execute the work of the tabernacle, reflecting the same attribution of skill for metalwork.
- Exod.28:3 (verbal): Uses similar phrasing about ‘wise‑hearted’ persons filled with the spirit of wisdom to make sacred garments and work — linking divine impartation of skill for sacred craftsmanship.
- 1 Kgs.7:13-14 (thematic): Describes Hiram (Huram‑abi) and skilled artisans sent to work on Solomon’s temple in bronze and other metals, paralleling the theme of expert metalworkers employed for cultic construction.
- Exod.25:3 (thematic): Lists gold, silver, and bronze among the materials brought for the tabernacle, connecting the specified metals in Exod 31:4 with the supply of materials for sacred manufacture.
Alternative generated candidates
- To devise designs, to work in gold and in silver and in bronze;
- to devise designs, to work in gold and in silver and in bronze,
Exo.31.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובחרשת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלאת: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובחרשת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 35:30–35 (verbal): Repetition of the account that God filled Bezalel (and Oholiab) with the spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge to perform all the workmanship — nearly identical wording and context.
- Exodus 28:3 (verbal): God commissions and fills 'wise‑hearted' artisans with the spirit of wisdom to make Aaron's sacred garments — same idea of divinely endowed craftsmen for sacred work.
- Exodus 36:1 (structural): Describes the craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab, and others) actually beginning and carrying out the tabernacle work, showing the execution of the skilled tasks mentioned in Exod 31:5.
- Proverbs 22:29 (thematic): Praise of a skilled/diligent craftsman who 'stands before kings' — thematically parallels the value and honor of expert workmanship emphasized in Exod 31:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in stonecutting for setting and in woodwork, to do every kind of craft;
- and in stonework for setting, and in woodwork, to do every kind of work.
Exo.31.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- הנה: PART
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- אהליאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיסמך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובלב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועשו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צויתך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg,obj:2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 31:2-5 (verbal): Immediate context naming Bezalel and describing the divine endowment of skill, wisdom, and understanding to accomplish the work of the tabernacle.
- Exodus 35:30-35 (quotation): Repetition of the commissioning—God fills Bezalel (and Oholiab) with the Spirit, wisdom, and skill to perform every craft; language closely mirrors 31:6.
- Exodus 36:1-2 (structural): Narrative continuation showing the 'wise-hearted' artisans responding and beginning the construction work Moses commanded, demonstrating the practical effect of the giftedness described in 31:6.
- Exodus 28:3 (verbal): Uses the same designation 'wise-hearted' (or 'of skillful heart') whom God has filled, here to make the priestly garments—parallel language and function (divine gifting for sacred craftsmanship).
- 1 Kings 7:13-14 (allusion): Reports Huram-abi, a skilled craftsman 'born of a woman of the daughters of Dan,' linking the tribe of Dan with specialized artisanship and echoing Oholiab’s Danite identity and role as a master craftsman.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I—look—have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of every wise-hearted one I have put wisdom, and they shall make all that I have commanded you:
- And I—see—I have given with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise of heart I have put wisdom, and they shall make all that I have commanded you:
Exo.31.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- הארן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- הכפרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- האהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.25:8-9 (quotation): God's original command to build a 'dwelling place' (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) and the pattern for the tabernacle — directly parallels the identification of the tent of meeting here.
- Exod.25:10-22 (verbal): Gives the instructions for the ark of the testimony (אָרוֹן הָעֵדוּת) and the kapporet/mercy‑seat (כַּפֹּרֶת) — same items named in 31:7 and similar terminology.
- Exod.26:1-37 (structural): Detailed description of the tent (אֹהֶל) and its construction/features; parallels the mention of the tent of meeting and its furnishings in 31:7.
- Lev.16:2,13-15 (thematic): Focuses on the kapporet/mercy‑seat and its role in atonement before God’s presence — thematically connected to the mercy‑seat mentioned in 31:7.
- Exod.38:21-31 (structural): An inventory/account of the work and all the vessels of the tabernacle (כָּל־כֵּלֵי הָאֹהֶל), paralleling the catalogue-like reference to the ark, mercy‑seat and all the tent‑vessels in 31:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- The tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony and the atonement cover that is on it and all the furnishings of the tent;
- the Tent of Meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the cover that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent;
Exo.31.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הטהרה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקטרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.25:23-30 (verbal): Earliest instructions for the table and its utensils (the bread of the Presence), matching the listing of the table and its vessels in Exod 31:8.
- Exod.25:31-40 (verbal): Detailed command regarding the pure lampstand (menorah) and its design — the same lampstand named in Exod 31:8.
- Exod.30:1-10 (verbal): Specification for the altar of incense and its use before the veil; parallels the mention of the altar of incense in Exod 31:8.
- Exod.37:10-29 (structural): Account of Bezalel’s craftsmen making the lampstand, table, and altar of incense — a direct material realization of the objects listed in Exod 31:8.
- Lev.24:5-9 (thematic): Regulations for the showbread placed on the table of the Presence, thematically linked to the table and its utensils cited in Exod 31:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the table and its utensils and the pure lampstand and all its utensils and the altar of incense;
- the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand and all its utensils, and the altar of incense;
Exo.31.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הכיור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:3ms
Parallels
- Exodus 27:1-8 (verbal): Detailed instructions for the altar of burnt offering (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה) and its utensils—parallels the phrase “מזבח העלה ואת כל כליו” and lists the same cultic equipment.
- Exodus 30:18-21 (verbal): Commands to make the bronze laver (הַכִּיּוֹר) for the priests to wash at before service—directly parallels the mention of “הכיור” and its ritual function.
- Exodus 38:7-8 (structural): Narrative account of the craftsmen making the altar and the laver during the tabernacle’s construction (וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הַכִּיּוֹר), repeating the same items and formula as in Exodus 27–30.
- 1 Kings 7:23-26 (thematic): Description of Solomon’s temple lavers and supports (the “sea” and its bases) echoes the tabernacle’s laver and vessels—parallel in form, material (bronze), and cultic use.
- Hebrews 9:2-4 (allusion): New Testament summary of the tabernacle furnishings (altar, lampstand, table, and the things of the holy place) alludes to the Exodus lists and the cultic roles of the altar and laver mentioned here.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils and the basin and its stand;
- the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand;
Exo.31.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- בגדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- השרד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- בגדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הקדש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאהרן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- בגדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- לכהן: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Exodus 28:2 (verbal): Direct command to make 'holy garments' for Aaron for glory and beauty — parallels the instruction in 31:10 to provide priestly garments.
- Exodus 28:40 (verbal): Specifies garments for Aaron's sons to minister; echoes the phrase about clothing Aaron and his sons for priestly service.
- Exodus 39:29 (quotation): Narrative fulfillment: 'They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the LORD commanded Moses,' directly corresponds to the garments mentioned in 31:10.
- Leviticus 8:7 (structural): During the ordination ceremony Moses places the holy garments on Aaron, showing the functional use and ritual significance of the garments cited in 31:10.
- Leviticus 21:10 (thematic): Regulation that the high priest must wear the holy linen coat highlights the exclusive, sanctified status of priestly garments referred to in Exodus 31:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the finely woven garments and the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons for serving as priests;
- the service garments, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for serving as priests;
Exo.31.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המשחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הסמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לקדש: VERB,qal,inf
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צויתך: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- יעשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.30:25-31 (verbal): Gives the detailed command about the holy anointing oil and its sanctifying purpose—closely repeats the theme and language of ‘oil of anointing’ and ‘to make holy.’
- Exod.30:34-38 (verbal): Provides the prescription and divine command concerning the fragrant incense (קטרת הסמים) used for sanctification, parallel to the incense mentioned in Exod 31:11.
- Lev.8:10-12 (thematic): Narrates Moses’ use of the anointing oil to consecrate the tabernacle and Aaron—practical fulfillment of the commands about oil and sanctification.
- Lev.24:2 (thematic): Commands pure olive oil for the lampstand in the tabernacle; underscores the special, sacred status of oils used in cultic service, echoing the sanctifying function of the anointing oil.
- Ps.133:2 (allusion): Poetically evokes the anointing oil poured on Aaron (or the head) as a symbol of consecration and blessing—an allusive image linked to the cultic anointing and holiness language of Exod 31:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the anointing oil and the incense of spices for the holy place; according to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.
- and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices for sanctifying; according to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and in understanding and in knowledge and in every kind of workmanship,
to devise designs, to work in gold and in silver and in bronze,
and in stonecutting for setting, and in woodcraft, to do every kind of workmanship. And I—indeed—I have given with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of everyone who is wise of heart I have put wisdom, and they shall make all that I have commanded you:
the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the cover that is upon it, and all the furnishings of the tent;
and the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand and all its utensils, and the altar of incense;
and the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand;
and the woven garments of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons to serve as priests;
and the anointing oil, and the incense of spices for the sanctuary; according to all that I have commanded you, they shall do.