New International VersionEveryone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them.
New Living TranslationAll 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.
English Standard VersionAnd every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them.
Berean Standard BibleEveryone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd 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.
New American Standard BibleEveryone who was in possession of violet, purple, or scarlet material or fine linen or goats’ hair, or rams’ skins dyed red or fine leather, brought them.
NASB 1995Every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them.
NASB 1977And every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them.
Amplified BibleEvery man who had in his possession blue or purple or scarlet fabric, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them.
Christian Standard BibleEveryone who possessed blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or fine leather, brought them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleEveryone who had in his possession blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or manatee skins, brought them.
American Standard VersionAnd every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red, and sealskins, brought them.
Contemporary English VersionEveryone brought their blue, purple, and red wool, their fine linen, and their cloth made of goat hair, as well as their ram skins dyed red and their fine leather.
English Revised VersionAnd every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red, and sealskins, brought them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThose who had violet, purple, or bright red yarn, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, or fine leather brought them.
Good News TranslationEveryone who had fine linen; blue, purple, or red wool; cloth of goats' hair; rams' skin dyed red; or fine leather, brought it.
International Standard VersionEveryone who had blue, purple, and scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and dolphin skins brought them.
NET BibleEveryone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen, goats' hair, ram skins dyed red, or fine leather brought them.
New Heart English BibleEveryone, with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEveryone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.
World English BibleEveryone with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd every man with whom has been found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats’ [hair], and rams’ skins made red, and tachashim skins, have brought [them] in;
Young's Literal Translation And every man with whom hath been found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins made red, and badgers' skins, have brought them in;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd every man with whom was found cerulean purple, and red purple, and double scarlet, and byssus, and goats' hair, and skins of rams made red, and tahash skins, brought. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf any man had violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, fine linen and goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and violet coloured skins,
Catholic Public Domain VersionIf anyone had hyacinth, and purple, and twice-dyed scarlet, fine linen and the hair of goats, the skins of rams, dyed red, and violet skins,
New American BibleEveryone who happened to have violet, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen or goat hair, rams’ skins dyed red or tahash skins, brought them.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd everyone who possessed blue or purple or crimson yarn or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or fine leather, brought them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd every man with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet material, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and dark blue skins, brought them.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd every man with whom was found blue and purple and dye of scarlet and fine linen, and hair of goats and skins of rams that are dyed red, and skins of sky blue, brought something. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red, and sealskins, brought them.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd all as many as brought ornaments of gold to the Lord, and with whomsoever fine linen was found; and they brought skins dyed blue, and rams' skins dyed red.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The People Offer Gifts… 22So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. 23Everyonewhohadblue,purple,or scarlet yarn,or fine linen,goat hair,ramskinsdyed red,or articles of fine leather,brought them.24And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it.…
Cross References Exodus 25:2-7“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. / This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; ...
Exodus 31:1-11Then the LORD said to Moses, / “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ...
Exodus 36:1-7“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.” / Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work. / They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning, ...
1 Chronicles 29:2-9Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance. / Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple: / three thousand talents of gold (the gold of Ophir) and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings, ...
2 Chronicles 2:7-14Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided. / Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours / to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. ...
2 Chronicles 24:10-14All the officers and all the people rejoiced and brought their contributions, and they dropped them in the chest until it was full. / Whenever the chest was brought by the Levites to the king’s overseers and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal scribe and the officer of the high priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this daily and gathered the money in abundance. / Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money to those who supervised the labor on the house of the LORD to hire stonecutters and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, as well as workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. ...
Ezra 1:4-6And let every survivor, wherever he lives, be assisted by the men of that region with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, along with a freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.’” / So the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priests and Levites—everyone whose spirit God had stirred—prepared to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. / And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuables, in addition to all their freewill offerings.
Nehemiah 7:70-72Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments. / And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. / The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments.
Isaiah 60:6-7Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. / All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.
Isaiah 60:13The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet.
1 Kings 6:14-18So Solomon built the temple and finished it. / He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypress boards. / He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. ...
1 Kings 7:13-51Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. / He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work. / He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. ...
2 Kings 12:4-15Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. / Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.” / By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. ...
Matthew 2:11On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Mark 12:41-44As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ...
Treasury of Scripture 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 35:6-10 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats'hair, … Exodus 25:2-7 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering… 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whomprecious stones were found gavethem to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. Jump to Previous BadgersBestBlueByssusColouredCowDyedFineFoundGoatGoatsHairHidesLinenMaterialPossessionPurpleRamRamsRedScarletSeaSealskinsSheepskinsSkinsStuffTannedYarnJump to Next BadgersBestBlueByssusColouredCowDyedFineFoundGoatGoatsHairHidesLinenMaterialPossessionPurpleRamRamsRedScarletSeaSealskinsSheepskinsSkinsStuffTannedYarnExodus 35 1.The Sabbath4.The free gifts for the tabernacle20.The readiness of the people to offer30.Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the workEveryone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linenIn the ancient Near East, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns were highly valued due to the labor-intensive process of dyeing. Blue dye was often derived from the murex snail, while purple was a symbol of royalty and wealth. Scarlet, a vivid red, was also a costly dye. Fine linen was a luxury fabric, often associated with purity and righteousness. These materials were used in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling place. The use of these colors and materials is echoed in Revelation 19:8, where fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. goat hair
Goat hair was a common material in the ancient world, used for making tents and garments due to its durability and availability. In the context of the Tabernacle, goat hair was used for the tent covering, providing protection and insulation. This practical material highlights the provision and care of God for His people, ensuring that His dwelling place was both beautiful and functional. ram skins dyed red
Ram skins dyed red were used as an outer covering for the Tabernacle, symbolizing sacrifice and atonement. The red dye likely came from natural sources such as madder root or insects like the kermes. The ram, often associated with sacrifice (as seen inGenesis 22 with Abraham and Isaac), points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). or articles of fine leather
Fine leather, possibly referring to the hides of sea cows or other durable animals, was used for the outermost covering of the Tabernacle. This provided additional protection from the elements. The use of leather signifies the strength and resilience of God's covenant with His people, enduring through time and adversity. brought them
The act of bringing these materials was a voluntary offering from the Israelites, demonstrating their willingness to contribute to the work of God. This communal effort reflects the principle of giving found in2 Corinthians 9:7, where God loves a cheerful giver. The Israelites' generosity in providing for the Tabernacle foreshadows the New Testament church's call to support the work of the ministry and care for one another. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who were called to contribute materials for the Tabernacle. 3. TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people during their journey in the wilderness. 4. MaterialsBlue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and fine leather were all materials required for the construction of the Tabernacle. 5. WildernessThe setting where the Israelites were journeying and where the Tabernacle was to be constructed. Teaching Points Willingness to GiveThe Israelites were called to give willingly from what they had. This teaches us the importance of a willing heart in our service and offerings to God. Diversity of GiftsThe variety of materials shows that God values different contributions. Each person’s unique gifts and resources are important in the body of Christ. Symbolism of MaterialsThe colors and materials have symbolic meanings (e.g., blue for divinity, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice) that point to the character and work of Christ. Community InvolvementThe construction of the Tabernacle was a community effort, reminding us of the importance of working together in the church. Obedience to God’s InstructionsThe detailed instructions for the Tabernacle highlight the importance of following God’s commands precisely. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 35:23?
2.How does Exodus 35:23 encourage us to use our resources for God's work?
3.What materials were offered in Exodus 35:23, and why were they significant?
4.How can we apply the willingness of the Israelites in our giving today?
5.What other biblical examples show generosity in giving to God's purposes?
6.How does Exodus 35:23 reflect the importance of community in serving God?
7.What is the significance of the materials listed in Exodus 35:23 for the Tabernacle's construction?
8.How does Exodus 35:23 reflect the Israelites' willingness to contribute to God's work?
9.Why were specific materials like acacia wood and fine linen chosen in Exodus 35:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35?
11.(Exodus 35) From a historical or archeological standpoint, where did the wandering Israelites obtain such large quantities of gold, silver, and other precious materials?
12.Exodus 37:1-9: How could ancient desert nomads craft such detailed cherubim from pure gold with the tools and resources supposedly available?
13.Why does Luke 23:45 record the temple curtain tearing from top to bottom if no Jewish historian mentions such a monumental event?
14.Exodus 40:2 - How could Moses effectively assemble such a sophisticated structure in the desert with limited resources?What Does Exodus 35:23 Mean Everyone who had- Moses records, “Everyone who had” (Exodus 35:23a), underscoring that the call was open to the whole nation, not a select guild of artisans. - Freewill giving stands out as the pattern: “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him” (Exodus 25:2). - Paul later echoes the same principle: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God’s work invites willing participants, never coerced donors.
blue, purple, or scarlet yarn- These richly colored threads were essential for weaving the tabernacle curtains and priestly garments (Exodus 26:1; 28:6). - Blue often reminds us of heaven and God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-39). - Purple speaks of royalty (Judges 8:26;John 19:2-3). - Scarlet brings to mind sacrifice and atonement—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, whose robe was mockingly scarlet (Matthew 27:28) yet whose blood truly cleanses (Revelation 1:5). - The Israelites’ willingness to part with such precious dyes showed that honoring God mattered more than personal luxury.
or fine linen- Fine linen, spun from Egyptian flax, pictured purity and righteous deeds (Revelation 19:8). - It formed the priestly tunics (Exodus 28:39-43). By donating their finest fabric, the people acknowledged God’s demand for holiness in worship.
goat hair- Coarser than linen, goat hair was perfect for the weather-resistant tent covering (Exodus 26:7-13). - Even humble materials had a sacred purpose, reflecting Paul’s later statement that “God composed the body… so that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25). Every gift, simple or splendid, counts.
ram skins dyed red- Rams figured prominently in substitutionary sacrifice (Leviticus 8:18). - Their red-dyed skins served as an outer layer over the tabernacle (Exodus 26:14), continually reminding Israel that access to God requires shed blood (Hebrews 9:22).
articles of fine leather- The phrase likely refers to durable hides, placed above the ram-skin layer for ultimate protection (Exodus 25:5; 26:14). - Just as sturdy leather shielded the sanctuary, so God shields His people: “Under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4).
brought them- The verse ends simply: they “brought them” (Exodus 35:23). Obedience moved from intention to action. - Later, their generosity became so abundant that Moses had to restrain them (Exodus 36:5-7). - David voiced the same humble amazement: “Who am I… that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). - The New Testament church mirrored it—“There were no needy persons among them” because believers willingly laid possessions at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:34-35).
summaryExodus 35:23 portrays a community joyfully giving diverse, valuable, and practical materials for God’s dwelling. Each item—luxurious yarns, pure linen, rugged goat hair, atoning ram skins, protective leather—speaks to different facets of worship: majesty, purity, humility, sacrifice, and security. Above all, the verse celebrates hearts stirred by the Lord, proving that when His people freely offer what they have, He supplies everything needed for His glorious presence among them. (23) Red skins of rams.--Rather, rams' skins dyed red,as the same words are translated in Exodus 25:5; Exodus 35:7. Badgers' skins.--See Note 2 onExodus 25:5. Verse 23. - Red skins of rams. The words are the same as those translated "rams' skins dyed red" in Exodus 25:5. The earlier rendering is the better one. Badger skins. Rather, "seal skins." See the comment on Exodus 25:5.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Everyoneוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywhoאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathadאִתּ֗וֹ(’it·tōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongblue,תְּכֵ֧לֶת(tə·ḵê·leṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504:The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewithpurple,וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן(wə·’ar·gā·mān)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 713:Purple, red-purpleor scarlet yarn,וְתוֹלַ֥עַת(wə·ṯō·w·la·‘aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8438:The crimson-grub, of the color, from it, cloths dyed therewithor fine linen,וְשֵׁ֣שׁ(wə·šêš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8336:Bleached stuff, white linen, marblegoat hair,וְעִזִּ֑ים(wə·‘iz·zîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5795:Female goatramאֵילִ֧ם(’ê·lim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 352:Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong treeskinsוְעֹרֹ֨ת(wə·‘ō·rōṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5785:Skin, hide, leatherdyed red,מְאָדָּמִ֛ים(mə·’ād·dā·mîm)Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 119:Flush, turn rosyor articles of fine leatherתְּחָשִׁ֖ים(tə·ḥā·šîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8476:Perhaps porpoise (a kind of leather or skin)brought them.הֵבִֽיאוּ׃(hê·ḇî·’ū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go
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OT Law: Exodus 35:23 Everyone with whom was found blue purple (Exo. Ex) |
