Exodus 38:23
Exodus 38:23 in Multiple Translations
With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.
And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.
And with him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skilful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in fine linen.
And with him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; a designer and a trained workman, expert in needlework of blue and purple and red and the best linen.
He was assisted by Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer using blue, purple, and crimson thread and finely-woven linen.
And with him Aholiab sonne of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, a cunning workeman and an embroiderer and a worker of needle work in blew silke, and in purple, and in skarlet, and in fine linen.
and with him [is] Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and designer, and embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in linen.
With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.
And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.
Having for his companion Ooliab the son of Achisamech of the tribe of Dan: who also was an excellent artificer in wood, and worker in tapestry and embroidery in violet, purple, scarlet, and fine linen.
Bezalel’s helper was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Oholiab was a skilled engraver who made artistic things. He made fine white linen, and he embroidered designs using blue, purple, and red yarn/thread. He also made other cloth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 38:23
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 38:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִתּ֗/וֹ
אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב
בֶּן
אֲחִיסָמָ֛ךְ
לְ/מַטֵּה
דָ֖ן
חָרָ֣שׁ
וְ/חֹשֵׁ֑ב
וְ/רֹקֵ֗ם
בַּ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙
וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
וּ/בְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
וּ/בַ/שֵּֽׁשׁ
וְ/אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep | Suff
אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב
ʼOhŏlîyʼâb
H171
Oholiab
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִיסָמָ֛ךְ
ʼĂchîyçâmâk
H294
Ahisamach
N-proper
לְ/מַטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Prep | N-ms
דָ֖ן
Dân
H1835
Dan
N-proper
חָרָ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
artificer
N-ms
וְ/חֹשֵׁ֑ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
Conj | V-Qal
וְ/רֹקֵ֗ם
râqam
H7551
to weave
Conj | V-Qal
בַּ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
Prep | N-fs
וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
ʼargâmân
H713
purple
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/בְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
Conj | Prep | N-fs
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
Art | N-ms
וּ/בַ/שֵּֽׁשׁ
shêsh
H8336
alabaster
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 38:23
וְ/אִתּ֗/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אָהֳלִיאָ֞ב
ʼOhŏlîyʼâb
H171
"Oholiab"
N-proper
Oholiab was an Israelite who helped build the tabernacle, working with Bezaleel. His name means 'Father's tent' and he is first mentioned in Exodus 31:6.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.31.6; son of: Ahisamach (H0294) § Aholiab = "Father's tent" chief assistant of Bezaleel in construction of the tabernacle
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Aholiab. See also: Exodus 31:6; Exodus 36:1; Exodus 38:23.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲחִיסָמָ֛ךְ
ʼĂchîyçâmâk
H294
"Ahisamach"
N-proper
Ahisamach was an Israelite who lived during the time of the Exodus and Wilderness. He was the father of Oholiab, a skilled workman on the tabernacle, and is first mentioned in Exodus 31:6.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.31.6; father of: Oholiab (H0171) § Ahisamach = "my brother is support (has supported)" a Danite, father of Aholiab, a workman on the tabernacle
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ahisamach. See also: Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:34; Exodus 38:23.
לְ/מַטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
דָ֖ן
Dân
H1835
"Dan"
N-proper
Dan was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan was known for its skills in warfare and is mentioned in the book of Genesis.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Dan living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.6; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Naphtali (H5321); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hushim (H2366B) § Dan = "a judge" 1) the 5th son of Jacob, the 1st of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid 2) the tribe descended from Dan, the son of Jacob 3) a city in Dan, the most northern landmark of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: Daniel See also: Genesis 14:14; Judges 13:25; Jeremiah 4:15.
חָרָ֣שׁ
chârâsh
H2796
"artificer"
N-ms
A chârâsh was a skilled craftsman or artisan, able to work with various materials like wood or metal. This term is used in the Bible to describe carpenters, engravers, and other skilled workers.
Definition: 1) craftsman, artisan, engraver, graver, artificer 1a) graver, artificer 1b) skilful to destroy (warriors) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: artificer, ([phrase]) carpenter, craftsman, engraver, maker, [phrase] mason, skilful, ([phrase]) smith, worker, workman, such as wrought. See also: Exodus 28:11; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 40:19.
וְ/חֹשֵׁ֑ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Conj | V-Qal
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
וְ/רֹקֵ֗ם
râqam
H7551
"to weave"
Conj | V-Qal
The Hebrew word for weaving or embroidering, often used to describe intricate or colorful designs. In Exodus 35:35, it refers to the skilled work of embroiderers making priestly garments. The KJV translates it as 'embroiderer' or 'needlework'.
Definition: 1) to variegate, mix colours 1a) (Qal) variegator (worker in colours) (participle) 1b) (Pual) to be skilfully wrought or woven
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: embroiderer, needlework, curiously work. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 36:37; Psalms 139:15.
בַּ/תְּכֵ֨לֶת֙
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
Prep | N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
וּ/בָֽ/אַרְגָּמָ֔ן
ʼargâmân
H713
"purple"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.
וּ/בְ/תוֹלַ֥עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
הַ/שָּׁנִ֖י
shânîy
H8144
"scarlet"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
וּ/בַ/שֵּֽׁשׁ
shêsh
H8336
"alabaster"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to fine white linen or marble, often used to describe the luxurious clothing and buildings of ancient times, like the Temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: alabaster, similar stone, marble, material of pavement
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk. See also: Genesis 41:42; Exodus 36:35; Proverbs 31:22.
Study Notes — Exodus 38:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 38:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:23
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:23
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 38:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:23
Context — An Inventory of Materials
21This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
22Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything that the LORD had commanded Moses.
23With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.
24All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. 25The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 35:34 | And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. |
| 2 | Exodus 31:6 | Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you: |
Exodus 38:23 Summary
This verse tells us about Oholiab, a skilled craftsman who worked with Bezalel to build the tabernacle. Oholiab was an expert in engraving, designing, and embroidering with beautiful colors and fine linen. Just like Oholiab, we all have special talents and skills that God wants us to use to serve Him and others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). By working together and using our unique gifts, we can create something truly beautiful and pleasing to God, just as the Israelites did when they built the tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Oholiab play in the construction of the tabernacle?
Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, worked alongside Bezalel as an engraver, designer, and embroiderer, skilled in working with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, as seen in Exodus 38:23. His skills were a valuable asset to the project, as instructed by the Lord (Exodus 31:6).
Why were Bezalel and Oholiab chosen for this task?
Bezalel and Oholiab were chosen by God for their skills and abilities, as stated in Exodus 35:30-35, where it is written that God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him the skills needed for the construction of the tabernacle. Oholiab's partnership with Bezalel demonstrates the importance of teamwork and collaboration in fulfilling God's plans.
What can we learn from Oholiab's expertise in embroidery and design?
Oholiab's expertise in embroidery and design reminds us of the value of creativity and attention to detail in our work, as seen in Exodus 28:1-5, where the priestly garments required intricate designs and craftsmanship. This attention to detail reflects the beauty and perfection of God's creation (Psalm 19:1-6).
How does Oholiab's tribe of origin relate to the construction of the tabernacle?
Oholiab, being from the tribe of Dan, shows that the construction of the tabernacle was a collective effort, involving people from different tribes, demonstrating unity and cooperation among God's people, as seen in Exodus 35:20-29, where people from all the tribes contributed to the construction of the tabernacle.
Reflection Questions
- What skills or talents has God given me, and how can I use them to serve Him and others?
- In what ways can I, like Oholiab, work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal, and what are the benefits of teamwork in fulfilling God's plans?
- How can I, in my daily life, reflect the beauty and perfection of God's creation, as seen in the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the tabernacle?
- What can I learn from the example of Oholiab, who used his expertise to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle, and how can I apply this to my own life and service to God?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 38:23
And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan,.... Of him see Exodus 31:6 an engraver; of precious stones, as those in the ephod and breastplate: and a cunning workman; in devising
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 38:23
And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen. And with him was Aholiab.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 38:23
(23) Aholiab . . . an engraver.—This is a mistranslation. Khârâsh means a worker in any material whatsoever. It should be rendered artificer, as it is in 1 Chronicles 29:5; 2 Chronicles 34:11. A cunning workman.—Literally, a deviser; but the root is used especially of the devising of textile fabrics. (See Exodus 26:1; Exodus 26:31; Exodus 28:6; Exodus 28:15; Exodus 36:8; Exodus 36:35; Exodus 39:3, &c.)
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 38:23
23. a craftsman, and a pattern-weaver, &c.] as Exodus 35:35.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 38:23
See Exodus 35:35 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 38:23
THE ALTAR OF BURNT , Exodus 38:1-7. See notes on Exodus 27:1-7. THE LAVER, Exodus 38:8. See notes on Exodus 30:17-21. THE COURT OF THE , Exodus 38:9-20. See notes on Exodus 27:9-19.