What does Exodus 36:7 mean?
ESV: for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
NIV: because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.
NASB: For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.
CSB: The materials were sufficient for them to do all the work. There was more than enough.
NLT: Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.
KJV: For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
NKJV: for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 36:2–7 describes the Israelites' willingness to work under Oholiab and Bezalel (Exodus 35:30, 34). These are the men assigned to supervise construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). The people's enthusiasm creates a flood of donations. Moses eventually asks them to stop contributing because the project already has more than enough material.
Chapter Summary:
Israel responds to the call for donations with enthusiasm. The people are so eager to donate that Moses must command the people to stop giving. Working under Bezalel, skilled workers begin following God's instructions for crafting the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). Most of these descriptions repeat the exact wording from God's command, rephrased as what Israel actually did.
Chapter Context:
After renewing the covenant (Exodus 34), Moses is passing along the Lord's commands regarding the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). This began with a call for materials and recently included the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab to supervise the project (Exodus 35). This and following chapters (Exodus 37—39) record Israel following those original instructions very closely. The text is virtually identical to the written designs recorded earlier (Exodus 25—31).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
Accessed 9/18/2025 12:10:43 PM
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