Old Testament
Exodus 35:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everyone whose heart was stirred and whose spirit was willing came back and brought an offering to the LORD for the construction of the tabernacle, for all its furnishings, and for the sacred garments.
Compare translations
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.
What Exodus 35:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a community coming together, motivated by their hearts and spirits. They felt a deep desire to contribute to something greater than themselves—the construction of the tabernacle, a sacred space for worship. Each person brought what they could, whether it was materials or skills, showing that everyone has a role to play. This act of giving was not forced; it came from a genuine willingness to support their shared purpose. Their contributions were not just physical items but also represented their commitment and devotion. This moment highlights the power of collective effort fueled by passion and purpose. It reminds us that when we are inspired, we can achieve remarkable things together, creating spaces that honor our values and beliefs. The act of giving becomes a personal expression of faith and community, showing how individual actions can lead to significant outcomes when united by a common goal. This spirit of generosity and collaboration is essential for building a strong and vibrant community.
How to apply Exodus 35:21 to your life
Consider what inspires you to give or contribute to your community. Reflect on how your unique skills and resources can support a shared goal. Remember, even small acts of kindness can make a big difference when combined with the efforts of others. Your willingness to participate matters greatly in creating positive change. Embrace the spirit of giving in your daily life, and watch how it transforms your community and yourself.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 35:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 35:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 35:21 mean?
Exodus 35:21 describes how individuals in the community were inspired to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle. It emphasizes that their offerings were given willingly, reflecting their commitment to a shared sacred purpose.
What is the significance of the phrase 'heart was stirred' in Exodus 35:21?
The phrase 'heart was stirred' indicates that the people felt a deep emotional and spiritual motivation to give. It highlights the importance of personal inspiration and willingness in acts of generosity.
How does Exodus 35:21 relate to community involvement?
Exodus 35:21 illustrates how community involvement thrives when individuals are inspired to contribute. It shows that when people feel passionate about a cause, their combined efforts can lead to meaningful outcomes.
What can we learn from Exodus 35:21 about giving?
From Exodus 35:21, we learn that giving should come from a place of genuine willingness and inspiration. It teaches that every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in achieving a common goal.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.