Old Testament

Exodus 36:5

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

They told him, "The people are bringing far more than we need to complete the work the LORD commanded."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

What Exodus 36:5 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, the workers report to Moses that the people are contributing an overwhelming amount of materials for the construction of the tabernacle. This shows the community's enthusiasm and commitment to fulfilling God's command. They are not just meeting the needs; they are exceeding them. This abundance reflects a deep sense of purpose and unity among the people. Their willingness to give generously highlights the importance of collective effort in achieving a common goal. It also emphasizes that when people are inspired by a vision, they can come together to accomplish remarkable things. The message here is about the power of community and the joy of giving. When everyone plays their part, the results can be extraordinary, and the work can be completed with great success. This moment serves as a reminder that our contributions, no matter how small, can lead to significant outcomes when combined with the efforts of others. It encourages us to be generous and to support causes that matter to us.

How to apply Exodus 36:5 to your life

Consider how you can contribute to a cause that matters to you. Your involvement, no matter how small, can make a difference when combined with others. Look for opportunities to give your time, resources, or skills to support your community. Together, we can achieve great things and fulfill important missions. Every contribution counts and can lead to extraordinary outcomes when united with others' efforts.

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.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Exodus 36:5

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 36:5

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 36:5 mean?

Exodus 36:5 means that the people of Israel were so eager to contribute materials for the tabernacle that they brought more than what was needed. This reflects their strong commitment to fulfilling God's command and their unity as a community.

What is the significance of generosity in Exodus 36:5?

The significance of generosity in Exodus 36:5 is highlighted by the overwhelming contributions from the people, showing that when individuals come together with a shared purpose, their collective efforts can lead to remarkable achievements.

What does the phrase 'more than enough' in Exodus 36:5 indicate?

The phrase 'more than enough' in Exodus 36:5 indicates that the contributions from the people exceeded the requirements for the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating their enthusiasm and willingness to support God's work.

How does Exodus 36:5 relate to community effort?

Exodus 36:5 relates to community effort by showing that when individuals unite and contribute generously, they can accomplish significant tasks together, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared vision.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.