Old Testament
Exodus 36:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Moses gave an order, and an announcement was sent throughout the camp: 'No man or woman should do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.' This stopped the people from bringing more.
Compare translations
And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
What Exodus 36:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Moses issues a command to the people, instructing them to stop bringing materials for the sanctuary's construction. The announcement is made throughout the camp, emphasizing that both men and women should cease their contributions. This decision comes after the people had already given abundantly, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to the project. Moses recognizes that the contributions have exceeded what is necessary for the work. By halting further donations, he ensures that the resources are used wisely and not wasted. This moment highlights the importance of balance in giving and the need to respect limits. It also shows how leadership can guide a community towards effective action, ensuring that efforts are focused and productive. The people respond positively to this directive, stopping their contributions, which reflects their willingness to follow guidance and their understanding of the project's needs. This passage teaches us about the value of discernment in our actions and the importance of listening to wise leadership.
How to apply Exodus 36:6 to your life
Consider how you contribute to your community or projects. Are you giving too much or too little? Reflect on the balance of your contributions and be open to guidance from leaders. Sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to give. This can lead to more effective outcomes for everyone involved.
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 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
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 PlansAsk AI about Exodus 36:6
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 36:6
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 36:6 teach about generosity?
Exodus 36:6 illustrates the concept of generosity by showing how the people willingly contributed materials for the sanctuary. Their abundant giving reflects a strong commitment to a communal goal. However, the verse also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to stop giving, as Moses recognized that the contributions had exceeded what was necessary. This balance in generosity teaches us that while giving is important, it should be done thoughtfully and in accordance with the needs of the project.
Why did Moses stop the contributions in Exodus 36:6?
Moses stopped the contributions in Exodus 36:6 because the people had already given more than enough for the construction of the sanctuary. His command to cease further donations was a practical decision to ensure that resources were used wisely and not wasted. This action highlights the role of leadership in guiding a community towards effective action and maintaining balance in their efforts.
How can we apply the lessons from Exodus 36:6 today?
The lessons from Exodus 36:6 can be applied today by encouraging individuals to reflect on their contributions to community projects or causes. It's important to assess whether you are giving too much or too little and to be open to guidance from leaders. Understanding when to stop giving is just as crucial as knowing when to contribute, as it can lead to more effective outcomes and prevent resource wastage.
What themes are present in Exodus 36:6?
Exodus 36:6 encompasses several key themes, including generosity, leadership, community, balance, and wisdom. It showcases the spirit of giving among the people while also emphasizing the need for discernment in contributions. The verse illustrates how wise leadership can help maintain balance and ensure that resources are used effectively, ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.