Exodus 35:4-9 Meaning: Giving with a Willing Heart
4Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying,
5‘Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Yahweh’s offering: gold, silver, bronze,
6blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair,
7rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,
8oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,
9onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.
4And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying,
5Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,
6And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
7And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,
8And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
9And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
4And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which Jehovah commanded, saying,
5Take ye from among you an offering unto Jehovah; whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, Jehovah’s offering: gold, and silver, and brass,
6and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
7and rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia wood,
8and oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
9and onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
4And Moses speaketh unto all the company of the sons of Israel, saying, `This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, saying,
5Take ye from among you a heave-offering to Jehovah; every one whose heart is willing doth bring it, --the heave-offering of Jehovah, --gold, and silver, and brass,
6and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and linen, and goats' hair ,
7and rams' skins made red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
8and oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the spice perfume,
9and shoham stones, and stones for settings, for an ephod, and for a breastplate.
4And Moses spoke to all the assembly of the children of Israel, saying, This is the word which Jehovah has commanded, saying,
5Take from among you a heave-offering to Jehovah: every one whose heart [is] willing, let him bring it, Jehovah's heave-offering — gold, and silver, and copper,
6and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and byssus, and goats' [hair],
7and rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and acacia-wood,
8and oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the incense of fragrant drugs;
9and onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Moses repeat the call for tabernacle offerings in Exodus 35:4-9? Discover the meaning of 'willing heart' and what it means for your giving.
Context
Just before this, the people had broken the covenant by making a golden calf. Moses interceded, and God renewed his promises. Now, with the tablets of the law in hand, Moses gathers the entire community. He repeats the instructions God first gave on the mountain for building the tabernacle, the place where God would dwell among them. This repetition is not a mere copy; it is a fresh invitation after failure. The people are given the chance to participate, not by compulsion, but with whatever their hearts freely offer.
Key Words
Two Hebrew words carry the weight of this passage. The phrase “of a willing heart” comes from nediv, which means generous, noble, or princely in spirit. It describes someone whose inner impulse is to give freely, not because they were pressured. This same root appears when the people later responded because their hearts “stirred them up” (Exodus 35:21). God looks for that kind of inward willingness.
The word for offering is terumah, often translated “heave offering” because it was physically lifted up to God. It was a contribution set apart for holy use, not a tax or dues. Together these words show that giving is first an act of the heart: a gift lifted to God because you want to, not because you have to.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian traditions read this passage in remarkable agreement. The Catholic Douay-Rheims version speaks of “a ready heart,” highlighting the inner disposition. Protestant commentators like Calvin and Matthew Henry emphasize cheerful willingness, noting that God loves a giver who contributes freely. Baptist expositor Gill connects it to generous and liberal character. Across traditions, the point is clear: God values the motive more than the material. The list of materials itself echoes Exodus 25, showing continuity in God’s plan. While traditions may disagree on the nature of giving today, all see in this verse a call to offer from a heart made willing by grace.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to treat this passage as a mere shopping list for the tabernacle, focusing on the gold, silver, and fabrics while missing the heart condition. In fact, the entire list is framed by the phrase “whoever is of a willing heart.” The point is not what they gave but why they gave. God could have commanded a tax; instead, he invited a freewill offering. The repetition of this command after the golden calf shows God giving his people a second chance to participate joyfully.
Living This Out
This week, consider one area where you can give from a willing heart. It might be money for a church project, time helping a neighbor, or a skill you offer freely. Before you give, check your motive: are you giving because you want to, or because you feel you should? The Israelites brought everything from gold to goats' hair, each gift valuable because it was given freely. Ask God to show you one concrete way to give today, not from pressure, but from a heart that wants to say yes to him.
Main takeaway: God values a willing heart more than the size of the gift, and he invites us to give freely because of his grace.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wanted his people to build a special tent for him. He said, “Only give if you really want to.” God loves it when we share because we want to, not because someone makes us.
For ages 9, 12
After the Israelites made a big mistake with the golden calf, God gave them a fresh start. Moses told everyone to bring materials for the tabernacle, but only if they wanted to. Some gave gold, others gave cloth or wood. God didn’t need their stuff, but he loved their willing hearts. This is still true: God wants us to give cheerfully, not grudgingly.
Questions People Ask
Why does Moses repeat these instructions here?
Moses first received these commands on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25). But after the golden calf incident, the covenant was broken and renewed. Now Moses repeats the call as a fresh start, inviting the people to participate willingly in building God's dwelling place. The repetition shows God's patience and his desire for their voluntary response.
What does 'willing heart' mean in Hebrew?
The Hebrew phrase is 'nediv libbo.' 'Nediv' means willing, noble, or generous, like a prince freely giving. It describes a heart that is moved from within, not forced or pressured. This word appears again when the people respond because their hearts 'stirred them up' (Exodus 35:21).
Is this passage about tithing?
Not directly. Tithing is a commanded tenth, while this is a freewill offering for a specific project (the tabernacle). The emphasis is on giving whatever you want, whenever your heart moves you. Both tithing and freewill giving appear in Scripture, but here the focus is on voluntary generosity.
What are 'sea cow hides' or 'badgers' skins'?
The Hebrew word 'tachash' refers to an animal skin used for the outer covering of the tabernacle. It may have been dolphin, dugong, or a now-extinct creature. The exact animal is uncertain, but it was a durable, waterproof material, practical for a tent in the wilderness.
How should Christians apply this passage today?
This passage invites us to examine the heart behind our giving. Whether you contribute money, time, or skills to your church or community, God cares more about the willingness than the amount. Like the Israelites, you can give freely because God has already given you everything.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study