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Exodus 31:5 - Divinely gifted craftsmanship skills

Exodus 31:5 - שמות 31:5

Hebrew Text

וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת אֶבֶן לְמַלֹּאת וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת עֵץ לַעֲשׂוֹת בְּכָל־מְלָאכָה׃

English Translation

and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

Transliteration

Uvachareshet even lemaleit uvachareshet etz la'asot bechol melacha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת אֶ֛בֶן לְמַלֹּ֖את וּבַחֲרֹ֣שֶׁת עֵ֑ץ לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּכׇל־מְלָאכָֽה׃
וּבַחֲרֹ֥שֶׁת אֶ֛בֶן לְמַלֹּ֖את וּבַחֲרֹ֣שֶׁת עֵ֑ץ לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּכׇל־מְלָאכָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 31:5) describes the divinely inspired craftsmanship of Betzalel, who was endowed with wisdom to perform intricate work in the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The phrase "וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת אֶבֶן לְמַלֹּאת" ("in cutting of stones, to set them") refers to the precise skill of engraving and setting precious stones, particularly for the Choshen (breastplate) of the Kohen Gadol. "וּבַחֲרֹשֶׁת עֵץ לַעֲשׂוֹת" ("and in carving of timber") highlights the artistry in shaping wood for the Mishkan's structure and holy vessels.

Insights from Rashi

Rashi (Exodus 31:5) explains that "חֲרֹשֶׁת" (craftsmanship) implies both engraving and joining materials seamlessly. Regarding stones, he notes that Betzalel could miraculously carve names of the tribes onto the gemstones without removing any fragments—a supernatural skill granted by Hashem. For woodwork, Rashi emphasizes that the craftsmanship extended to intricate joinery, ensuring the Mishkan's components fit perfectly.

Midrashic Perspectives

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) teaches that Betzalel’s wisdom surpassed ordinary artisanship—he understood the mystical secrets of creation, mirroring how Hashem fashioned the universe. His ability to combine materials reflected the divine unity in the Mishkan.
  • Exodus Rabbah (48:4) compares the gemstone engraving to the letters on the Luchot (Tablets), suggesting that just as the Torah’s letters were divinely carved, so too were the stones for the Choshen.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:7) derives from this verse that sacred craftsmanship requires both technical skill and ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration). The artisans’ work was not merely functional but imbued with spiritual intent, ensuring the Mishkan’s sanctity.

Symbolism in the Craftsmanship

The Or HaChaim (Exodus 31:5) highlights that the integration of stone and wood symbolizes the harmony of middat hadin (strict justice) and middat harachamim (mercy). The stones (hard and unyielding) represent justice, while the wood (pliable and growing) reflects compassion—united in the service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 31:5 mean when it talks about cutting stones and carving timber?
A: This verse describes the skills given by Hashem to Betzalel and other artisans for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle). 'Cutting stones to set them' refers to shaping precious stones for the Kohen Gadol's breastplate, while 'carving timber' refers to crafting the Mishkan's wooden structures. Rashi explains that these were specialized skills needed for holy work (Rashi on Exodus 31:5).
Q: Why is Exodus 31:5 important in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches that every skill - even craftsmanship - can be used for holy purposes when directed toward serving Hashem. The Rambam notes that just as Betzalel used his artistic talents for the Mishkan, we should use our own abilities for mitzvot and improving the world (based on Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 31:5 today?
A: The verse teaches that all skills have spiritual value when used properly. Just as the artisans sanctified their craftsmanship for the Mishkan, we should use our professions and talents to serve Hashem and help others. The Talmud extends this idea, stating that one who teaches a child a trade fulfills a great mitzvah (Kiddushin 29a).
Q: How does Exodus 31:5 relate to the Mishkan's construction?
A: This verse specifies two of the many skilled crafts needed to build the Mishkan. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 40:2) explains that Hashem gave Betzalel wisdom in all these areas because the Mishkan required perfect craftsmanship to be worthy of the Divine Presence. Every detail had spiritual significance.
Q: What does 'all manner of workmanship' mean in Exodus 31:5?
A: This phrase refers to the complete range of artistic and technical skills needed for the Mishkan. The Talmud (Berachot 55a) explains that Betzalel possessed divinely inspired knowledge of how to combine letters with which Hashem created heaven and earth - showing that true craftsmanship connects to spiritual wisdom.