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Exodus 31:6 - Divinely gifted craftsmen collaborate.

Exodus 31:6 - שמות 31:6

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנִי הִנֵּה נָתַתִּי אִתּוֹ אֵת אָהֳלִיאָב בֶּן־אֲחִיסָמָךְ לְמַטֵּה־דָן וּבְלֵב כָּל־חֲכַם־לֵב נָתַתִּי חָכְמָה וְעָשׂוּ אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִךָ׃

English Translation

And I, behold, I have given with him Oholi᾽av, the son of Aĥisamakh, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

Transliteration

Va'ani hineh natati ito et Oholiav ben-Achisamakh lemateh-Dan uvelev kol-chacham-lev natati chochmah ve'asu et kol-asher tziviticha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה נָתַ֣תִּי אִתּ֗וֹ אֵ֣ת אׇהֳלִיאָ֞ב בֶּן־אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙ לְמַטֵּה־דָ֔ן וּבְלֵ֥ב כׇּל־חֲכַם־לֵ֖ב נָתַ֣תִּי חׇכְמָ֑ה וְעָשׂ֕וּ אֵ֖ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתִֽךָ׃
וַאֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה נָתַ֣תִּי אִתּ֗וֹ אֵ֣ת אׇהֳלִיאָ֞ב בֶּן־אֲחִֽיסָמָךְ֙ לְמַטֵּה־דָ֔ן וּבְלֵ֥ב כׇּל־חֲכַם־לֵ֖ב נָתַ֣תִּי חׇכְמָ֑ה וְעָשׂ֕וּ אֵ֖ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתִֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 31:6, where Hashem appoints Betzalel and Oholiav as the chief artisans responsible for constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels. The verse emphasizes that Hashem endowed wisdom to all skilled craftsmen to fulfill His commandments.

Oholiav’s Appointment

Rashi explains that Oholiav, from the tribe of Dan, was chosen alongside Betzalel (from Yehudah) to demonstrate that before Hashem, all tribes are equal—even Dan, descended from Bilhah (a maidservant), was elevated to this holy task. This teaches that wisdom and Divine service are not dependent on lineage alone but on merit and Divine selection.

Wisdom as a Divine Gift

The Ramban notes that the phrase "וּבְלֵב כָּל־חֲכַם־לֵב נָתַתִּי חָכְמָה" ("in the hearts of all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom") indicates that true wisdom in sacred work comes from Hashem. Even those already skilled received additional Divine inspiration to elevate their craftsmanship for the Mishkan.

Collaboration in Sacred Work

  • The Midrash Tanchuma highlights that Betzalel and Oholiav’s partnership symbolizes unity in avodat Hashem—combining different strengths (Betzalel’s understanding of heavenly secrets and Oholiav’s craftsmanship) for a shared holy purpose.
  • The Sforno adds that "all that I have commanded you" implies precision in following Divine instructions, as even minor deviations in the Mishkan’s construction could diminish its sanctity.

Lessons for Leadership

The Kli Yakar teaches that this verse underscores the importance of humility in leadership. Though Betzalel was primary, Oholiav’s role was equally vital, showing that greatness in Torah and mitzvot requires recognizing others’ contributions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Oholiav (Oholi᾽av) in Exodus 31:6?
A: Oholiav was a skilled artisan from the tribe of Dan who was appointed alongside Betzalel to oversee the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that though Dan was considered a lesser tribe, Hashem chose Oholiav to show that wisdom and skill come from G-d regardless of one's background.
Q: What does 'wise-hearted' mean in Exodus 31:6?
A: The term 'wise-hearted' (חֲכַם־לֵב) refers to those gifted with wisdom and skill for sacred craftsmanship. The Rambam teaches that this was a special divine inspiration given specifically for building the Mishkan, showing that when we dedicate our talents to holy purposes, Hashem grants us the wisdom needed.
Q: Why does Exodus 31:6 mention both Betzalel and Oholiav?
A: The verse pairs Betzalel (from the tribe of Yehuda) with Oholiav (from Dan) to teach that all Jews - whether from 'greater' or 'lesser' tribes - have a role in serving Hashem. The Midrash Tanchuma notes this shows unity is essential when doing holy work, as the Mishkan required collaboration from all types of people.