Exodus 35:21 - Hearts moved to build holiness

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר נָדְבָה רוּחוֹ אֹתוֹ הֵבִיאוּ אֶת־תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה לִמְלֶאכֶת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּלְכָל־עֲבֹדָתוֹ וּלְבִגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.

Transliteration

Va'yavo'u kol-ish asher-nasa'o libo ve'chol asher-nadva rukho oto hevi'u et-trumat Adonai le'mlechet ohel mo'ed u'le'chol-avodato u'le'vigdei hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ כׇּל־אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נָדְבָ֨ה רוּח֜וֹ אֹת֗וֹ הֵ֠בִ֠יאוּ אֶת־תְּרוּמַ֨ת יְהֹוָ֜ה לִמְלֶ֨אכֶת אֹ֤הֶל מוֹעֵד֙ וּלְכׇל־עֲבֹ֣דָת֔וֹ וּלְבִגְדֵ֖י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

Parasha Commentary

The Voluntary Nature of the Contributions

The verse emphasizes that the donations for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were given willingly—"everyone whose heart stirred him up" and "everyone whom his spirit made willing." Rashi (Exodus 35:21) explains that this highlights the importance of nedivut lev (generosity of heart) in serving Hashem. Unlike obligatory commandments, the contributions to the Mishkan were entirely voluntary, demonstrating the people's love and devotion to the Divine Presence.

The Threefold Purpose of the Offerings

The verse lists three purposes for the contributions:

For the work of the Tent of Meeting: This refers to the construction of the Mishkan itself, including its beams, coverings, and structure (Ramban, Exodus 35:21).
For all its service: This includes the vessels and utensils used in the Mishkan, such as the Ark, Menorah, and Altar (Ibn Ezra).
For the holy garments: These were the priestly vestments worn by the Kohanim during their service (Sforno).

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 5) teaches that each contribution corresponded to a spiritual need—just as the Mishkan housed the Shechinah, the service maintained the connection between Israel and Hashem, and the garments elevated the Kohanim to their sacred role.

The Spiritual Significance of Willingness

The Talmud (Arachin 11a) derives from this verse that avodat Hashem (service of G-d) must come from inner motivation, not coercion. The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:10) expands on this principle, stating that acts of charity and kindness are most meritorious when performed with joy and a generous spirit. The phrase "whose heart stirred him up" suggests an awakening of spiritual passion, as the Ohr HaChaim explains—the people were moved by a deep desire to participate in the sanctity of the Mishkan.

The Unity of the People

The phrase "they came, everyone" underscores the collective participation of the nation. The Kli Yakar notes that while the contributions were voluntary, the entire community united in this sacred endeavor. This mirrors the unity at Har Sinai and foreshadows the ideal of klal Yisrael working together for a higher purpose. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:8) adds that even those who could not contribute materially assisted through encouragement and labor, showing that every Jew had a role in building the Mishkan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 35:21 mean?
A: Exodus 35:21 describes how the Israelites willingly contributed materials for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes that their donations came from a place of sincere desire ('whose heart stirred him up') and generosity ('his spirit made willing'). This teaches us the importance of giving with joy and enthusiasm for holy purposes.

Q: Why is Exodus 35:21 important?
A: This verse is important because it shows the ideal way to contribute to holy causes—with a willing heart. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Matnot Aniyim that the highest level of charity is when one gives joyfully. Here, the Israelites set an example by donating to the Mishkan not out of obligation, but from genuine inspiration.

Q: What can we learn from Exodus 35:21 today?
A: We learn that true giving comes from the heart. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 8) explains that G-d desires voluntary offerings more than compulsory ones. Today, this applies to how we give tzedakah (charity), support synagogues, or contribute to community needs—it should be done with sincerity and willingness.

Q: What does 'whose heart stirred him up' mean in Exodus 35:21?
A: Rashi explains that 'whose heart stirred him up' refers to those who felt an inner motivation to contribute. This wasn't just about donating materials—it was about a spiritual awakening that moved them to participate in building a dwelling place for the Divine Presence. It teaches that mitzvot (commandments) are most meaningful when performed with inner passion.

Q: How does Exodus 35:21 relate to the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: This verse describes the initial response to Moshe's call for donations to construct the Mishkan. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) notes that the people's willingness was so great that they actually brought more than needed! This shows their love for the project. The Mishkan's construction depended not just on materials, but on the people's heartfelt participation.