Oholiab

Who Oholiab is

Oholiab, son of Ahisamach from Dan, is appointed with Bezalel for the sanctuary work. The commission also includes other wise-hearted workers. Moses later tells Israel that Oholiab and Bezalel have been given the ability to teach and wisdom for skilled work. They are called with the willing craftsmen and receive the contributions needed for the sanctuary. The closing material account identifies Oholiab alongside Bezalel as an engraver, skilled worker and embroiderer in colored thread and fine linen. These passages record his work and teaching role without giving a separate account of his earlier or later life.

Cited passages: Exodus 31:6, Exodus 31:7, Exodus 31:8, Exodus 31:9, Exodus 31:10, Exodus 31:11, Exodus 35:34, Exodus 35:35, Exodus 36:1, Exodus 36:2, Exodus 36:3, Exodus 38:23

Historical setting

The King James text spells his name Aholiab, while American Standard uses Oholiab. His father's name and tribe distinguish this identity. The text credits him with both practical skills and teaching, but does not assign every listed sanctuary object to him individually or describe a formal apprenticeship. The workers' collective receipt of materials and report of sufficient supply should likewise not be rewritten as an individual speech by Oholiab.

Cited passages: Exodus 31:6, Exodus 35:34, Exodus 35:35, Exodus 36:1, Exodus 36:2, Exodus 36:3, Exodus 36:4, Exodus 36:5, Exodus 38:23

How the story is told

Oholiab is named alongside Bezalel at appointment, teaching, the call to work and the material account. This repeated pairing gives him a distinct place within a wider group of skilled contributors. The final description returns to specific crafts after the broader commission, showing how personal skill belongs within the shared sanctuary undertaking.

Cited passages: Exodus 31:6, Exodus 35:34, Exodus 35:35, Exodus 36:1, Exodus 36:2, Exodus 38:22, Exodus 38:23

Story moments

1. Oholiab is appointed (Exodus 31:6). The Lord names Oholiab son of Ahisamach from Dan alongside Bezalel.
2. Oholiab is equipped to teach (Exodus 35:34). His teaching ability is named together with Bezalel’s.
3. The account records his crafts (Exodus 38:23). Oholiab is identified as an engraver, skilled worker and embroiderer.

Key passages

Exodus 31:6

And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, 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;

Exodus 35:34

And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Exodus 36:1

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded.

Exodus 36:2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

Exodus 38:23

And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

King James Version. 5 indexed passages in total.

For reflection

What does the account emphasize by naming Oholiab while also recognizing the wider group of workers?

Books Oholiab appears in

• Exodus

Related people

• Moses
• Bezalel
• Jacob
• Aaron
• Judah
• Levi