This verse obviously belongs with chapter 35, although the division places this in chapter 36. This is a long and complex sentence in English, but the main verb, shall work, comes first in the Hebrew. Literally the opening words are “And Bezalel shall work and Oholiab and every man.”

Every able man, literally “every man wise of heart,” is the same as in 28.3. (See the comment there.) In whom the LORD has put ability and intelligence is literally “whom Yahweh gave wisdom and aptitude in them.” This may seem repetitive, but it emphasizes the fact that Yahweh “had given” them this “skill and understanding” (Good News Translation). In some languages it will be helpful to put this at the beginning of the verse and say “The LORD had given to Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the others the skills needed” or “The LORD had caused Bezalel, … to have the skills needed.” To know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary is literally “to know to make all work of service of the holy [place].” This means that they knew “how to make everything needed to build the sacred Tent” (Good News Translation).

In accordance with all that the LORD has commanded is simply “to all that Yahweh commanded.” This phrase describes how they shall work, and so it needs to be connected to the main verb of the sentence, if possible. It may be easier to divide this verse into two sentences, or restructure it as follows:

• Bezalel and Oholiab, along with all the other craftsmen, must follow Yahweh’s instruction very carefully. Yahweh has given them all the ability and understanding to know how to make everything needed for building the sacred tent.”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .