And I have filled him with the Spirit of God refers to Bezalel, whom Yahweh has filled with ruach ʾelohim. This term in Hebrew may mean Spirit of God, “divine spirit” (New Revised Standard Version), or simply “my power” (Good News Translation). The term ruach may also mean “breath” or “wind.” It is unlikely that the Holy Spirit, as understood in the New Testament, is intended here, so “spirit” in Revised Standard Version should not be capitalized. (This is the same term used in Gen 1.2.) Translators may choose between these two interpretations. If “spirit” is chosen, it should be translated “my [God’s] spirit.” Other ways of expressing I have filled him with the Spirit of God are “I have let my spirit [or, power] possess him completely” or “I have let my spirit [or, power] come into him completely.”

With ability and intelligence, with knowledge uses three terms of similar meaning to describe Bezalel’s special gifts. The word for ability is the usual word for “wisdom,” but here it refers more to his technical skill or aptitude. The word for intelligence has a similar meaning, coming from the verb meaning “to discern.” Translator’s Old Testament translates it as “ingenuity” (similarly Revised English Bible). The word for knowledge comes from the common word “to know,” often used in an intimate sense. And all craftsmanship uses a word meaning “mission” or “occupation.” In the present context Bezalel’s “mission” was to build and make things. So New Revised Standard Version has “in every kind of craft,” and Good News Translation has “for every kind of artistic work.” The sentence continues into the next verse. Many languages will have adequate synonyms for ability and intelligence, but in some languages translators will need to use one word and say something similar to Contemporary English Version: “I have given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman.”

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 .