Exodus 25:3
ESV
And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze,
NIV
These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze;
NASB
This is the contribution which you are to take from them: gold, silver, and bronze,
CSB
This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze;
NLT
Here is a list of sacred offerings you may accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze;
KJV
And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,
NKJV
And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze;
What does Exodus 25:3 mean?
This passage lists the materials the Lord is asking the people to donate according to their conscience. The offerings will be used to create a series of important religious objects. First among the requests are precious metals: gold, silver, and bronze. These will be especially important for gilded items. This would include the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11) and the table (Exodus 25:23–24). Solid gold would be used for some pieces (Exodus 25:17; 29, 31).Israel has been free for only about three months (Exodus 19:1, 5–6). Much of what they could contribute would have come from Egyptian "donations" at their release (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may have been captured after the skirmish with Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The sacred objects would also take time to make. This would give the Israelites time to procure missing resources.
