Overview
The Bible addresses genius across 16 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Exodus. Closely related themes include Smith, Tabernacle, Wisdom and Bezaleel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Bezaleel, Hur, Aholiab and Aaron.
Key Bible verses about genius
Old Testament
Exodus
See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
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;
The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, furniture: Heb. vessels
And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, furniture: Heb. vessels
And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, furniture: Heb. vessels
And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
People in the Bible and genius
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying genius for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 31:2, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Bezaleel, Hur and Aholiab and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Smith, Tabernacle, Wisdom and Bezaleel.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about genius?
The Bible addresses genius across 16 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Exodus. Closely related themes include Smith, Tabernacle, Wisdom and Bezaleel. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Bezaleel, Hur, Aholiab and Aaron.
How many Bible verses are about genius?
The Bible references genius in 16 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention genius?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 31:2: “See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with genius?
Bezaleel, Hur, Aholiab, Aaron and Moses.
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