There are two definitions for “Work” in Exodus 35:2.
1. The Hebrew word “MALACHAH,” which stresses creative work. This work, specifically has to do with work performed in the construction of the Tabernacle.
2. The Hebrew word “AVODAH,” which stresses everyday work. This listing has become the basis of much of the common Sabbath laws practiced among the Orthodox Jews today.
Listed below are the 39 Categories of “MELACHAH” and the purpose used in the building of the Mishkan.
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1) Plowing 2) Planting 3) Harvesting 4) Gathering 5) Threshing 6) Sifting |
7) Selecting 8) Winnowing 9) Grinding 10) Kneading * 11) Baking * |
Purpose: To grow and process plants needed to make dyes to color the wool and skins used in the Mishkan. |
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*The Jerusalem Talmud holds that the purpose of kneading and baking were to prepare the 12 “Show-Breads.” |
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12) Shearing 13) Bleaching 14) Dyeing 15) Spinning 16) Weaving 17) Combing |
19) Threading a Loom 20) Threading a Harness 21) Tying a Knot 22) Untying a Knot 23) Sewing 24) Tearing |
Purpose: To prepare the wool and weave it into curtains. |
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25) Trapping 26) Slaughtering 27) Skinning 28) Tanning |
29) Smoothing 30) Marking 31) Cutting to a Shape |
Purpose: To prepare the Skins for the Mishkan Covering. |
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32) Writing 2 Letters 33) Erasing 2 Letters |
Purpose: To rebuild the Mishkan properly, Letters were written on the courtyard pillars to identify their position. Letters were often erased and rewritten. | |
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34) Building 35) Demolishing |
Purpose: To assemble and disassemble the Mishkan when traveling. | |
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36) Kingling a Fire 37) Extinguishing a Fire |
Purpose: To light the fires needed for dyeing the wool and smelting the metals. Fire was also extinguished to produce charcoal | |
| 38) Final Hammer Blow | [Completing an Act] | Purpose: To complete the metal construction |
| 39) Carrying |
Purpose: To move the pillars from the wagons to a public area and vice versa. To bring the Tithes from the tents to a public area. |
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