Exodus 25:32 kjv

And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

Exodus 25:32 nkjv

And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side.

Exodus 25:32 niv

Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand?three on one side and three on the other.

Exodus 25:32 esv

And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;

Exodus 25:32 nlt

Make it with six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side.

Exodus 25 verses

Exodus 25 32 Meaning

Exodus 25:32 provides precise architectural instructions for the Golden Lampstand (Menorah) intended for the Tabernacle's Holy Place. It dictates that six specific branches shall extend outwards from the main shaft of the lampstand. These branches are to be arranged symmetrically, with three branches emanating from one side and the remaining three from the opposite side. This detail is crucial for ensuring the specific and divinely ordained design of this sacred furnishing.

Exodus 25 32 Context

Exodus chapter 25 details the divine blueprints for the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, which serve as a place for God to dwell among His people, Israel. Following instructions for the freewill offering and the Ark of the Covenant, God proceeds to outline the specifications for the Table of Showbread and, subsequently, the Golden Lampstand, known as the Menorah, from verses 31 to 40. Verse 32 specifically hones in on the design of the lampstand's six branches. This intricate instruction underscores God's meticulous care and desire for precise obedience in the construction of every element for His dwelling place, establishing a pattern for holy worship and fellowship with Him. The Menorah's perpetual light was essential for the Holy Place, a significant symbolic and practical feature within the Tabernacle.

Exodus 25 32 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A connective conjunction that smoothly links this specific instruction about the branches to the general description of the lampstand's central shaft provided in the preceding verse. It implies a continuation and further elaboration of the overall design.

• six branches (שִׁשָּׁה קָנִים - shishshah qanim):

  • six (shishshah): This precise number is critical. Along with the central shaft, it results in a total of seven lamps, symbolizing completeness, divine perfection, and God's spiritual presence. In creation, six signifies work or man's realm; here, six branches extend from God's central presence.
  • branches (qanim): From qaneh, meaning "stalk," "reed," or "branch." It suggests a natural, organic growth from the central body, reinforcing the idea of a living light. This echoes the concept of a "Tree of Life" and God's inherent vitality.

• shall come out (יֹצְאִים - yōṣᵉ'im): From the root yatza, meaning "to go forth," "to emerge," "to issue from." This emphasizes that the branches are not attached but are an integral, formed part of the original, single piece of pure gold from which the entire lampstand was made (Exo 25:31, 36). It signifies inherent connection and organic unity, reflecting a single, divine source for all illumination.

• of the sides (מִצִּדֶּיהָ - mittṣiddeyha):

  • sides (tsiddim): Refers to the lateral extensions. The branches are to be symmetrically arranged, spreading horizontally from the main shaft. This design ensures balanced light distribution within the Holy Place, representing an encompassing spiritual illumination and divine order.

• three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side: This repetitive and specific phrasing strongly underscores the required symmetry and precision. It signifies that God leaves no room for human interpretation or deviation in the construction of sacred objects. The phrase "of the candlestick" (mᵊnôrâ) reiterates that these branches are intrinsically connected to the whole, serving as a unified source of light. This reinforces the principle of order, balance, and absolute adherence to God's revealed will in matters of worship and divine service. The balance of three on each side represents perfect symmetry and balance within the seven-branched structure.

Exodus 25 32 Bonus section

• The fact that the entire Menorah, including these branches, was to be made of "pure gold" (Exo 25:31) from a "talent of pure gold" (Exo 25:39) hammered into shape, implies unparalleled value, purity, and enduring quality. This suggests the high regard God holds for the purity and preciousness of true worship and revelation.
• The Lampstand’s light was a “perpetual light” before the Lord (Exo 27:20-21; Lev 24:2-4), not for human illumination of the Holy Place (priests had good natural light in the day when attending to the lamps), but as an offering and a symbol of God's unceasing presence and divine truth within His sanctuary.
• The Menorah is seen by some scholars as representing the "Tree of Life" found in Eden (Gen 2:9) and in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:2), reinforcing the idea of God's life-giving presence and sustaining power within His sacred dwelling.

Exodus 25 32 Commentary

Exodus 25:32 serves as a striking testament to God's meticulousness and His demand for absolute precision in matters of worship and service. The detailed specification of "six branches," "three...out of the one side, and three...out of the other side" for the Menorah goes beyond mere aesthetics; it establishes an unalterable divine pattern (Exo 25:40). This precision teaches that human ingenuity is secondary to divine blueprint when approaching the Holy One. The lampstand, with its ultimate seven lights (six branches plus the central shaft), continually illuminated the Holy Place, a sanctuary void of natural light. This perpetual light symbolized God's unwavering presence, His continuous guidance through His Word (Psa 119:105), and His enduring revelation in a world shrouded in darkness. Just as the Menorah's branches flowed organically from a single piece of gold, unified in their purpose to emit light, so too is the Body of Christ called to unity, each member serving as a light-bearer, deriving its purpose and sustenance from the one True Light (Joh 8:12), to collectively manifest His glory to the world (Rev 1:20). The symmetry emphasizes the order, harmony, and completeness that characterize God's Kingdom and His sacred callings.