Exodus 25:34 kjv

And in the candlesticks shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.

Exodus 25:34 nkjv

On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower.

Exodus 25:34 niv

And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms.

Exodus 25:34 esv

And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with their calyxes and flowers,

Exodus 25:34 nlt

Craft the center stem of the lampstand with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.

Exodus 25 verses

Exodus 25 34 Meaning

Exodus 25:34 is a precise instruction regarding the design of the golden lampstand (Menorah) for the Tabernacle. It specifies that on the main stem of the lampstand, there were to be four ornate cups, shaped to resemble almond blossoms. These cups were further adorned with "knops" (spherical or bud-like protrusions) and "flowers," which together created a coherent, natural, and beautiful floral design as part of the lampstand's structure. This verse highlights the intricate, detailed, and symbolic beauty God commanded for the furnishings of His sanctuary.

Exodus 25 34 Context

Exodus 25:34 is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings, given on Mount Sinai after the covenant. This chapter focuses specifically on the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the Bread of the Presence, and the golden lampstand (Menorah). The historical context is the journey of Israel through the wilderness, where God commanded the building of a portable sanctuary for His presence to dwell among His people. These instructions were not merely functional but were deeply symbolic, revealing aspects of God's character, His plan of salvation, and the means by which a holy God could dwell amidst an unholy people. Every detail, including the specific botanical designs, emphasized holiness, purity, beauty, and life in the divine pattern. The Menorah, providing continuous light, pointed to God's perpetual presence and the truth revealed by His divine wisdom.

Exodus 25 34 Word analysis

• And (וְ, v'a): A conjunction, simple in meaning, but here initiating a specific, detailed instruction within a series of divine commands, highlighting continuity in God's precise plans.
• in (בְּ, b’): Preposition indicating location or presence. The elements described are on or part of the candlestick itself.
• the candlestick (מְנוֹרָה, menorah): Refers to the sacred, solid gold lampstand in the Tabernacle. This was the only source of light in the Holy Place, signifying God's light, truth, and presence. Its singular, continuous form, fashioned from one piece of pure gold (Exo 25:31), denotes divine unity and purity.
• shall be (יִהְיֶה, yihyeh): Future tense verb, indicating a divine command that must come into being according to His will and design. It is prescriptive.
• four (אַרְבָּעָה, arba’ah): A precise number, emphasizing specific quantity for the design on the central stem, distinct from the three bowls on each of the six branches (Exo 25:33). This meticulous count highlights divine attention to every detail of His worship.
• bowls (גְבִעִים, gevii'im): Cups or goblets, likely in the shape of flowers. These were not just functional but decorative, designed as part of the overall floral motif.
• made like almond (שְׁקֵדִים, shakedim): Refers to the almond tree or its blossoms. The almond tree is one of the first trees to blossom in Israel (around January/February), symbolizing awakening, new life, and vigilance (Jer 1:11-12 connects shaked (almond) with shoqed (watching, hastening)). Its blossoms are beautiful white or pale pink, indicating purity and early promise.
• blossoms (פְּרָחִים, perachim): Refers to flowers. In this context, it reinforces the almond motif, specifying that the bowls were to imitate the open flower of the almond tree, conveying beauty and the flourishing of life.
• with (אִתָּם, ittam): A preposition linking the adornments to the bowls.
• their knops (כַּפְתֹּרֶיהָ, kaftoreha): The word kaftor denotes a "bud" or "pulpit" or a "bulbous protuberance." These were likely rounded, decorative nodes or ornamental swellings that connected or broke up the continuous shaft, appearing as un-opened flower buds before the full bloom, signifying organic growth.
• and (וְ, v'a): Another conjunction, linking knops and flowers as distinct but complementary elements of the design.
• their flowers (פְּרָחֶיהָ, peracheha): Refers to fully opened floral parts, again, specific to the almond blossom. The presence of both knops (buds) and flowers (blossoms) suggests a portrayal of different stages of the almond blossom's development—from bud to full bloom—symbolizing continuous life and growth.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "And in the candlestick shall be four bowls": Establishes the precise location and quantity of the specific design element. The Menorah itself is central, being the container for divine light.
• "made like almond blossoms": Describes the aesthetic and symbolic form of the bowls. The almond blossom is highly significant, symbolizing divine chosenness, watching (God "watching" over His word), and the emergence of life from dormancy. This connection is powerfully underscored by Aaron's staff blooming with almonds in Numbers 17. The design itself implies life and vibrancy in the presence of God.
• "with their knops and their flowers": These phrases describe additional decorative elements integral to the almond blossom motif. "Knops" (buds) and "flowers" (blossoms) suggest a living, growing, flourishing plant. This portrayal of life on the sacred Menorah underscores the source of true life in God's presence and possibly alludes to spiritual growth and vitality. The repetition of "their" links these elements directly to the "bowls," showing a unified, organic design rather than disjointed additions. The overall effect is one of living beauty, contrasting with sterile, inanimate idols of surrounding cultures, reflecting the living God.

Exodus 25 34 Bonus section

The requirement for the entire Menorah, including its branches, bowls, knops, and flowers, to be crafted from one single piece of hammered gold (Exo 25:31, Num 8:4) is highly significant. This "unit" construction emphasized its organic unity and purity, avoiding any joining of separate parts. This divine design likely foreshadows the organic unity of Christ, who is the singular Light, and by extension, the unity of the Church as one body in Christ. The specific stages of the almond (bud, blossom, mature fruit implicitly suggested) conveyed a living organism that matures and yields, symbolizing the flourishing life found in God's presence and the fruitfulness that emanates from walking in His light. The almond's early blooming nature in the desolate early spring further reinforces a message of hope and life even in times of barrenness, aligning with God's power to bring life out of death or barrenness, much like the resurrection. This beauty in the holy articles distinguished Israel's worship from surrounding pagan practices, which often featured crude idols or chaotic rituals; God demanded a sacred space filled with inherent divine order, beauty, and precise, symbolic meaning.

Exodus 25 34 Commentary

Exodus 25:34 meticulously describes a specific detail of the Tabernacle's Menorah: the ornamentation of four almond-blossom-shaped bowls on its central shaft, complete with buds and full flowers. This command goes beyond mere utility, highlighting God's demand for beauty, precision, and rich symbolism in worship. The Menorah, crafted from a single piece of pure gold, was designed not only to give light but also to proclaim spiritual truths. The almond blossom motif, reiterated across the Menorah's design (including its branches), carries profound meaning. It first symbolizes divine wakefulness and the hastening of God's word, as seen in Jeremiah's vision. More strikingly, it connects to Aaron's rod, which budded and produced ripe almonds, affirming God's chosen priesthood and the miraculous life that stems from divine authority even in barren circumstances (Num 17).

Therefore, the Menorah was not just a light source; it was a depiction of life, beauty, purity, and God's living, active presence. It suggested continuous, flourishing spiritual life made possible through His holy dwelling. Its light illuminated the Holy Place, pointing forward to Christ as the Light of the World who brings life and spiritual understanding. Just as the Menorah was meticulously formed according to a divine pattern, true worship is beautiful and precise, adhering to God's revealed will, expressing life and spiritual vitality.

Examples of practical usage derived from this:

• The meticulous detail of God's instructions shows He cares about the smallest aspects of our lives and worship, not just the broad strokes.
• The almond blossom motif, symbolizing new life and divine awakening, reminds believers that true light comes from a living, spiritual source, often manifesting in surprising or barren places.
• The call for beauty in the Tabernacle's design reflects that our worship should strive for excellence, order, and beauty in our presentation to God, whether individually or corporately.