Exodus 25:39 kjv

Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.

Exodus 25:39 nkjv

It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils.

Exodus 25:39 niv

A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories.

Exodus 25:39 esv

It shall be made, with all these utensils, out of a talent of pure gold.

Exodus 25:39 nlt

You will need 75 pounds of pure gold for the lampstand and its accessories.

Exodus 25 verses

Exodus 25 39 Meaning

This verse specifies the exact material and quantity, a single talent of pure gold, from which the entire lampstand (menorah) and all its accompanying implements were to be meticulously crafted. It underscores the divine demand for supreme quality and generous provision for the Tabernacle's furnishings, highlighting the lampstand's intrinsic value and sacred purpose within God's sanctuary.

Exodus 25 39 Context

Exodus chapter 25 marks a pivotal shift from historical narrative to detailed legislative and architectural instruction, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Following the covenant at Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments, God immediately provides the precise blueprint for the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among His people, Israel. Verses 31-40 specifically outline the design and construction of the lampstand, the Menorah, an intricate piece of sanctuary furniture crucial for providing light in the Holy Place. This verse (Exod 25:39) concludes the instructions for the lampstand, emphasizing the high cost and unified craftsmanship required, setting the tone for the entire Tabernacle project as a divine work of unparalleled quality. Historically, this stands in contrast to common pagan altars and idols of the time, which often involved cheaper materials or haphazard construction; God demands the absolute finest for His dwelling.

Exodus 25 39 Word analysis

• Of: Indicates the source material or substance from which something is made. It highlights the direct derivation from this specific quantity of gold.
• a talent: Hebrew: כִּכַּר (kikkar). This term primarily means "round" or "loaf," and secondarily, a significant unit of weight or currency, often translated as "talent." A talent was one of the largest units of weight in the ancient Near East, generally estimated at about 75 pounds (approx. 34 kg) of gold. The immensity of this amount underscores God's wealth, His generous provision, and the extraordinary value and sanctity He attributed to His dwelling place and its furnishings. This singular mass indicates that the entire complex structure, including its ornate details, was hammered out from one solid block, signifying organic unity.
• pure: Hebrew: טָהוֹר (tahor). Implies moral and ritual cleanliness, but here refers to metallurgical purity, meaning unalloyed, refined gold. This insistence on "pure" gold speaks to God's demand for perfection, holiness, and the highest standard for items used in His service. Symbolically, it points to Christ's blameless purity and the necessity of purity for all who serve God.
• gold: Hebrew: זָהָב (zahav). A precious, non-corroding, highly malleable, and ductile metal, making it ideal for the intricate hammered work of the lampstand (Exod 25:31). Its value universally signifies glory, honor, majesty, and wealth, thus befitting God's presence and sanctuary.
• shall it be made: Hebrew: יֵעָשֶׂה (ye'aseh). Passive voice. Emphasizes that this is a divine command, a direct instruction from God for its creation. It underscores that human craft is simply an instrument in carrying out God's precise will, not an invention of human design.
• with all: Emphasizes totality; no part is excluded. This phrase connects the main body of the lampstand to every single accompanying piece.
• these utensils: Hebrew: כֵּלָיו (kēlāyw). Refers to the accessory implements of the lampstand described earlier: the snuffers (tongs) and trays (firepans) (Exod 25:38). These were essential for maintaining the lamps and ensuring they continued to burn brightly, reflecting practical service required in worship. The fact that these, too, were made from the same single talent of gold highlights the integrated nature of divine service—even the practical, often unnoticed, elements are to be of the highest quality and integrated into the overall divine design.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Of a talent of pure gold": This phrase highlights not only the material (pure gold) but also the sheer volume (a talent), signaling both supreme value and a divine act of provision and generosity. The massive investment signifies the importance and sanctity of the lampstand, representing God's glory and presence.
• "shall it be made, with all these utensils": This instruction specifies that the entire Menorah—its main shaft, six branches, decorative knops, flowers, and even its practical tools (snuffers and trays)—were all to be crafted from one single block of gold. This implies a method of forging or hammering (as detailed in Exod 25:31), creating a unified, indivisible whole, an organic structure formed from a singular divine intention, representing unity and thoroughness in God's work.

Exodus 25 39 Bonus section

The economic value of one talent of gold in modern terms would be astonishingly high, emphasizing the immense spiritual and symbolic wealth placed upon items for God's presence. Beyond its material value, the method of creation implied by a single talent for the whole lampstand and its utensils (hammered work from Exod 25:31) means intense, laborious, and skilled craftsmanship, not casting or assembly from pre-made parts. This signifies the meticulous attention to detail required in sacred service and worship, where every part of God's dwelling, down to the last implement, was forged into a singular, unified expression of His glory. The lampstand, a central feature, symbolizes the light of God's presence and Word, later seen foreshadowing Christ as the Light of the World and the church's role in reflecting that light.

Exodus 25 39 Commentary

Exodus 25:39 serves as the quantitative summation of God's instructions for the golden lampstand. The singular "talent of pure gold" specified for both the elaborate menorah itself and its necessary implements carries profound theological weight. First, it asserts God's ownership of all resources; the purest and most valuable of materials are inherently His and thus must be consecrated to His service. This immense quantity also highlights divine provision and generosity, ensuring the Tabernacle was fitted not cheaply but with unsurpassed glory. The instruction that the entire structure—from shaft to every delicate flower, and even the functional snuffers—was to be forged from one talent of gold underscores organic unity and thoroughness. No component was an afterthought or of lesser quality; everything originated from the same perfect source and divine design. Symbolically, this points to Christ, the true Light, who is fully integrated in His person and work, providing illumination in every facet of God's plan, and calls His people to be unified in their devotion and service to Him.