Exodus 37:19 kjv
Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
Exodus 37:19 nkjv
There were three bowls made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower?and so for the six branches coming out of the lampstand.
Exodus 37:19 niv
Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand.
Exodus 37:19 esv
three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch ? so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.
Exodus 37:19 nlt
Each of the six branches had three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.
Exodus 37 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 25:31-36 | You shall make a lampstand of pure gold...its branches, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers... | Original divine instruction for the lampstand design. |
| Num 17:8 | ...the rod of Aaron...had put forth blossoms and produced almonds. | Symbolic significance of the almond as divine approval/life. |
| Ex 30:22-25 | ...make of this a holy anointing oil...perfumed ointment, the work of a perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil. | Emphasis on precise ingredients and crafting for holy items. |
| Lev 24:1-4 | ...bring pure oil...to keep lamps burning continually...arrange the lamps on the lampstand... | Command for continual light; role of lampstand in worship. |
| Zech 4:2-3 | ...I see a lampstand of pure gold...two olive trees by it, one on the right and one on the left. | Prophetic vision linking lampstand to divine light and anointing. |
| Zech 4:6 | Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. | Lampstand light often typifies God's Spirit working. |
| Isa 11:2 | The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him...Spirit of wisdom and understanding... | Spirit as divine light and wisdom for the Messiah. |
| Jn 1:4 | In him was life, and the life was the light of men. | Christ as the ultimate source of light and life. |
| Jn 8:12 | I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. | Christ fulfilling the symbol of divine illumination. |
| Phil 2:15 | ...you shine as lights in the world. | Believers as spiritual lampstands reflecting Christ's light. |
| Rev 1:12-13 | ...seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. | Vision of Christ among the churches (lampstands). |
| Rev 1:20 | The seven lampstands are the seven churches. | Direct interpretation of lampstands as churches. |
| Rev 4:5 | ...seven torches of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. | Lampstand's light connected to the Holy Spirit. |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof... | Reinforces the importance of precise divine instruction. |
| Heb 8:5 | They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed of God, saying, “See that you | Tabernacle as a shadow pointing to heavenly reality. |
| Heb 9:2 | ...in the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. | Mentions the lampstand as a key component of the Tabernacle. |
| Ex 36:8-38 | All the skillful craftsmen among those who were doing the work made the tabernacle... | The craftsmanship described, demonstrating obedience to instruction. |
| Prov 6:23 | For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light... | God's Word as a source of light and guidance. |
| 1 Pet 1:23 | ...born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. | Almond blossom motif of new life/perpetuity, through God's Word. |
| Isa 60:1-3 | Arise, shine, for your light has come... | Call to spiritual illumination, a theme of the lampstand. |
| Jn 12:46 | I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. | Christ as the Light for all people. |
| Eph 5:8 | ...you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light. | Believers are to walk in the light and manifest Christ's life. |
Exodus 37 verses
Exodus 37 19 Meaning
Exodus 37:19 meticulously details the ornamentation for the branches of the golden lampstand (menorah) crafted for the Tabernacle. It describes a precise design featuring three sets of cup-like receptacles shaped like almond blossoms, complete with their calyxes (cup-like base enclosing the flower) and fully formed flowers, appearing on each of the six side branches extending from the central shaft of the lampstand. This level of detail underscores the divine command for exact adherence to the heavenly pattern revealed by God.
Exodus 37 19 Context
Exodus 37:19 is situated within the narrative of Bezaleel and Aholiab's meticulous execution of God's blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as previously commanded to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 25-30). This specific verse focuses on the ornamentation of the lampstand, known as the menorah. It follows the general description of the menorah's construction (Ex 37:17-18) and precedes the detailing of its lamps (Ex 37:23). The broader context of Exodus reveals God's desire to dwell among His people, requiring a holy and ordered sanctuary built precisely to His divine specifications. The historical and cultural context underscores that while other ancient Near Eastern temples featured various plant motifs, the specific almond blossom design on the menorah, with its deep theological significance for Israel (as seen in Num 17), served to distinguish Yahweh's unique revelation from contemporary pagan practices that might incorporate fertility symbols without such divine specificity or purpose. The insistence on specific detail acted as a polemic against human innovation in worship and any syncretism with foreign religious motifs.
Exodus 37 19 Word analysis
- Three bowls: This specifies a repeating pattern. The Hebrew word for bowls is גְּבִעִים (gəḇîʿîm), meaning "cups" or "calyxes." It emphasizes the cupped or chalice-like shape, often associated with holding something (in this context, it's a decorative element forming part of the blossom). The number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical numerology.
- made like almond blossoms: This is the defining motif. The Hebrew word for almond is שָׁקֵד (šāqēd), which is closely related to the verb שָׁקַד (šāqad), meaning "to watch" or "to be alert." This connection suggests that the almond blossom symbolizes God's "watchfulness" over His promises (Jer 1:11-12) and His "hastening" of His word. It also represents new life, fruitfulness, and resurrection, given that almonds are among the first trees to blossom in spring, signifying the quickening of life. Its powerful significance is highlighted in Aaron's rod (Num 17), which miraculously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds as a divine confirmation of his priestly authority.
- each with its calyx and flower: This emphasizes botanical accuracy and detailed replication. The term for calyx is כַּפְתֹּרָהּ (kaphtôrāh), referring to the rounded base or bud-like swelling that supports the blossom. The word for flower is פֶּרַח (peraḥ), signifying the opened bloom. This detailed instruction highlights the desire for lifelike representation and a deep appreciation for the beauty of God's creation incorporated into His sanctuary.
- were on one branch, and three bowls...were on the next branch: This precise repetition underscores symmetry, uniformity, and the consistent application of the divine pattern across all elements. It denotes exact replication of God's instruction, leaving no room for human interpretation or deviation.
- so for the six branches: This specifies the total extent of this design. The Menorah had six branches extending from the central shaft, three on each side. The exact number of sets of ornamentation for each branch ensures perfect balance and adherence to the revealed design.
Exodus 37 19 Bonus section
The concept of the lampstand, crafted from a single piece of pure beaten gold (as implied by earlier instructions in Ex 25:31-40), emphasizes that the light of God's truth and the life it symbolizes are indivisible and flow from a single divine source. The exquisite and costly materials signify the supreme value and holiness of God's presence and the means of worship He prescribes. The almond, blossoming first, points to spiritual vigilance and fruitfulness that should characterize God's people as they bear witness to His light. The "three bowls" on each branch may also subtly reinforce the Trinitarian nature of God's revelation, though primarily descriptive of a pattern. The light from the menorah was the sole source of illumination in the Holy Place, highlighting that only through God's revealed truth can true understanding and fellowship with Him be achieved, as opposed to relying on human wisdom or other sources.
Exodus 37 19 Commentary
Exodus 37:19 exemplifies the divine emphasis on precision and sacred aesthetics in worship. The specific, recurring motif of almond blossoms, complete with calyx and flower, transforms a functional object into a deeply symbolic artifact. This divine detail signals not only God's desire for beauty in His sanctuary but also carries theological weight: the almond blossom, signifying watchfulness and new life, foreshadows God's vigilant care for His people and His sovereign power over life and death, seen powerfully in Aaron's blossoming rod (Num 17:8). The repetitive instruction for each branch stresses the non-negotiable nature of God's holy design, demanding absolute obedience from Bezaleel and future generations in their worship. The lampstand's illumination in the Tabernacle's Holy Place, then, becomes a perpetual reminder that God's presence brings light, life, and watchful care, reflecting heavenly patterns (Heb 8:5) and ultimately pointing to Christ, the true Light and source of life (Jn 8:12), and to the church, called to be a light in the world (Phil 2:15).