Exodus 37 20

Exodus 37:20 kjv

And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

Exodus 37:20 nkjv

And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower.

Exodus 37:20 niv

And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms.

Exodus 37:20 esv

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

Exodus 37:20 nlt

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

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 20 Meaning

Exodus 37:20 precisely details the ornate design of the menorah's branches, describing "three cups shaped like almond blossoms" on each of its six extensions. Each of these decorative cups included "its calyx and flower," indicating a specific and complete floral motif. This intricate description underscores the divine instruction for the Tabernacle's furnishings, emphasizing beauty, perfection, and the sacredness of God's dwelling place.

Exodus 37 20 Context

This verse is part of a meticulous recounting of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically the golden lampstand (menorah) in Exodus chapter 37. Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, crafts these sacred objects exactly as Moses was instructed by God on Mount Sinai. Chapter 37 immediately follows God's command in Exodus 25, where the initial instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings were given. Historically, this occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering, shortly after their liberation from Egypt. The precise details provided in the construction narratives (chapters 35-40) ensure that every component faithfully replicated the divine blueprint. This emphasis on exactitude highlighted God's specific nature, His holiness, and His intention to dwell amongst His chosen people in a manner of His choosing, differentiating His worship from the arbitrary and often corrupt idol worship of surrounding cultures.

Exodus 37 20 Word analysis

• On one branch: (אֶל-הַקָּנֶה הָאֶחָד - el haqqaneh ha'echad). The Hebrew signifies "upon the one shaft/branch." This emphasizes the sequential and identical ornamentation of each distinct branch, reinforcing the precision of the design. The repetition across branches signifies uniformity according to divine command.

• three cups: (שְׁלֹשָׁה גְּבִיעִים - sheloshah gevi'im).

  • three: The number three frequently symbolizes completeness, divine presence, or emphasis in biblical contexts (e.g., the Trinity, resurrection on the third day). Here, it indicates a full, specified measure of ornamentation.
  • cups: (גְּבִיעִים - gevi'im). This refers to bowls or goblet-shaped elements. In this context, it describes the base or shape upon which the almond blossom motif was constructed. Its function is decorative, integrating with the floral elements.

• shaped like almond blossoms: (מְשֻׁקָּדִים - meshuqqadim). This crucial descriptive word means "like almonds" or "almond-shaped." It stems from the root שָׁקַד (shaqad), meaning "to be diligent, alert, watchful, or to hurry."

  • The almond tree is notable for being the first tree to blossom in early spring in Israel, hence its association with alertness or hastening.
  • Its use here connects to Aaron's rod (Num 17:8), which budded, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds, symbolizing God's choice and life emerging from what was seemingly dead. It suggests divine validation, life, and fruitfulness.
  • The linguistic link to shaqad in Jer 1:11-12 ("I am watching/alert to carry out My word") subtly ties the almond design to God's vigilant fulfillment of His promises and His quickness to act.

• each with its calyx and flower: (כַּפְתֹּר וָפֶרַח - kaphtor va'perach). This phrase specifies the completeness of each floral unit.

  • calyx: (כַּפְתֹּר - kaphtor). A "knop" or "capital." This refers to a rounded swelling, similar to the bulbous part from which a flower emerges. It gives substance and a rounded shape to the ornament.
  • flower: (פֶּרַח - perach). This is the fully opened blossom.
  • The combination signifies a detailed, life-like representation of a complete botanical motif, from bud (calyx) to full bloom (flower), emphasizing natural beauty within a divinely prescribed, sacred art form.

• so for all six branches extending from the lampstand: (כֵּן לְשֵׁשֶׁת הַקָּנִים - ken l'sheshet haqqanim). This conclusive phrase emphasizes the absolute uniformity and exact replication of the described pattern on all six branches, underscoring the unwavering adherence to the divine design. It reflects God's desire for perfect order and precise execution in His worship.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • Repetition of Detail: The identical phrase describing the "three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its calyx and flower" for each branch underscores God's meticulousness and His expectation of precise obedience in construction. This repetition is not redundancy but emphasis.
  • Natural Beauty in Sacred Design: The inclusion of almond blossoms, a motif from creation, in a divinely prescribed holy object bridges the gap between God as Creator of nature and God as the Ordainer of sacred worship space. It integrates beauty found in His world into His dwelling.
  • Symbolic Pattern: The specific arrangement (three cups, calyx, flower) points to a fixed, divinely ordained pattern rather than arbitrary human artistry. This pattern suggests inherent spiritual meanings beyond mere aesthetics, signifying life, light, and the faithful working of God's plan.

Exodus 37 20 Bonus section

• The intricate, almost organic design of the Menorah with its floral motifs subtly highlights the life-giving nature of God's presence, contrasting with lifeless idols made by human hands. The Menorah does not simply exist; it "blossoms" with divine beauty.
• Some rabbinic traditions view the Menorah as a stylized "Tree of Life," connecting it back to the Garden of Eden and pointing forward to the ultimate source of eternal life. The almond blossoms, symbolizing life and resurrection, align with this interpretation.
• The meticulous adherence to this specific pattern for the Tabernacle furniture foreshadows the principle that God expects His people to build their spiritual lives and worship "according to the pattern shown on the mount" (Heb 8:5), emphasizing faithfulness to divine instruction in all areas.
• The uniformity across the six branches (three on each side of the central shaft) might also symbolize the harmonious unity of the light (truth and presence of God) that radiates forth.

Exodus 37 20 Commentary

Exodus 37:20 illustrates the stunning level of detail and beauty mandated by God for the Tabernacle's furnishings. The Menorah, already a critical source of light in the Holy Place, was to be adorned with precise, repetitive floral motifs, particularly those resembling almond blossoms, complete with their calyxes and flowers. This wasn't merely decorative; every element in the Tabernacle bore profound symbolic significance. The almond, notably, carries connotations of divine vigilance, speedy fulfillment of prophecy, and life arising from divine choice, drawing parallels with Aaron's blossoming staff.

The precision of "three cups," each with "calyx and flower," repeated across all six branches, showcases God's appreciation for perfect craftsmanship and aesthetic order. It conveys that worship offered to a holy God should reflect His perfection in every detail, underscoring that our obedience, even in what might seem minor aspects, is significant. The lampstand, symbolizing the light of God's presence and truth, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World (Jn 8:12), and the Church, which is called to shine as a lampstand reflecting His light in the world (Mt 5:14-16, Rev 1:20).