Exodus 37 21

Exodus 37:21 kjv

And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it.

Exodus 37:21 nkjv

There was a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches extending from it.

Exodus 37:21 niv

One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair?six branches in all.

Exodus 37:21 esv

and a calyx of one piece with it under each pair of the six branches going out of it.

Exodus 37:21 nlt

There was an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extended from the center stem, all made of one piece.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 21 Meaning

Exodus 37:21 describes the intricate and specific design requirements for the branches of the golden lampstand (menorah) in the Tabernacle. It details a repeating pattern of decorative "knops" (almond-shaped buds or cups) positioned symmetrically "under two branches" of the menorah, with this pattern consistently applied to all six branches that extended from the central shaft. This verse emphasizes the meticulous precision and uniformity demanded by God for His sacred furnishings.

Exodus 37 21 Context

Exodus chapter 37 details the actual construction of the Tabernacle's furnishings by Bezalel and Oholiab, following the divine blueprint given in previous chapters (Exod 25-31). Specifically, verses 17-24 describe the creation of the golden lampstand (menorah). This verse, Exod 37:21, provides a repetitive detail for the lampstand's structure, focusing on the placement of decorative elements on its branches. The larger historical context involves the wilderness journey of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt. God's instruction to build the Tabernacle was crucial for establishing His presence among His people, providing a physical space for worship and demonstrating His precise demands for holiness and order in their interaction with Him. The meticulous nature of these instructions stood in stark contrast to the less organized and often chaotic pagan worship systems known to ancient Israel.

Exodus 37 21 Word analysis

• and a knop (וְגָבִיעַ - ve-gavíʿaʿ): "Knop" (גָּבִיעַ - gāḇīaʿ) refers to an ornamental bulge or knob, often shaped like a calyx of a flower, a bud, or an almond blossom. This choice of design element suggests beauty, life, and fruitfulness. The Hebrew term gāḇīaʿ literally means a cup or bowl, linking the shape to natural floral structures. The use of natural, living forms (flowers, almonds) emphasizes life and vitality inherent in God's presence.
• under two branches (תַּחַת שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים - taḥat shēnê haqqānîm): "Under" (תַּחַת - taḥat) specifies the exact placement, indicating support or origination. "Branches" (קָנִים - qānîm) are the arms of the menorah. The placement under two branches implies a structural and decorative anchor point where pairs of branches converge or diverge from a single knop or stem, creating symmetrical clusters.
• of the same (מִמֶּנָּה - mimmennāh): This phrase emphasizes that the knop and its associated two branches are an integral part of the larger, unified menorah structure, either extending directly from the central shaft ("it") or referring to the consistent material/design. The entire lampstand was commanded to be made of "beaten work of pure gold" (Exod 25:31), implying it was fashioned from a single piece, further stressing its unity.
• and a knop under two branches of the same: This repetition highlights the precise and standardized application of this decorative pattern. It indicates a fixed, symmetrical design rather than an arbitrary arrangement. The tripling of this phrase signifies complete instruction and strict adherence required for the six branches.
• and a knop under two branches of the same: The continuous repetition ensures clarity and leaves no room for human interpretation or deviation in the construction. It emphasizes the divine obsession with order and perfection.
• so were the six branches: "So were" (כֵּן הָיוּ - ken hāyū) confirms that the preceding detailed pattern applied uniformly to all the six branches emanating from the central shaft. This establishes the complete symmetry and balance of the entire lampstand.
• going out of it: (יֹצְאִים מִמֶּנָּה - yōtsʾîm mimmennāh) This specifies the origin of the branches from the central shaft of the menorah, reinforcing the unity of the lampstand's construction. All parts, though distinct, draw their existence and design from one central source.

Words-group by Words-group analysis:

• "and a knop under two branches of the same" (repeated three times): This repetition underlines the meticulous and divinely ordained design of the menorah. It emphasizes the uniform and symmetrical nature of its decorative elements, leaving no ambiguity for the craftsmen. It speaks to God's attention to detail and the sanctity of the object.
• "so were the six branches going out of it": This concluding phrase summarizes and confirms that the detailed pattern described applies equally to all six auxiliary branches originating from the lampstand's central stem. It denotes perfect completion according to the divine blueprint, signifying that every part of God's worship structure is governed by His specific command and contributes to a cohesive, unified whole.

Exodus 37 21 Bonus section

The specific form of the menorah, with its knops and flowers, resembles a tree of life, linking it metaphorically to Eden and to the ultimate Tree of Life found in the heavenly city (Rev 22:2). This intricate detail on a physical lampstand serving as "light" connects the concept of light with life and fruitfulness. The lampstand, unlike other Tabernacle furnishings, was made entirely from a single talent of pure gold, beaten out from one piece (Exod 25:31). This signifies not only extreme value but also the profound unity and purity demanded for that which represents God's light. The precise "beaten work" (מקשה - miqshāh) process, requiring no soldering or joints, further emphasizes that Christ, the ultimate light, is seamlessly unified, indivisible, and perfected through His own suffering.

Exodus 37 21 Commentary

Exodus 37:21 is not just a technical specification; it's a testament to God's character and the nature of true worship. The emphasis on repetitive, precise details for the menorah's construction underscores God's absolute demand for order, beauty, and faithfulness to His revealed will in all matters of worship. The "knops," likely shaped like almond blossoms, point to life, resurrection, and the promise of fruitfulness—a powerful symbol in the context of Aaron's budding rod (Num 17:8).

The Menorah itself, through its light, symbolized God's illuminating presence, His word (Psa 119:105), and eventually, Christ Himself, "the light of the world" (Jn 8:12). The six branches emanating from one central shaft can be seen as foreshadowing how all life and spiritual illumination flow from the one Christ. The detailed uniformity in the branches illustrates that the true light bears a consistent testimony. Furthermore, the meticulous execution from "beaten work" signifies the painstaking care and divine artistry, a representation of what God deserves. For believers, this attention to detail in the ancient Tabernacle instructs us about the importance of reverent obedience to God's revealed will in our worship and service today, reminding us that even the smallest details of spiritual things matter to Him.