The Golden Lampstand
Exodus 25:31-40
Exo.25.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מנרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מקשה: ADJ,m,sg
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- המנורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ירכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וקנה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גביעיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כפתריה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ופרחיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 37:17 (verbal): Bezalel’s finished lampstand description repeats the same elements (shaft, cups, knobs, flowers) as the command in Exod 25:31—direct fulfillment of the design.
- Exodus 35:30-35 (thematic): God endows Bezalel (and Oholiab) with skill to carry out the tabernacle work, explicitly including the making of the golden lampstand—links divine commissioning and craftsmanship.
- Numbers 8:1-4 (thematic): Instructions to set up and light the lampstand before the Lord continue the cultic role and practical use of the menorah described in Exodus 25.
- Zechariah 4:2-3,11-14 (allusion): The prophet’s vision of a lampstand with almond-like shoots/trees alludes to the menorah’s form and symbolism, reusing the cultic imagery in a prophetic context.
- Revelation 1:12-13,20 (allusion): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (explained as the churches) evokes the Exodus/Zechariah menorah imagery, repurposing the lampstand as symbolic of divine presence and testimony.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work shall the lampstand be. Its base and its shaft—its cups, its buds, and its blossoms—shall be of one piece with it.
- And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lampstand be made—its base and its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers—shall be of one piece with it.
Exo.25.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וששה: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- קנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יצאים: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,pl
- מצדיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3f
- שלשה: NUM,m
- קני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- ושלשה: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- קני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.37:17-20 (quotation): Bezalel's actual construction of the golden lampstand repeats the design of six branches—three on each side—verbatim from the instructions in ch.25.
- Exod.25:31 (verbal): Immediate instruction introducing the golden candlestick and its branches; shares the same vocabulary and command context for the three-on-each-side arrangement.
- Exod.25:40 (structural): Commands the craftsmen to make the lampstand 'after the pattern' shown to Moses—explicitly links the six-branch form to a prescribed model.
- 2 Chron.4:7 (structural): Solomon's temple lampstands are arranged symmetrically ('five on the right and five on the left'), echoing the bilateral, side‑by‑side branch pattern of Exodus.
- Zech.4:2-3,11-14 (thematic): Zechariah's vision of a golden lampstand flanked by two olive trees and with pipes/lamps draws on the Exodus lampstand imagery and repurposes its branch/pipe motif for prophetic symbolism.
Alternative generated candidates
- And six branches shall go out from its sides: three branches of the lampstand from one of its sides, and three branches of the lampstand from its other side.
- And six branches shall go out from its sides: three branches of the lampstand from the one side of it, and three branches of the lampstand from the other side of it.
Exo.25.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שלשה: NUM,m
- גבעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משקדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בקנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- כפתר: PREP
- ופרח: CONJ
- ושלשה: CONJ
- גבעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משקדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בקנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- כפתר: PREP
- ופרח: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- לששת: PREP
- הקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- היצאים: VERB,qal,ptc,m,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:31-40 (structural): The surrounding passage gives the full lampstand (menorah) specification; v.33 is part of this detailed structural description of branches, cups, buds and blossoms.
- Exodus 37:17-24 (quotation): Bezalel’s crafted menorah repeats the same language and details (cups like almond blossoms, branches, buds and flowers), a direct repetition of Exodus 25’s instructions.
- Zechariah 4:2-3 (thematic): Vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps and channels resembles the temple menorah motif — central lampstand imagery and the theme of sustained light.
- Jeremiah 1:11-12 (verbal): Uses the almond (shaqed) image — “I see a branch of an almond tree” — echoing the almond-blossom ornamentation language used to describe the menorah.
- Revelation 1:12, 1:20 (allusion): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (explained as the seven churches) alludes to the temple menorah tradition and its symbolic association with divine presence and witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Three cups made like almond blossoms on one branch, with a bud and a blossom, and three cups made like almond blossoms on one branch, with a bud and a blossom—thus for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
- Three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch—a bud and a flower—and three cups shaped like almond blossoms on another branch—a bud and a flower; so for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
Exo.25.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובמנרה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- גבעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משקדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כפתריה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- ופרחיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 25:31–37 (structural): The immediate instruction for the golden lampstand: the almond‑blossom cups, buds, and blossoms in v.34 are part of this contiguous design description.
- Exodus 37:17–20 (verbal): Bezalel’s construction narrative repeats the tabernacle instructions; the made lampstand likewise has bowls/cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and flowers (verbal echo).
- Zechariah 4:2–3 (thematic): A visionary golden lampstand with bowls and seven lamps—shares the cultic/visual motif of a gold lampstand with bowls and lamps, echoing menorah imagery.
- Revelation 1:12, 1:20 (allusion): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (interpreted as churches) alludes to the temple/tabernacle menorah motif—golden lampstands with lamps as symbolic, cultic imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the lampstand there shall be four cups made like almond blossoms, with its buds and its blossoms.
- And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms, with its buds and its flowers.
Exo.25.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכפתר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- הקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- וכפתר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- הקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- וכפתר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- הקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- לששת: PREP+NUM,card,m,pl,cons
- הקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- היצאים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:31-40 (verbal): Immediate context: the fuller instruction for the golden lampstand (menorah), repeating the language of knops/branches and the pattern for the six branches.
- Exodus 37:17-24 (verbal): Bezalel’s crafting account in the Tabernacle narrative repeats the same technical wording (knops, flowers, six branches) as a direct workmanship fulfillment of Exodus 25.
- Numbers 8:1-4 (verbal): God’s later instruction to Aaron about arranging the lampstand and its lamps in the tabernacle echoes the menorah’s form and function.
- Zechariah 4:2-3,11-14 (structural): Visionary image of a golden lampstand with seven lamps and two olive trees—shares the cultic lampstand motif and branch/olive-tree imagery that echoes the menorah’s symbolic structure.
- Revelation 1:12-13,20 (thematic): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (the churches) recalls the menorah as a symbol of divine presence and light—a typological/thematic reuse of the lampstand motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- And a bud under the pair of branches from it, and a bud under the pair of branches from it, and a bud under the pair of branches from it—for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
- And a bud shall be under two of the branches from it, and a bud shall be under two of the branches from it, and a bud shall be under two of the branches from it—for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
Exo.25.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כפתריהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וקנתם: VERB,qal,imprf,2,mp
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כלה: ADV
- מקשה: ADJ,m,sg
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.25.31 (verbal): Immediate instruction introducing the golden lampstand: the language about its 'cups, knobs, and flowers' being of one piece parallels v.36's specification that these parts be of beaten work of pure gold.
- Exod.37.19 (quotation): Craftsman's repetition in the construction narrative (Bezalel): 'the bowl and the knob were of one piece with it; all of it was beaten work of pure gold' — a direct restatement of the instruction.
- Zech.4.2 (thematic): Vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps; echoes the menorah imagery and the sanctified use of a golden candlestick established in Exodus.
- Rev.1.12 (allusion): John's vision of seven golden lampstands alludes to the Exodus/temple menorah motif (golden candlestick imagery) and reuses its symbolic associations for the churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it—the whole of it one hammered work of pure gold.
- Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it; all of it shall be one hammered work of pure gold.
Exo.25.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נרתיה: NOUN,f,pl,cs+3fs
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והעלה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נרתיה: NOUN,f,pl,cs+3fs
- והאיר: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פניה: NOUN,f,sg,suff
Parallels
- Exod 25:31–40 (structural): Immediate pericope giving the full description and specifications of the golden lampstand (menorah); 25:37 is one line in this larger command and is best read within these surrounding verses.
- Exod 37:17–24 (verbal): Chapter 37 records Bezalel’s making of the lampstand using language and details that closely repeat the instructions of 25:31–40, providing a narrative fulfillment of the command.
- Num 8:2–4 (verbal): Repeats the practical phraseology about setting up the lamps so that the seven lamps give light before the lampstand—echoes the same functional wording found in 25:37.
- Zech 4:2–6 (allusion): Visionary description of a golden lampstand with seven lamps and seven pipes; uses the menorah image typologically to convey divine light and Spirit, alluding to the cultic menorah of Exodus.
- Rev 1:12–13,20 (thematic): John sees seven golden lampstands (explicitly identified as the seven churches in v.20). The menorah image is reworked symbolically in a theological/thematic way as a light-bearing presence among congregations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make its lamps, seven; and you shall set up its lamps, and they shall give light toward the front of it.
- And you shall make its seven lamps, and set up its lamps, and they shall give light toward the front of it.
Exo.25.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלקחיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומחתתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.37:17-24 (verbal): Bezalel’s craftsmanship repeating the tabernacle instructions: the lampstand and its accessories (lamps, snuffers/snuff-dishes) are fashioned of pure gold, closely mirroring the command in Exod. 25:38.
- Zechariah 4:2 (verbal): Visionary description of 'a lampstand all of gold'—uses the same image of a wholly golden menorah, echoing the material and form of the Exodus lampstand.
- Hebrews 9:2 (allusion): New Testament summary of the tabernacle layout mentions 'the golden lampstand,' alluding to the Exodus/temple menorah and its cultic role (parallel in material and function).
- Rev.1:12 (thematic): John sees 'seven golden lampstands' symbolically; the imagery draws on the golden menorah tradition from Exodus (gold lampstands and their sacred symbolism).
Alternative generated candidates
- And its tongs and its firepans shall be of pure gold.
- And its tongs and its trays shall be of pure gold.
Exo.25.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ככר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Exod.37.24 (verbal): Construction account repeats the specification and weight: the lampstand and its utensils weighed a talent of pure gold, echoing the instruction to make the vessels of pure gold.
- Exod.30.3-5 (verbal): Commands to overlay the altar of incense with pure gold and make its utensils of pure gold—same formulation about crafting sacred implements from pure gold.
- Exod.25.11 (thematic): Instruction to overlay the ark "within and without" with pure gold; parallels the overall requirement that tabernacle furnishings be of pure gold.
- 1 Kings 6:20-22 (thematic): Solomon’s temple inner sanctuary is overlaid with pure gold—a parallel in later temple tradition to the Exodus prescriptions for using pure gold for holy furniture and vessels.
Alternative generated candidates
- Of a talent of pure gold you shall make it and all these utensils.
- Of a talent of pure gold you shall make it, together with all these vessels.
Exo.25.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בתבניתם: NOUN,f,sg,const+PRON:3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מראה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:9 (verbal): Directly parallels the command to build the tabernacle 'according to all that I show thee, after the pattern'—same injunction to follow a divine pattern.
- Exodus 26:30 (verbal): Repeats the instruction to 'set up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain'—nearly identical wording and context.
- Numbers 8:4 (verbal): Describes the construction 'according to the pattern which the LORD had shown Moses,' applying the same formula of divine patterning to tabernacle components.
- Hebrews 8:5 (quotation): Explicitly cites the Mosaic command to make the tabernacle 'according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain,' using it to argue that the priests serve a copy and shadow of heavenly realities.
- Hebrews 9:23 (thematic): Develops the theme that earthly worship objects were copies of heavenly things—explains the theological purpose of the 'pattern' shown on the mountain.
Alternative generated candidates
- And see that you make them according to their pattern, which you are shown on the mountain.
- And see that you make them according to their pattern which you are shown on the mountain.
And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work; its base and its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. And six branches shall go out from its sides: three branches of the lampstand from its one side, and three branches of the lampstand from its other side.
Three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, with a bud and a flower; and three cups shaped like almond blossoms on another branch, with a bud and a flower; so for the six branches that go out from the lampstand. And on the lampstand itself there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms, with its buds and its flowers. And a bud beneath two branches from it, and a bud beneath two branches from it, and a bud beneath two branches from it, for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it; the whole of it shall be one hammered work of pure gold. And you shall make its seven lamps; and you shall set up its lamps, and they shall give light toward the space in front of it. And its tongs and its firepans shall be of pure gold.
From a talent of pure gold you shall make it and all these utensils. And see that you make them according to their pattern, which you are shown on the mountain.