Making the Lampstand
Exodus 37:17-24
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
Jude
Revelation
Exo.37.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מקשה: ADJ,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המנרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ירכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וקנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גביעיה: NOUN,m,pl,poss3f
- 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
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.25:31-40 (verbal): Direct parallel instruction for crafting the menorah: same elements (pure gold/beaten work, shaft, cups, bulbs/flowers) and nearly identical technical language describing its form.
- Exod.35:30-35 (structural): Describes Bezalel's God‑given skill to make the tabernacle furnishings, including the lampstand; connects the artisan role and execution of the design in 37:17.
- Zech.4:2-3,6-11 (verbal): Vision of a golden lampstand with a bowl, seven lamps and pipes; uses the same golden‑lampstand imagery and technical motifs, echoing the tabernacle menorah language.
- Rev.1:12-13,20 (allusion): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (interpreted as churches) draws on the tabernacle/temple lampstand imagery—an interpretive and symbolic reuse of the menorah motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand—its base and its shaft; its cups, its calyxes, and its blossoms were of one piece with it.
- And he made the lampstand of pure gold; hammered work he made the lampstand—its base and its shaft; its cups, its knobs, and its blossoms were of one piece with it.
Exo.37.18 - 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
- קני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:31-40 (verbal): The original priestly instructions for the golden lampstand (menorah), specifying its design with a central shaft and three branches on each side; Exodus 37:18 records the craftsmen’s making of that pattern.
- Exodus 37:17-24 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the artisan’s account of fashioning the lampstand, explicitly describing the six branches (three on either side) — the same work as v.18.
- Zechariah 4:2-3 (thematic): Vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps and channels; echoes the seven‑lamp/branch cultic imagery of the Exodus menorah and its symbolic use of light.
- Revelation 1:12,20 (allusion): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands representing the seven churches draws on the menorah imagery (seven lamps/branches) as a symbolic framework.
- Hebrews 9:2-4 (thematic): New Testament summary of the tabernacle furnishings explicitly mentions the lampstand among the holy objects, reflecting and presupposing the Exodus description of the menorah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And six branches were going out from its sides: three branches of the lampstand from one side of it, and three branches of the lampstand from the other side of it.
- And six branches went out from its sides: three branches of the lampstand from its one side, and three branches of the lampstand from its other side.
Exo.37.19 - 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
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- כפתר: PREP
- ופרח: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- 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 25:33 (verbal): Uses the identical wording prescribing “three cups, shaped like almond blossoms, on one branch…,” echoing the precise ornamental detail of the lampstand.
- Exodus 25:31-36 (structural): The original instruction for the tabernacle menorah (branches, cups, knops, and flowers); Exodus 37:19 executes this precise design.
- Exodus 37:17-24 (structural): The artisan account of Bezalel making the golden lampstand repeats and implements the same decorative scheme (cups, knops, and flowers) described in Exodus 25.
- Zechariah 4:2-3,11-14 (allusion): Visionary uses of a lampstand with bowls/lamps and accompanying trees; the prophetic image alludes to cultic menorah symbolism (light, oil, and divine presence) developed from the Exodus design.
- Revelation 1:12,20 (thematic): John’s vision of seven golden lampstands (interpreted as churches) adapts the menorah motif—its lamp-bearing structure and symbolic association with light and presence—from the Israelite cultic context.
Alternative generated candidates
- There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, with calyx and blossom; and three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, with calyx and blossom—thus for the six branches that go out from the lampstand.
- Three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, a knob and a blossom; and three cups shaped like almond blossoms on one branch, a knob and a blossom—thus for the six branches going out from the lampstand.
Exo.37.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובמנרה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- גבעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משקדים: 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
- Exod.25:31-40 (quotation): The original divine instructions for the golden lampstand explicitly prescribe cups shaped like almond blossoms with calyxes and petals—the command that Exodus 37 records as executed.
- Exod.37:17-19 (verbal): Immediate context: the same chapter's detailed description of the lampstand's shafts, bowls, knops and flowers repeats the same technical language as v.20 (the finished work).
- Zech.4:2-3,11-14 (allusion): Zechariah's vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps (and attendant olive trees supplying oil) draws on and reinterprets the temple/tabernacle menorah motif.
- 1 Chr.28:15-19 (structural): David's record of the temple plans includes specifications for lampstands and their arrangements, echoing Exodus' cultic furnishings and design tradition.
- Rev.1:12-13 (thematic): John's vision of seven golden lampstands (symbolizing the churches) appropriates the menorah image from the sanctuary tradition as a theological symbol.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the lampstand itself there were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, with its calyxes and its blossoms.
- And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, with its knobs and its blossoms.
Exo.37.21 - 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
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 25:12-15 (verbal): The original instructions for the ark: make rings of gold at its four corners and put the poles into the rings — language and detail closely echoed in Exod 37:21.
- Numbers 4:5-6 (verbal): Law for the Levites about placing poles in the rings to carry the holy things; repeats the technical detail of poles-and-rings used for transporting sacred furniture.
- Deuteronomy 10:3 (allusion): Mentions that Moses made an ark of acacia wood — an allusive reference to the construction of the same ark whose rings and poles are described in Exod 37:21.
- 2 Samuel 6:3-7 (thematic): Narrative about transporting the ark of the LORD (including improper transport that led to Uzzah’s death); thematically underscores the importance of the prescribed method of carrying the ark with poles.
Alternative generated candidates
- And a calyx was under two branches from it, and a calyx was under two branches from it, and a calyx was under two branches from it—for the six branches that go out from it.
- And a knob beneath two of the branches from it, and a knob beneath two of the branches from it, and a knob beneath two of the branches from it—for the six branches that went out from it.
Exo.37.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כפתריהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וקנתם: VERB,qal,imprf,2,mp
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,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.25:18-20 (quotation): God's original command to make two cherubim of hammered work of pure gold with their wings of one piece — the instruction that Exodus 37 repeats in the artisans' execution.
- Exod.36:8 (verbal): Construction account of the ark/mercy seat stating the cherubim were of hammered work of pure gold, echoing the same language as Exod 37:22.
- 1 Kings 6:23-28 (thematic): Description of Solomon's inner sanctuary cherubim, carved and overlaid with gold with wings stretching across — parallels the form and function of the golden cherubim imagery.
- 2 Chron.3:10-13 (thematic): Account of two large cherubim made for Solomon's temple, overlaid with gold and having outspread wings, reflecting the same cultic motif of golden cherubim as in Exodus 37.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their calyxes and their branches were of one piece with it; all of it one hammered work of pure gold.
- Their knobs and their branches were of one piece with it; the whole of it, one hammered work of pure gold.
Exo.37.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נרתיה: NOUN,f,pl,cs+3fs
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלקחיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומחתתיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod 25:37 (verbal): Direct instruction describing the lampstand's seven lamps, snuffers, and basins of pure gold—Exod 37:23 records the craftsman's fulfillment of this command.
- Exod 25:31-40 (structural): The extended specification and pattern for the golden lampstand (shape, bowls, knops, flowers, and seven lamps); Exodus 37 is the execution of this design.
- Zech 4:2-6 (allusion): Zechariah's vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps (and two olive trees) evokes the Tabernacle/Temple menorah and uses its imagery to convey spiritual meaning.
- Rev 1:12,20 (thematic): John's vision of seven golden lampstands (identified as the seven churches) adopts the seven-lamp menorah motif from Israelite cultic furniture to symbolize congregational witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he made its seven lamps, and its tongs and its firepans—of pure gold.
- And he made its seven lamps, and its tongs and its trays—of pure gold.
Exo.37.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ככר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3fs
Parallels
- Exodus 30:3-5 (quotation): Instruction for the altar of incense: overlay with pure gold and 'make a molding (crown) of gold around it' and 'make all its utensils of pure gold.' Exodus 37:24 reports the fulfillment of that command.
- Exodus 25:11 (verbal): Description of the ark: 'overlay it with pure gold... and make upon it a crown of gold round about'—uses the same language of a gold 'crown/molding' around a sacred object.
- Hebrews 9:4 (thematic): New Testament summary of tabernacle furniture mentions the golden altar/ark and their gold covering, echoing the centrality of pure gold for holy vessels (the same cultic function as Exod 37:24).
- 1 Kings 6:21 (thematic): Solomon's temple inner house is overlaid with pure gold—parallels the use of pure gold to adorn and consecrate sacred furniture and spaces in Exodus 37:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Of a talent of pure gold he made it and all its vessels.
- Of a talent of pure gold he made it and all its vessels.
And he made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand—its base and its shaft; its cups, its knobs, and its blossoms were of one piece with it. And six branches were going 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 made like almond-blossoms on one branch, with a knob and a blossom; and three cups made like almond-blossoms on another branch, with a knob and a blossom—so for the six branches going out from the lampstand. And on the lampstand four cups made like almond-blossoms, with its knobs and its blossoms. And a knob beneath two of the branches from it, and a knob beneath two of the branches from it, and a knob beneath two of the branches from it—for the six branches going out from it.
Their knobs and their branches were of one piece with it—all of it a single hammered work of pure gold. And he made its seven lamps, and its tongs, and its firepans—of pure gold.
Of a talent of pure gold he made it and all its vessels.