And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

EXODUS 25:31KJV
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Exodus 25:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:31 mean?

Exodus 25:31 gives instructions for making a special lampstand, called a candlestick, out of pure gold, using a technique where the gold is hammered into shape. The verse describes that the entire lampstand—including its central shaft, branches, decorative cups (bowls), knobs, and flowers—should all be made from the same piece of gold.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed directions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The candlestick, also known as the menorah, was to be placed in the Holy Place as a source of light. The careful description shows the importance of beauty, unity, and craftsmanship in objects used for worship in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:31

  • "candlestick" (מְנוֹרָה, menorah): This word refers specifically to a lampstand, not a simple candleholder. The menorah was a central and symbolic object in the tabernacle.
  • "beaten work" (מִקְשָׁה, miqshah): This means the lampstand was to be hammered or shaped from a single piece of gold, not assembled from separate parts. This detail highlights the unity and skill involved.
  • "bowls" (גְּבִיעִים, gevi'im): These are cup-like shapes on the branches, likely designed to hold the oil for the lamps or as decorative features resembling almond blossoms.
  • "knops" (כַּפְתֹּרִים, kaftorim): These are rounded, knob-like decorations, adding to the ornate design of the menorah.

Why Exodus 25:31 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the menorah was not pieced together but crafted as a single, unified work, which may symbolize unity and wholeness in worship.
  • The detailed instructions show that beauty and skill were valued in the worship space, not just function.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage where God gives Moses exact plans for the tabernacle, emphasizing that every detail of worship was intentional and meaningful.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H4749 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 37:7 And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;
  • Numbers 8:4 And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.

“bowls” Hebrew H1375 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 44:2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
  • Genesis 44:17 And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.
  • Exodus 37:17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

“knops” Hebrew H3730 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
  • Exodus 25:36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
  • Exodus 37:21 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.

“flowers” Hebrew H6525 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.
  • Exodus 37:20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:
  • 2 Chronicles 4:5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.