And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

EXODUS 25:32KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 25:32 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:32 mean?

Exodus 25:32 describes how the golden lampstand (menorah) for the tabernacle was to be made, with six branches extending from its sides—three on one side and three on the other. This instruction is part of God’s detailed directions to Moses about the design of the lampstand used in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him specific instructions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The lampstand is to have a central shaft with three branches coming out from each side, making a total of six branches. This design is important because it sets the pattern for the menorah, a key object in Israel’s worship space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:32

  • The word for “branches” is זֵרֵעַ (qaneh), which means a stalk or branch. This word emphasizes that the lampstand is shaped like a plant, highlighting its organic, tree-like appearance.
  • The word for “sides” is צֵד (tsad), meaning the sides or flanks. This clarifies that the branches come out horizontally from the main shaft, not vertically or from the top.
  • The word for “candlestick” is מְנוֹרָה (menorah), which refers specifically to this seven-branched lampstand. The term is unique and points to its special role in the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 25:32 matters

  • Exodus 25:32 clears up that the menorah was not a simple lamp but a carefully designed object with symbolic structure—six branches plus a central shaft, making seven lamps in total.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s exact instructions for worship, showing that every detail of the tabernacle’s design had meaning and purpose.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain later references to the menorah in Jewish tradition and art, and why it became such a recognizable symbol of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“sides” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Joshua 12:9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;
  • 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

“candlestick” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 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 37:19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.
  • 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.

“branches” Hebrew H7070 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 41:5 And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
  • 1 Kings 14:15 For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.
  • Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.