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 25:33KJV
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Exodus 25:33 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:33 mean?

Exodus 25:33 gives detailed instructions for how each branch of the golden lampstand (menorah) in the tabernacle should be decorated, describing three almond-shaped cups, each with a knob and a flower, on every branch. This verse is part of God’s directions to Moses about the exact design of the lampstand’s branches.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him specific patterns for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The focus here is on the careful, repeated design for each of the six side branches of the lampstand, using natural shapes like almonds and flowers. These details show the importance of beauty and order in the objects used for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:33

  • "Bowls" (גְּבִעִים, gevi'im): This word means cup- or bowl-shaped ornaments. The shape is often understood as resembling almond blossoms, emphasizing a natural, organic look rather than a plain or geometric one.
  • "Almonds" (שָׁקֵד, shaqed): The almond motif is repeated throughout the lampstand’s design. Almonds were among the earliest trees to blossom in the region, often symbolizing watchfulness or new beginnings, which may add a layer of meaning to the lampstand’s appearance.
  • "Knop" (כַּפְתּוֹר, kaftor): This refers to a rounded, knob-like ornament, possibly like a bud or swelling on a branch. It adds texture and a sense of growth to the design.
  • "Flower" (פֶּרַח, perach): This word means a blossom or flower, reinforcing the idea that the lampstand is shaped to look like a living, flowering tree.

Why Exodus 25:33 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the lampstand was a simple object; instead, it was richly decorated and carefully crafted with symbolic natural elements.
  • The repetition and detail in the instructions highlight how important it was for the Israelites to follow God’s pattern exactly, not just in function but in beauty.
  • Understanding the almond and flower motifs helps connect the lampstand to themes of life, light, and renewal, which run through the rest of the tabernacle’s symbolism.

Where else these words appear

“almonds” Hebrew H8246 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 25:34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.
  • 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.
  • Exodus 37:20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

“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:

“knop” Hebrew H3730 · used in 12 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 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.

“flower” Hebrew H6525 · used in 15 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 37:20 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.