And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.

EXODUS 25:34KJV
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Exodus 25:34 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:34 mean?

Exodus 25:34 describes part of the instructions God gave Moses for making the lampstand (the "candlestick") for the tabernacle, saying it should have four decorative bowls shaped like almonds, each with its own knob and flower. This verse is about the specific artistic details that were to be included in the lampstand’s design.

In this passage, God is speaking directly to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving him detailed directions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The lampstand was a key object in the holy place, and these instructions show that it was to be both functional and beautifully crafted, with almond-shaped bowls, knobs, and flowers as part of its ornamentation.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:34

  • The word for "candlestick" is מְנוֹרָה (menorah), which refers to the seven-branched lampstand used in the tabernacle. This was not just a lamp but a significant symbol in Israel’s worship.
  • "Bowls" uses the word גְּבִיעִים (gəvi‘im), which often means cup or goblet. Here, it refers to the cup-like shapes on the lampstand, designed to look like almond blossoms.
  • "Almonds" is שָׁקֵד (shaqed), the almond tree. The almond blossom was likely chosen for its beauty and its early blooming, which in ancient Israel symbolized watchfulness or awakening.
  • "Knops" is כַּפְתֹּר (kaphtor), meaning a rounded knob or bulb, probably representing the swelling part of a flower just before it opens.
  • "Flowers" is פֶּרַח (perach), meaning a blossom or flower, adding to the natural, ornate look of the lampstand.

Why Exodus 25:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the lampstand was not a plain object but was to be crafted with detailed, nature-inspired designs, showing the importance of beauty in worship.
  • The mention of almond-shaped bowls connects to the broader biblical symbolism of almonds as a sign of watchfulness and new beginnings, which may have been meaningful in the context of Israel’s relationship with God.
  • Understanding these details helps readers appreciate the care and reverence involved in constructing the tabernacle, highlighting that every part had both practical and symbolic significance.

Where else these words appear

“almonds” Hebrew H8246 · used in 4 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 37:19 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:

“knops” 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.

“flowers” 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.