And there shall be 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 that proceed out of the candlestick.

EXODUS 25:35KJV
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Exodus 25:35 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:35 mean?

Exodus 25:35 describes how decorative knobs were to be placed under each pair of branches on the golden lampstand (the menorah) in the tabernacle, with a knob under every two branches, matching the six branches that extended from the central stem. This verse gives detailed instructions for the design, emphasizing the careful and repeated placement of these ornamental features.

God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving precise directions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The verse focuses on the lampstand’s structure, showing that every detail—including the placement of each "knop" or decorative bulb—was important in the construction. This attention to detail highlights the care and reverence expected in making objects for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:35

  • "knop" (כַּפְתֹּר, kaftor): This word refers to a rounded, decorative feature, often imagined as a bud or bulb. Its repeated mention in the verse shows the importance of symmetry and beauty in the lampstand’s design.
  • "branches" (קָנֶה, qaneh): This word means "branch" or "reed" and here points to the six arms extending from the main shaft of the lampstand. The use of "branches" helps the reader picture the lampstand as tree-like, with each branch carefully adorned.
  • "six" (שֵׁשׁ, shesh): The number six is specified to make clear that the instructions apply to every branch, not just a few, ensuring the lampstand’s uniform appearance.
  • "candlestick" (מְנוֹרָה, menorah): This is the word for the lampstand itself, a central and sacred object in Israel’s worship, symbolizing light and presence.

Why Exodus 25:35 matters

  • This verse clears up that the lampstand was not a plain object but was richly decorated, with each detail carefully planned and repeated for all branches.
  • The repetition in the instructions emphasizes the importance of order and beauty in the objects used for worship, reflecting the seriousness with which God’s instructions were to be followed.
  • Understanding these details helps the reader see the connection between the lampstand’s design and the larger themes of light, life, and holiness in the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“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.