The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

EXODUS 35:14KJV
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Exodus 35:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:14 mean?

Exodus 35:14 lists the items related to the lampstand used for lighting in the tabernacle: the candlestick, its associated tools, the lamps themselves, and the oil needed for the light. This verse is part of a detailed inventory of what was required for worship in the sanctuary.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, giving them instructions for making the tabernacle and its furnishings as God commanded. This verse highlights the practical preparations for worship, showing that every part of the tabernacle—even the supplies for lighting—had a specific role and needed careful attention.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:14

  • The word for "candlestick" is מְנֹרָה (menorah), which refers to the multi-branched lampstand that provided light in the holy place. The menorah was a central and symbolic object in Israelite worship.
  • "Lamps" comes from נֵר (ner), meaning individual lamps or lights placed on the menorah. This shows that the menorah was not a single lamp but held several smaller lamps.
  • "Oil" is שֶׁמֶן (shemen), which was olive oil used to fuel the lamps. The quality and purity of this oil were important for maintaining a steady and clean light.
  • The word for "furniture" is כְּלִי (kli), meaning utensils or tools. This includes all the items needed to maintain the menorah, such as tongs and trays, emphasizing the care required for its upkeep.

Why Exodus 35:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in the tabernacle involved not just grand structures but also the careful provision of everyday items like oil and utensils.
  • The mention of each part—the menorah, its lamps, and the oil—shows the importance of light in the tabernacle and the attention given to every detail of worship.
  • By including these instructions, the passage connects the Israelites’ daily contributions and work to the larger purpose of honoring God’s presence among them.

Where else these words appear

“light” Hebrew H3974 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Numbers 4:16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

“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.

“lamps” Hebrew H5216 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
  • 1 Samuel 3:3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
  • Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.