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:

EXODUS 37:17KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 37:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:17 mean?

Exodus 37:17 describes how Bezalel, the craftsman, made the lampstand (often called the menorah) for the tabernacle out of pure gold, shaping it by hammering the gold into form. The verse lists the different parts of the lampstand—its central shaft, branches, cups, knobs, and flower-like decorations—all made from the same piece of gold.

In this passage, Moses is recording the construction of the tabernacle’s furnishings as God had commanded. Bezalel is the skilled artisan carrying out these instructions. The verse emphasizes the careful craftsmanship and the unity of the lampstand’s design, highlighting that every part was fashioned from a single piece of pure gold, not assembled from separate pieces.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:17

  • The word for "candlestick" is מְנוֹרָה (menorah), which refers to a lampstand, not a candle-holder as in modern times. This lampstand held oil lamps and was central to the tabernacle’s interior.
  • "Pure" is זָהָב טָהוֹר (zahav tahor), meaning gold that is completely refined and unalloyed, stressing the high value and sacredness of the object.
  • "Beaten work" comes from מִקְשָׁה (miqshah), meaning hammered or shaped by beating, not cast or molded. This detail shows the skill required and the unity of the lampstand’s structure.
  • "Shaft" (יָרֵךְ, yarek) and "branch" (קָנֶה, qaneh) refer to the central stem and the arms extending from it, showing the menorah’s tree-like design.

Why Exodus 37:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the menorah was not pieced together but formed from a single piece of gold, which highlights both the craftsmanship and the unity intended in its design.
  • The detailed description connects back to God’s earlier instructions in Exodus, showing that the work was carried out exactly as commanded, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness.
  • Understanding the specific parts and the method of construction helps readers appreciate the significance and beauty of the menorah as a symbol of light and holiness in the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H4749 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 25:18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
  • Exodus 25:36 Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.
  • 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.

“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 25:34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.

“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 25:35 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 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.