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 37:19KJVWhat does Exodus 37:19 mean?
Exodus 37:19 describes how each branch of the lampstand (menorah) in the tabernacle was decorated: every branch had three almond-shaped bowls, a knob (decorative bud), and a flower. This pattern was repeated on all six branches extending from the main shaft of the lampstand.
The verse is part of a detailed account of Bezalel constructing the lampstand for the tabernacle, following God’s instructions given to Moses. The description highlights the careful craftsmanship and the specific design elements—almond-shaped bowls, knobs, and flowers—used for each branch, emphasizing both beauty and uniformity in the lampstand’s construction.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:19
- Bowls (גְּבִעִים, gevi'im): This word refers to cup-like shapes. In this context, the bowls are shaped like almonds, suggesting a natural, organic look rather than a plain vessel.
- Almonds (שָׁקֵד, shaqed): The almond motif is significant because the almond tree was known for its early blossoms in Israel, often symbolizing watchfulness or awakening. Here, it adds a sense of life and beauty to the lampstand.
- Knop (כַּפְתּוֹר, kaftor): This term means a decorative bud or knob, likely representing a rounded ornament between the bowls and flowers, adding to the lampstand’s ornate appearance.
- Flower (פֶּרַח, perach): This word simply means “flower,” reinforcing the natural, blossoming theme in the lampstand’s design.
Why Exodus 37:19 matters
- The verse clears up that the lampstand was not just functional but highly decorative, with repeated natural motifs on every branch, showing the importance of beauty in worship.
- The detailed repetition in the design emphasizes obedience to God’s instructions, as every branch was made exactly alike, reflecting careful attention to God’s pattern.
- Understanding the almond and floral motifs helps connect this verse to other biblical passages where the almond tree symbolizes alertness and God’s watchfulness, adding a layer of meaning to the lampstand’s presence in the tabernacle.