And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

EXODUS 37:20KJV
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Exodus 37:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:20 mean?

Exodus 37:20 describes how the craftsman made four decorative bowls shaped like almonds, along with their knobs and flowers, as part of the design of the golden lampstand (candlestick) for the tabernacle. This verse highlights the detailed artistry and specific ornamentation that went into creating this sacred object.

In the context of Exodus 37, Bezalel is building the tabernacle’s furnishings exactly as God instructed Moses. The verse focuses on the lampstand’s branches, showing the care and skill in shaping each part to resemble natural almond blossoms, complete with ornamental knobs and flowers. This attention to detail reflects the importance of beauty and precision in the tabernacle’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:20

  • The word for "candlestick" is מְנֹרָה (menorah), which refers to the seven-branched lampstand central to the tabernacle. Its design was both functional and symbolic.
  • "Bowls" uses גְּבִיעִים (gəvi‘im), meaning cup-shaped vessels. These were not for holding liquid but were decorative elements shaped like almond blossoms.
  • "Almonds" is שָׁקֵד (shaqed), the almond tree, known for its early blossoms. The almond shape may symbolize watchfulness or awakening, as the almond is the first tree to bloom in spring.
  • "Knops" comes from כַּפְתֹּר (kaphtor), meaning a knob or bulb, likely representing the rounded parts beneath the bowls, adding to the lampstand’s ornate look.
  • "Flowers" is פֶּרַח (perach), simply meaning a flower, which refers to the floral decorations that completed the natural, blossoming appearance of the lampstand.

Why Exodus 37:20 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the lampstand was not a plain object but was richly decorated with natural motifs, emphasizing the value placed on beauty in worship.
  • The specific mention of almond-shaped bowls and floral designs ties the lampstand to themes of life, renewal, and watchfulness, which recur in other parts of the Bible.
  • Understanding these details connects this verse to the earlier instructions in Exodus 25 and shows how faithfully the craftsmen followed God’s commands, reinforcing the importance of obedience and care in sacred work.

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

“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 37:19 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.
  • 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.