Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

EXODUS 37:22KJV
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Exodus 37:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 37:22 mean?

Exodus 37:22 describes how the decorative knobs and branches of the lampstand in the tabernacle were all made from one piece of pure gold, shaped by hammering. The verse emphasizes that every part of the lampstand was not separate or pieced together, but formed as a single, unified work.

In this passage, the craftsman Bezalel is building the lampstand for the tabernacle, following the instructions God gave to Moses. The verse highlights the skill and care involved in making the lampstand, showing that it was crafted from pure gold and not assembled from different parts. This detail underlines the unity and value of the lampstand as a special object for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 37:22

  • The word for "knops" is גִּבְעִים (giv‘im), which refers to rounded, bud-like decorations. This term points to the detailed and organic design of the lampstand, meant to resemble a flowering plant.
  • "Branches" comes from קָנֶה (qaneh), meaning stalks or branches. This shows that the lampstand was crafted to look like a branching plant, reinforcing the natural, living imagery.
  • The word for "one" is אֶחָד (echad), meaning a single, unified whole. This stresses that the entire lampstand was made from one piece of gold, not separate parts joined together.
  • "Work" is מִקְשָׁה (miqshah), which means something hammered or beaten out. This word highlights the craftsmanship involved, as the gold was shaped by hand rather than cast in a mold.
  • "Pure" is טָהוֹר (tahor), meaning clean or pure. This emphasizes that the gold used was of the highest quality, suitable for something dedicated to God.
  • "Gold" is זָהָב (zahav), simply meaning gold, the precious metal used for the lampstand.

Why Exodus 37:22 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the lampstand was a simple or roughly made object; instead, it was a single, skillfully crafted piece, showing the care and reverence given to objects used in worship.
  • The unity of the lampstand, made from one piece of gold, connects to themes of wholeness and perfection in the tabernacle’s design.
  • Understanding the details of its construction helps readers appreciate the craftsmanship and obedience involved in following God’s instructions exactly, as described in the surrounding chapters.

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.

“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 37:20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

“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.

“pure” Hebrew H2889 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
  • Exodus 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like to the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 12:15 Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.