King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:31 Mean?

Exodus 25:31 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branche...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 25:31 · KJV

Context

29

And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. to: or, to pour out withal

30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

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.

32

And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

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.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The golden lampstand (מְנוֹרָה, menorah) is pure gold—no wood, only deity. Unlike the Ark and table (wood overlaid with gold), the lampstand is solid gold throughout, representing the absolutely pure light of God's nature. Its beaten work shows it's formed by hammer blows, perhaps prefiguring Christ's suffering that qualifies Him to be 'the light of the world' (John 8:12). Light is essential for fellowship; God's holiness requires illumination.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The lampstand was made from one talent (approximately 75 pounds) of pure gold, hammered into shape. Its seven lamps provided the only light in the Holy Place, as the tabernacle had no windows—God's revelation alone illuminates.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is the lampstand pure gold throughout, unlike other furniture with wooden cores?
  2. How did Christ's 'beaten' suffering qualify Him to be the light of the world?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה1 of 14

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמְּנוֹרָה֙2 of 14

“a candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

זָהָ֣ב3 of 14

“gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

טָה֑וֹר4 of 14

“of pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

מִקְשָׁ֞ה5 of 14

“of beaten work”

H4749

rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)

תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה6 of 14

“And thou shalt make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמְּנוֹרָה֙7 of 14

“a candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

יְרֵכָ֣הּ8 of 14

“his shaft”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

וְקָנָ֔הּ9 of 14

“and his branches”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

גְּבִיעֶ֛יהָ10 of 14

“his bowls”

H1375

a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower

כַּפְתֹּרֶ֥יהָ11 of 14

“his knops”

H3730

a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e., the capital of a column, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum

וּפְרָחֶ֖יהָ12 of 14

“and his flowers”

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

מִמֶּ֥נָּה13 of 14
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יִֽהְיֽוּ׃14 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 25:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 25:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:49Zechariah 4:2Exodus 37:17-24Hebrews 9:2Revelation 1:12Revelation 1:20-2:1

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