King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:32 Mean?

Exodus 25:32 in the King James Version says “And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three bra...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Exodus 25:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

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

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lampstand's organic design: shaft, branches, bowls (flower-shaped), knops (bulbs), and flowers—like an almond tree. The almond tree was called the 'wakeful tree' (שָׁקֵד, shaqed, 'watching/wakeful') for its early blooming (Jeremiah 1:11-12), symbolizing God's watchful presence and quick response. The lampstand as a living tree represents Christ—rooted in God (shaft), branching to His people (branches), bearing fruit (flowers), providing light continually.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The almond tree bloomed in late winter, first to wake from dormancy. Aaron's rod that budded was almond wood (Numbers 17:8), confirming God's chosen priesthood. The lampstand's tree form connected temple worship to Eden's tree of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as the 'tree of light' provide both life and illumination?
  2. What does God's 'watchful' (almond tree) presence mean for your daily walk?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה1 of 14

“And six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

קְנֵ֣י2 of 14

“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)

יֹֽצְאִ֖ים3 of 14

“shall come”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִצִּדָּ֖הּ4 of 14

“out of the sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙5 of 14

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

קְנֵ֣י6 of 14

“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)

מְנֹרָ֔ה7 of 14

“of the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

מִצִּדָּ֖הּ8 of 14

“out of the sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

הָֽאֶחָ֔ד9 of 14

“out of the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙10 of 14

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

קְנֵ֣י11 of 14

“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)

מְנֹרָ֔ה12 of 14

“of the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

מִצִּדָּ֖הּ13 of 14

“out of the sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

הַשֵּׁנִֽי׃14 of 14

“out of the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

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 25:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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