King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:33 Mean?

Exodus 25:33 in the King James Version says “Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the oth...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 25:33 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Three branches on each side, seven total lamps (six branches plus central shaft). Seven represents completeness, perfection—the Spirit in fullness (Revelation 1:4, 4:5). The symmetrical design (three on each side of the center) shows balanced, complete illumination. The repeating pattern of bowls, knops, and flowers on each branch emphasizes that every extension of light maintains the same character—Christ's light is uniform truth wherever it shines.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Each branch bore almond-blossom decorations (three per branch), creating a unified artistic vision. The seven lamps required daily tending by the priests (Exodus 27:20-21), burning pure olive oil from evening until morning, ensuring perpetual light.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sevenfold light represent the Holy Spirit's complete illumination?
  2. In what ways does Christ's light maintain consistent character wherever it shines?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה1 of 20

“Three”

H7969

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

גְבִעִ֗ים2 of 20

“bowls”

H1375

a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower

מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים3 of 20

“made like almonds”

H8246

to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped

הַקָּנִ֔ים4 of 20

“branch”

H7070

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

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד5 of 20

“in one”

H259

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

כַּפְתֹּ֣ר6 of 20

“with a knop”

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

וָפָ֑רַח7 of 20

“and a flower”

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה8 of 20

“Three”

H7969

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

גְבִעִ֗ים9 of 20

“bowls”

H1375

a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower

מְשֻׁקָּדִ֛ים10 of 20

“made like almonds”

H8246

to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped

הַקָּנִ֔ים11 of 20

“branch”

H7070

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

הָֽאֶחָ֖ד12 of 20

“in one”

H259

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

כַּפְתֹּ֣ר13 of 20

“with a knop”

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

וָפָ֑רַח14 of 20

“and a flower”

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

כֵּ֚ן15 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לְשֵׁ֣שֶׁת16 of 20

“so in the six”

H8337

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

הַקָּנִ֔ים17 of 20

“branch”

H7070

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

הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים18 of 20

“that come”

H3318

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

מִן19 of 20
H4480

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

הַמְּנֹרָֽה׃20 of 20

“out of the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

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 25:33 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 25:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 37:19-20Zechariah 4:3Numbers 17:4-8Jeremiah 1:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 25 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes