King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:34 Mean?

Exodus 25:34 in the King James Version says “And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 25:34 · KJV


Context

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.

36

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The central shaft contains four bowls, four knops, four flowers—more than the branches (which have three each). The central shaft, bearing the most ornamentation, represents Christ Himself, while the branches represent His people deriving light from Him. The shaft's greater complexity shows Christ's preeminence—He is the source of light; we merely reflect it. 'In Him was life, and the life was the light of men' (John 1:4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The central shaft stood tallest and bore the middle lamp, with three branches extending from each side. Its four sets of decorations (versus three on each branch) distinguished it as primary, the source from which the branches drew their form and function.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the central shaft's preeminence illustrate Christ's role as the source of light?
  2. In what ways do you 'branch from' Christ rather than generate your own light?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּבַמְּנֹרָ֖ה1 of 6

And in the candlestick

H4501

a chandelier

אַרְבָּעָ֣ה2 of 6

shall be four

H702

four

גְבִעִ֑ים3 of 6

bowls

H1375

a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower

מְשֻׁקָּדִ֔ים4 of 6

made like unto almonds

H8246

to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped

כַּפְתֹּרֶ֖יהָ5 of 6

with their 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

וּפְרָחֶֽיהָ׃6 of 6

and their flowers

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom


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 25:34 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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