King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:35 Mean?

Exodus 25:35 in the King James Version says “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 tw...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 25:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. shall light: or, shall cause to ascend it: Heb. the face of it

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A knop under every pair of branches—six knops total, each positioned where branches emerge from the shaft. These bulbs or buds represent life-giving connection, the point where the branch draws sustenance from the main shaft. They prefigure believers' vital union with Christ—we cannot bear light apart from abiding in Him (John 15:4-5). The knops show that genuine illumination requires organic connection, not mere proximity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The knops (כַּפְתֹּר, kaptor) were bulb or pomegranate-shaped ornaments at each branch junction, creating structural strength and visual beauty. This design ensured each branch was firmly connected to the central shaft, unable to function independently.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your 'connection point' with Christ need daily attention and strengthening?
  2. What happens when believers attempt to provide light apart from abiding in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר1 of 20

“And there shall be 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

תַּחַת֩2 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

שְׁנֵ֥י3 of 20

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים4 of 20

“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)

מִמֶּ֗נָּה5 of 20
H4480

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

וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר6 of 20

“And there shall be 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

תַּ֣חַת7 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

שְׁנֵ֥י8 of 20

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים9 of 20

“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)

מִמֶּ֔נָּה10 of 20
H4480

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

וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר11 of 20

“And there shall be 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

תַּחַת12 of 20
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

שְׁנֵ֥י13 of 20

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים14 of 20

“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)

מִמֶּ֑נָּה15 of 20
H4480

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

לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙16 of 20

“of the same according to the six”

H8337

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

הַקָּנִ֔ים17 of 20

“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)

הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים18 of 20

“that proceed”

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 25:35 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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