King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:17 Mean?

Exodus 37:17 in the King James Version says “And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

Exodus 37:17 · KJV


Context

15

And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.

16

And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. to cover: or, to pour out withal

17

And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

18

And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

19

Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bezaleel makes the candlestick (menorah, מְנוֹרָה) of pure gold—beaten work (מִקְשָׁה, mikshah), hammered from one piece (approximately 75 pounds). This unity (one piece, seven branches) represents God as the singular source of light radiating through His people (Israel as seven branches, completeness). Beaten work implies suffering in formation—Christ, the Light of the World (John 8:12), was 'beaten' (Isaiah 53:5) to provide light to all. The menorah's unified construction teaches that genuine illumination flows from singular divine source, not multiple competing lights.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The menorah stood approximately 5 feet tall, weighing about 75 pounds of pure gold—the heaviest single gold item in the tabernacle. It stood in the Holy Place opposite the showbread table, providing the only light in the windowless sanctuary. Priests tended it daily with pure beaten olive oil.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the menorah's beaten work (hammered from one piece) teach about Christ's suffering producing light for all?
  2. How does the menorah's design (one piece, seven branches) illustrate God as singular light source radiating through His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
עָשָׂ֤ה1 of 16

And he made

H6213

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

אֶת2 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּנֹרָה֙3 of 16

he the candlestick

H4501

a chandelier

זָהָ֣ב4 of 16

gold

H2091

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

טָה֑וֹר5 of 16

of pure

H2889

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

מִקְשָׁ֞ה6 of 16

of beaten work

H4749

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

עָשָׂ֤ה7 of 16

And he made

H6213

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

אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמְּנֹרָה֙9 of 16

he the candlestick

H4501

a chandelier

יְרֵכָ֣הּ10 of 16

his shaft

H3409

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

וְקָנָ֔הּ11 of 16

and his 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)

גְּבִיעֶ֛יהָ12 of 16

his bowls

H1375

a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower

כַּפְתֹּרֶ֥יהָ13 of 16

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

וּפְרָחֶ֖יהָ14 of 16

and his flowers

H6525

a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom

מִמֶּ֥נָּה15 of 16
H4480

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

הָיֽוּ׃16 of 16
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 37:17 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 37:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study