King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:18 Mean?

Exodus 37:18 in the King James Version says “And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and thre...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Exodus 37:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Six branches extending from the menorah's sides (שִׁשָּׁה קָנִים יֹצְאִים מִצִּדֶּיהָ, shishah kanim yots'im mi-tziddeha), three per side, with the central shaft making seven total—the number of completion and perfection. The central shaft represents God/Christ as the primary light source, with six branches representing God's people reflecting His light. This design teaches that believers are not independent light sources but reflectors of the true Light (Matthew 5:14-16)—we shine only as we remain connected to Christ, the vine (John 15:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The six branches arched out from the central shaft at regular intervals, likely forming a semi-circular pattern. Each branch held a lamp cup at its end, creating seven lamps total. This seven-fold light symbolized perfect illumination, God's complete witness in the Holy Place.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the six branches extending from one central shaft illustrate believers deriving light from Christ, not generating their own?
  2. What does the number seven (central shaft plus six branches) teach about completeness and perfection in God's witness?

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

“going out”

H3318

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

מִצִּדָּ֖הּ4 of 14

“of the sides”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙5 of 14

“thereof 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

“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

“thereof 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

“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 37:18 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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