King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:21 Mean?

Exodus 37:21 in the King James Version says “And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of t...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And 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 going out of it.”

Exodus 37:21 · KJV

Context

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:

21

And 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 going out of it.

22

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

23

And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Knops under two branches (כַּפְתֹּר תַּחַת שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים, kaphtor tachat shenei hakanim) where they emerge from the central shaft demonstrate the organic connection—branches don't merely attach but grow from knops, suggesting living union. This teaches that genuine Christian witness flows from organic connection to Christ, not mechanical attachment. Believers bear fruit because they're vitally joined to the vine (John 15:5), not because they've been wired to a power source. The three sets of knops (for six branches) emphasize this living connection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The knops (bulbs or knobs) served as both decorative elements and structural transition points where branches emerged from the central shaft. This design created visual impression of organic growth—branches appearing to sprout from the shaft like living tree limbs, not welded attachments.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does branches growing from knops (organic connection) rather than being attached (mechanical connection) teach about abiding in Christ?
  2. How does the living-tree appearance of the menorah challenge mechanical approaches to Christian living and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר1 of 19

“And 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 19
H8478

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

שְׁנֵ֥י3 of 19

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים4 of 19

“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 19
H4480

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

וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר6 of 19

“And 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 19
H8478

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

שְׁנֵ֥י8 of 19

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים9 of 19

“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 19
H4480

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

וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר11 of 19

“And 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

תַּֽחַת12 of 19
H8478

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

שְׁנֵ֥י13 of 19

“under two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַקָּנִ֔ים14 of 19

“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 19
H4480

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

לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙16 of 19

“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 19

“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 19

“going out”

H3318

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

מִמֶּֽנָּה׃19 of 19
H4480

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

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 37:21 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 37:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:35

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