Exodus 37:20
Exodus 37:20 in Multiple Translations
And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.
And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:
And in the candlestick were four cups made like almond-blossoms, the knops thereof, and the flowers thereof;
And on its pillar, four cups like almond flowers, every one with its bud and its flower;
On the main shaft of the lampstand he made four cups shaped like almond flowers, complete with buds and petals.
And vpon the Candlesticke were foure bolles after the facion of almondes, the knoppes thereof and the floures thereof:
And in the candlestick [are] four calyxes, made like almonds, its knops, and its flowers,
In the lamp stand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;
And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, its knobs, and its flowers:
And in the shaft itself were four cups after the manner of a nut, and bowls withal at every one, and lilies:
On the shaft of the lampstand there were four gold decorations that also looked like almond blossoms, each one with flower buds and flower petals.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 37:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 37:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בַ/מְּנֹרָ֖ה
אַרְבָּעָ֣ה
גְבִעִ֑ים
מְשֻׁ֨קָּדִ֔ים
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֖י/הָ
וּ/פְרָחֶֽי/הָ
וּ/בַ/מְּנֹרָ֖ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
lampstand
Conj | Prep | N-fs
אַרְבָּעָ֣ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
גְבִעִ֑ים
gᵉbîyaʻ
H1375
cup
N-mp
מְשֻׁ֨קָּדִ֔ים
shâqad
H8246
be almond shaped
V-Pual-Inf-c
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֖י/הָ
kaphtôr
H3730
capital
N-mp | Suff
וּ/פְרָחֶֽי/הָ
perach
H6525
flower
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 37:20
וּ/בַ/מְּנֹרָ֖ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
"lampstand"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for lampstand, often translated as candlestick, refers to a chandelier or lamp stand, like those found in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 25:31 and 37:17. In the Bible, lampstands symbolize God's presence.
Definition: lamp stand
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: candlestick. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 40:24; Jeremiah 52:19.
אַרְבָּעָ֣ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
גְבִעִ֑ים
gᵉbîyaʻ
H1375
"cup"
N-mp
This word means a cup or goblet, also referring to the calyx of a flower. In the Bible, it is used to describe a container or vessel. The term is used in various contexts, including everyday life and rituals.
Definition: cup, bowl
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: house, cup, pot. See also: Genesis 44:2; Exodus 25:33; Jeremiah 35:5.
מְשֻׁ֨קָּדִ֔ים
shâqad
H8246
"be almond shaped"
V-Pual-Inf-c
In the Bible, this word describes something shaped like an almond, often used to describe cups or objects in the Temple. It appears in Exodus and Jeremiah, describing items used in worship. The almond shape was significant in ancient Israelite design.
Definition: (Pual) cups shaped like almond blossoms (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: make like (unto, after the fashion of) almonds. See also: Exodus 25:33; Exodus 37:19; Exodus 37:20.
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֖י/הָ
kaphtôr
H3730
"capital"
N-mp | Suff
A capital or knob, referring to the top of a column or a decorative bulb. In the Bible, it describes the design of the candelabrum in Exodus.
Definition: 1) bulb, knob, capital, capital of a pillar 1a) knob, bulb (as ornament) 1b) capital (of a pillar)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: knop, (upper) lintel. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 37:19; Zephaniah 2:14.
וּ/פְרָחֶֽי/הָ
perach
H6525
"flower"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A flower or blossom, this word describes the bloom of a plant. It can also mean a bud or sprout, symbolizing new life and growth in the Bible.
Definition: bud, sprout
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: blossom, bud, flower. See also: Exodus 25:31; Numbers 17:23; Isaiah 5:24.
Study Notes — Exodus 37:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Lampstand
18Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other.
19There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand.
20And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.
21A bud was under the first pair of branches that extended from the lampstand, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. 22The buds and branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 12:5 | when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 1:11 | And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” “I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied. |
| 3 | Exodus 25:33 | There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. |
| 4 | Numbers 17:8 | The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, representing the house of Levi, had sprouted, put forth buds, blossomed, and produced almonds. |
Exodus 37:20 Summary
The lampstand in Exodus 37:20, with its four cups shaped like almond blossoms, represents the beauty and life of God's creation. Just as the lampstand was designed to give light, we are called to shine God's light in a world that needs it (Matthew 5:14-16). The use of pure gold in the lampstand's construction reminds us of the value and worth of our worship and service to God (Malachi 1:6-8). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can allow God's light and presence to shine through us, bringing hope and new life to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the almond blossoms on the lampstand in Exodus 37:20?
The almond blossoms on the lampstand represent the beauty and life of God's creation, as seen in Exodus 37:19, and may also symbolize the hope of new life and resurrection, as hinted in Jeremiah 1:11-12, where the almond tree is used as a symbol of God's watchful care.
Why are there four cups shaped like almond blossoms on the lampstand in this verse, when the previous verse mentions three cups on each branch?
The four cups on the lampstand, as described in Exodus 37:20, may represent the central or main part of the lampstand, while the branches have three cups each, as seen in Exodus 37:18-19, highlighting the balance and harmony of God's design.
What can we learn from the use of pure gold in the construction of the lampstand, as mentioned in Exodus 37:22?
The use of pure gold in the lampstand, as seen in Exodus 37:22, teaches us about the value and worth of our worship and service to God, as also emphasized in Malachi 1:6-8, where God calls for pure and unblemished offerings.
How does the description of the lampstand in Exodus 37:20 relate to the overall theme of the tabernacle and God's presence?
The lampstand, with its intricate design and pure gold, represents the splendor and glory of God's presence, as seen in Exodus 25:31-40, and serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people, as expressed in Exodus 29:45-46.
Reflection Questions
- What does the beauty and intricacy of the lampstand reveal about God's character and creative power?
- How can I reflect the beauty and light of God's presence in my own life, as represented by the lampstand?
- What does the use of almond blossoms on the lampstand teach me about the hope and promise of new life in Christ?
- In what ways can I allow God's light and presence to shine through me, as symbolized by the lampstand, to a world in need of His love and redemption?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 37:20
[See comments on Exodus 37:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 37:20
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: He made the candlestick of pure gold.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 37:20
XXXVII.(1-24) This passage corresponds with Exodus 37:10-29 of Exodus 25, and contains an account of the construction of the holy furniture: (1) That of the Holy of Holies: viz., the ark (Exodus 37:1-5), the mercyseat (Exodus 37:6-9); (2) that of the Holy Place, viz., the table of shewbread (Exodus 37:10-16) and the golden candlestick (Exodus 37:17-24). Exodus 37:1-5 correspond to Exodus 25:10-14 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:6-9 correspond to Exodus 25:17-20 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:10-16 correspond to Exodus 25:23-29 of Exodus 25 Exodus 37:17-24 correspond to Exodus 25:31-39 of Exodus 25
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 37:20
THE ARK OF THE , Exodus 39:1-9. See notes on Exodus 25:10-22. THE TABLE OF , Exodus 39:10-16. See notes on Exodus 25:23-30. THE GOLDEN , Exodus 39:17-24. See notes on Exodus 25:31-40. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE, Exodus 39:25-28.
Sermons on Exodus 37:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Watching Men Die by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of death and what happens to a person's body and spirit after they die. He emphasizes that according to the Bible, when a person |
|
Jeremiah the Man of Sorrows by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of young people preparing for the mission field and the focus on success rather than serving God. He emphasizes the need for a high s |
|
God Is Able by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the theme of God's ability to work miracles and fulfill His promises, drawing from biblical examples like Abraham and Sarah, Elijah and the widow, and the re |
|
|
God Is Able (Time Square Church) by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experiences in Israel during a time of drought and political uncertainty. They emphasize the power of God to provide and sustain His |
|
What Seest Thou? by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the question 'What seest thou?' as a divine inquiry that shapes the spiritual history and destiny of individuals and nations. He hig |
|
How Purity Affects the Pathway of the Spirit by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin emphasizes the critical role of purity in experiencing a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. He shares personal anecdotes from his early evangelism days and highlights t |
|
|
God's New Israel - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of spiritual vision in understanding God's purpose for His people, drawing parallels between the prophetic ministry in the Old Testamen |