Exodus 25:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;

NIV: Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.

NASB: Six branches shall go out from its sides; three branches of the lampstand from its one side and three branches of the lampstand from its other side.

CSB: Six branches are to extend from its sides, three branches of the lampstand from one side and three branches of the lampstand from the other side.

NLT: Make it with six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side.

KJV: And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

NKJV: And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side.

A menorāh is an ornate, seven-headed lampstand commonly associated with Judaism. Here, God describes the overall shape of this candelabra (Exodus 25:31). The basic design includes three branches on one side, and three on the other, with a central shaft. This creates seven lamps. Everything on the lampstand is made of solid gold. The stand and its utensils require a full talent of gold (Exodus 25:39). This is the equivalent of seventy-five pounds, or about thirty-four kilograms.

Each branch includes a series of special elements. The branch sections emanate from an almond flower, with three segments per branch (Exodus 25:33). Most interpretations of this shape imagine three half-circles divided into four parts. Presumably, the segments are arranged so that the flowers of each branch align with the others. This would give the impression of straight lines converging at the center of the central lamp. Others suggest the six arms were straight, or that the blossoms were closer together.

Exodus 25:31–40 indicates how Israel is to form a special candelabra for use in the sanctuary. The Hebrew root word used here is menorāh, which many recognize as a seven-branched candlestick still associated with Judaism. This lampstand is pure gold, with three branches on either side of a central piece. Each branch is made of three flower-like shapes with connecting arcs. The result is a pattern famously associated with Judaism.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/6/2025 12:09:59 AM