Exodus 25:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch — so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

NIV: Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand.

NASB: Three cups shall be shaped like almond blossoms on the one branch, a bulb and a flower, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the other branch, a bulb and a flower—the same for six branches going out from the lampstand;

CSB: There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a bud and petals, on one branch, and three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a bud and petals, on the next branch. It is to be this way for the six branches that extend from the lampstand.

NLT: Each of the six branches will have three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.

KJV: Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

NKJV: Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand.

Each of the menorah's arms (Exodus 25:31–32) is made of two sections emanating from an almond blossom. The flowers are made up of a bud, also called a "calyx," and the petals which take the shape of a cup. The last almond flower is the lamp itself. The central shaft of the lampstand also uses these shapes, but with three segments and four flowers (Exodus 25:34–35). All these are made of solid gold.

In some interpretations, this creates three half-circles divided into four segments separated by lines of almond blossoms. In others, the branches are curved, but the blossoms don't align in any particular way. Some even think the branches were straight, making a more triangular shape.

This lampstand is to stay in a special place inside the tabernacle (Leviticus 24:3–4). The light is fueled by pure olive oil (Exodus 27:20–21).

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.