King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And in the candlestick [shall be] four bowls made like unto almonds, [with] their knops and their flowers.
Complete Jewish Bible:
On the central shaft of the menorah are to be four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals.
Berean Standard Bible:
And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.
American Standard Version:
and in the candlestick four cups made like almond-blossoms, the knops thereof, and the flowers thereof;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And in the candlestick{H4501} shall be four{H702} bowls{H1375} made like unto almonds{H8246}, with their knops{H3730} and their flowers{H6525}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Exodus 25:34
Exodus 25:34 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to serve as the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Detail:** The verse reflects the intricate and specific instructions provided by God for the Tabernacle's furnishings, emphasizing the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in the worship of God.
2. **Symbolism:** The candlestick, or menorah, with its almond-shaped bowls, knops, and flowers, symbolizes the light of God's presence and provision. The almond shape may allude to the almond tree's early blossoming, symbolizing the quickness of God's promises being fulfilled.
3. **Craftsmanship and Obedience:** The detailed description underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely, reflecting the Israelites' obedience and dedication in creating a sacred space for worship.
**Historical Context:**
The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai around the 15th century BCE. This period followed the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and marked the beginning of their covenant relationship with God, who was establishing a priestly nation set apart for His purposes. The Tabernacle would be the central place of worship and sacrifice until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon centuries later.
The menorah, with its seven branches, was a key element in the Tabernacle's interior, specifically within the Holy Place where priests would perform their daily duties. It provided light, symbolizing God's illumination and guidance, and was to be kept burning continually.
In summary, Exodus 25:34 is a verse embedded in the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, highlighting themes of divine instruction, symbolic representation of God's attributes, and the careful obedience required in the creation of sacred space.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4501
There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְנוֹרָה
Transliteration: mᵉnôwrâh
Pronunciation: men-o-raw'
Description: or מְנֹרָה; feminine of מָנוֹר (in the original sense of נִיר); a chandelier; candlestick. - Strong's Number: H702
There are 383 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַרְבַּע
Transliteration: ʼarbaʻ
Pronunciation: ar-bah'
Description: masculine אַרְבָּעָה; from רָבַע; four; four. - Strong's Number: H1375
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גְּבִיעַ
Transliteration: gᵉbîyaʻ
Pronunciation: gheb-ee'-ah
Description: from an unused root (meaning to be convex); a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of aflower; house, cup, pot. - Strong's Number: H8246
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁקַד
Transliteration: shâqad
Pronunciation: shaw-kad'
Description: a denominative from שָׁקֵד; to be (intensively, make) almond-shaped; make like (unto, after the fashion of) almonds. - Strong's Number: H3730
There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כַּפְתֹּר
Transliteration: kaphtôr
Pronunciation: kaf-tore'
Description: or (Amos 9:1) כַּפְתּוֹר; probably from an unused root meaning to encircle; a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e. the capital of acolumn, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum; knop, (upper) lintel. - Strong's Number: H6525
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֶּרַח
Transliteration: perach
Pronunciation: peh'-rakh
Description: from פָּרַח; a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom; blossom, bud, flower.