King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
Complete Jewish Bible:
There were six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other.
Berean Standard Bible:
Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other.
American Standard Version:
And there were six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And six{H8337} branches{H7070} going out{H3318} of the sides{H6654} thereof; three{H7969} branches{H7070} of the candlestick{H4501} out of the one{H259} side{H6654} thereof, and three{H7969} branches{H7070} of the candlestick{H4501} out of the other{H8145} side{H6654} thereof:
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 37:18
1. **Themes**:
- **Divine Instruction**: The verse details part of the construction of the Tabernacle's lampstand (menorah), emphasizing God's precise instructions being followed by skilled craftsmen.
- **Symbolism of Light**: The menorah symbolizes God's light and guidance, a recurring theme in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
- **Craftsmanship and Artistry**: The detailed description underscores the importance of beauty and skill in the service of the divine.
2. **Historical Context**:
- **Exodus from Egypt**: The Israelites, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, are in the process of establishing their religious identity and practices in the wilderness.
- **The Tabernacle**: The instructions for the lampstand are part of the larger narrative concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.
- **Covenant Relationship**: The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with the menorah serving as a tangible symbol of God's presence and the ongoing light of His covenant.
Exodus 37:18 specifically describes the menorah's six branches, three on each side, which are to be crafted according to God's design given to Moses. This lampstand would be used in the Tabernacle's Holy Place for the priests to maintain a perpetual light before the Lord, as commanded in Exodus 27:20-21. The menorah has since become an enduring symbol of Judaism, representing the light of Torah and the enduring presence of God.
*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: H8337
There are 203 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁשׁ
Transliteration: shêsh
Pronunciation: shaysh
Description: masculine שִׁשָּׁה; a primitive number; compare שׂוּשׂ; six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. sixth; six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. - Strong's Number: H7070
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָנֶה
Transliteration: qâneh
Pronunciation: kaw-neh'
Description: from קָנָה; a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard); balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. - Strong's Number: H3318
There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצָא
Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. - Strong's Number: H6654
There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צַד
Transliteration: tsad
Pronunciation: tsad
Description: contr. from an unused root meaning to sidle off; a side; figuratively, an adversary; (be-) side. - Strong's Number: H7969
There are 381 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלוֹשׁ
Transliteration: shâlôwsh
Pronunciation: shaw-loshe'
Description: or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice; [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare שָׁלִישׁ. - 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: H259
There are 801 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶחָד
Transliteration: ʼechâd
Pronunciation: ekh-awd'
Description: a numeral from אָחַד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, - Strong's Number: H8145
There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁנִי
Transliteration: shênîy
Pronunciation: shay-nee'
Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time).