King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And in the candlestick [were] four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:
Complete Jewish Bible:
On the central shaft of the menorah were four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals.
Berean Standard Bible:
And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.
American Standard Version:
And in the candlestick were four cups made like almond-blossoms, the knops thereof, and the flowers thereof;
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And in the candlestick{H4501} were four{H702} bowls{H1375} made like almonds{H8246}, his knops{H3730}, and his flowers{H6525}:
Cross-References (KJV):
Ecclesiastes 12:5
- Also [when] they shall be afraid of [that which is] high, and fears [shall be] in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
Exodus 25:33
- 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.
Numbers 17:8
- ¶ And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
Jeremiah 1:11
- ¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Exodus 37:20
Exodus 37:20 describes a specific detail within the construction of the golden lampstand, or menorah, for the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. This lampstand was one of the key pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle and was to be placed in the Holy Place, the first room of the sanctuary. The verse highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the lampstand, which included four bowls shaped like almonds, along with their knobs and flowers. These bowls were designed to hold oil for lighting, providing illumination within the Tabernacle.
The almond-shaped bowls are notable because the almond tree in the Bible often symbolizes watchfulness or promptness, as it is one of the first trees to blossom in the spring. The emphasis on the detailed design of the menorah with its knops and flowers reflects the importance of beauty and artistry in the worship of God, as well as the attention to detail that was required in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as outlined in the divine blueprint given to Moses by God.
Historically, this verse is part of the narrative that follows God's instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai for the building of the Tabernacle. The meticulous description of the lampstand's construction underscores the significance of light as a symbol of God's presence and truth, as well as the careful observance of religious rituals and ceremonies in ancient Israelite worship. The menorah itself became a lasting symbol of Judaism, representing God's light and guidance for His people.
*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.