Exodus 25:35

KJV

And [there shall be] a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there shall be a knop {H3730} under two {H8147} branches {H7070} of the same, and a knop {H3730} under two {H8147} branches {H7070} of the same, and a knop {H3730} under two {H8147} branches {H7070} of the same, according to the six {H8337} branches {H7070} that proceed {H3318} out of the candlestick {H4501}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Where each pair of branches joins the central shaft is to be a ring of outer leaves of one piece with the pair of branches -thus for all six branches.

Berean Standard Bible

For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair.

American Standard Version

and a knop under two branches of one piece with it, and a knop under two branches of one piece with it, and a knop under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the candlestick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 25:35 provides a meticulous detail in God's instructions for the construction of the Menorah, the seven-branched lampstand destined for the Tabernacle's Holy Place. This verse specifies the precise placement and repetition of ornamental "knops" (buds or calyxes) beneath each pair of the six side branches, underscoring the divine demand for absolute precision, symmetry, and adherence to the revealed pattern in all aspects of sacred worship and the objects dedicated to God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 25:35 is situated within a larger block of divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25-31). Specifically, it follows the general description of the Menorah's form in [Exodus 25:31-34](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25:31-34 - Description of the Menorah"), which outlines its central shaft, six branches, and the almond-blossom motif. This verse, with its precise repetition of the "knop under two branches" pattern, exemplifies the extraordinary level of detail God provided for every component of the sanctuary, from the ark to the altar, emphasizing that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divinely ordained dwelling place for God among His people. The meticulousness here sets the tone for the entire construction process, where human creativity was to be entirely subservient to God's revealed blueprint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, temples and cultic objects were often constructed according to established traditions or the whims of rulers. However, the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus, stands apart as a unique, portable sanctuary whose design was entirely revealed by God. This divine origin emphasized God's sovereignty and holiness, contrasting sharply with the syncretistic and often improvised worship practices of surrounding nations. The Menorah, in particular, was not merely a lampstand but a symbolic representation of God's illuminating presence, life, and guidance. The "knops" (almond blossoms) likely referenced the vitality and fruitfulness associated with divine blessing, a motif seen elsewhere in scripture (e.g., Aaron's rod that budded in [Numbers 17:8](/numbers/17-8 "Numbers 17:8 - Aaron's Rod Buds")). The precision in its design ensured that the Menorah, like all Tabernacle elements, would accurately reflect the heavenly pattern shown to Moses on the mountain, as later referenced in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knop (Hebrew, _kaphtor'_):** This word (כַּפְתּוֹר) refers to an ornamental knob, bud, or calyx, specifically thought to resemble an almond blossom. Its inclusion in the Menorah's design is significant, as the almond tree was known for being one of the first trees to blossom in spring, symbolizing new life, vigilance, and divine favor. The repetition of this motif across the branches reinforced the Menorah's symbolism as a source of life and light.
* **Branches (Hebrew, _qaneh'_):** The term (קָנֶה) literally means "reed" or "stalk," and here it denotes the structural arms extending from the central shaft of the Menorah. The six branches, three on each side, were integral to the lampstand's overall form, supporting the lamps that provided light. The verse specifies how the "knops" were to be integrated into the design of these branches, emphasizing the unity and symmetry of the entire structure.
* **Candlestick (Hebrew, _menorah'_):** This word (מְנוֹרָה) is the proper name for the seven-branched lampstand, a central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. It was crafted from a single piece of pure gold, signifying its preciousness and holiness. The detailed instructions for its construction, including the "knops" and "branches," highlight its symbolic importance as a source of divine light and a representation of God's presence among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [there shall be] a knop under two branches of the same":** This clause introduces the recurring design element. It specifies that an ornamental "knop" (almond-shaped bud) was to be placed at the point where a pair of branches emerged from the central shaft. This indicates a precise structural and aesthetic pattern.
* **"and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same":** The repetition of this phrase three times emphasizes the symmetrical and uniform application of this design element. It clarifies that this specific arrangement of a "knop" supporting two branches was to be replicated for each of the three sets of branches on either side of the central shaft, ensuring a consistent and harmonious appearance.
* **"according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick":** This concluding phrase confirms that the previously described pattern applies universally to all six side branches of the Menorah. It underscores the meticulousness of God's blueprint, leaving no room for human interpretation or deviation in the construction of this sacred object. Every detail was divinely ordained.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 25:35 is **Repetition**. The phrase "a knop under two branches of the same" is repeated three times, which serves to emphasize the precise, symmetrical, and uniform nature of the Menorah's design. This repetition is not merely for clarity but also to underscore the divine insistence on absolute adherence to the pattern. It highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for exact obedience in the construction of sacred objects for His worship. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prescriptive Language**, as the entire passage is a series of divine commands ("there shall be"), emphasizing God's authority and the non-negotiable nature of His instructions. This reinforces the theological concept that worship must be offered on God's terms, not human terms. The verse also contributes to the overall **Symbolism** of the Menorah, where each component, including the knops resembling almond blossoms, adds to the lampstand's representation of life, light, and God's flourishing presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 25:35, though focused on a minute detail of the Menorah's design, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles. It underscores God's character as a God of order, precision, and beauty, who demands excellence and exact obedience in all matters pertaining to His worship. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings reveal that God is not indifferent to details; rather, every element of His divine plan carries significance and purpose. This attention to detail emphasizes the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him, teaching that our approach to God should be intentional, disciplined, and in accordance with His revealed will, not our own preferences. The Menorah, with its intricate design, was to be a perfect reflection of a divine pattern, a tangible representation of God's illuminating presence among His people.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order, Not Disorder")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly small detail in Exodus 25:35 holds profound lessons for believers today. God's meticulous instructions for the Menorah remind us that He is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. If He cared so deeply about the exact placement of "knops" on a lampstand, how much more does He care about the details of our lives, our character, and our worship? This verse challenges us to move beyond casual or haphazard approaches to our faith. It calls us to cultivate intentionality in our spiritual disciplines, excellence in our service, and reverence in our worship, recognizing that God deserves our best and our obedience to His revealed will. It encourages us to trust that God's "blueprint" for our lives, though sometimes detailed and demanding, is always for our good and His glory, leading us to reflect His light more faithfully in a dark world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to greater precision or obedience, reflecting His divine order and design?**
* **How can the symbolism of the Menorah as a source of light encourage you to reflect Christ's light in your own sphere of influence and daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why is this level of detail important to God in the construction of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: This level of detail is crucial for several reasons. First, it underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity and perfection in all that pertains to His presence and worship. Second, it emphasizes that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divine revelation, a copy of a heavenly reality ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")). Every detail had symbolic meaning and purpose within God's redemptive plan. Third, it taught the Israelites obedience and reverence, demonstrating that God's commands were to be followed precisely, without human improvisation or compromise. This precision ensured that the sanctuary would effectively serve its purpose as the meeting place between a holy God and His people.

**What is a "knop" and what does it symbolize in the Menorah's design?**

Answer: A "knop" (Hebrew: _kaphtor_) refers to an ornamental bud, knob, or calyx, often specifically understood to resemble an almond blossom. In the Menorah's design, these knops, along with the flowers and bowls, contributed to the lampstand's overall appearance, which was likened to a blossoming almond tree. Symbolically, the almond blossom was significant because it is one of the first trees to bloom in spring, representing new life, vigilance, and divine favor (as seen with Aaron's rod in [Numbers 17:8](/numbers/17-8 "Numbers 17:8 - Aaron's Rod Buds")). Thus, the knops contributed to the Menorah's broader symbolism as a source of light, life, and fruitfulness, representing God's active, living presence among His people.

**Does this verse, with its focus on Old Testament architectural details, have any relevance for New Testament believers?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific architectural details of the Tabernacle are no longer practiced, the principles they convey remain profoundly relevant. Exodus 25:35 teaches us about God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness. It reminds us that God cares about details, not just broad strokes, in our lives and worship. For New Testament believers, this translates into approaching God with intentionality, excellence, and reverence in our "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")) and in our daily walk. Moreover, the Menorah itself foreshadows Christ as the true light of the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and its perfect design points to the perfection of God's plan of salvation found in Him. Our lives, like the Menorah, are called to reflect His light and glory in the world ([Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You Are the Light of the World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 25:35, with its meticulous instructions for the Menorah's design, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The Menorah, as the sole source of light in the Holy Place, prefigures Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Just as the Menorah illuminated the path for the priests in the Tabernacle, Christ illuminates the path to God, revealing divine truth and dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. Furthermore, the divine precision demanded in the Menorah's construction, down to every "knop" and "branch," points to the perfect, divinely ordained plan of salvation accomplished through Christ. There was no room for human improvisation in the Tabernacle, just as there is no human contribution to the perfect and complete work of redemption wrought by Jesus on the cross ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). The Tabernacle itself, with all its furnishings, was a "shadow of the good things to come," with Christ as the true and perfect High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - Shadow of Good Things to Come") and [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Menorah's beauty and intricate design, crafted from pure gold, also subtly reflect the glory and inherent value of Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Ultimately, the Menorah's purpose was to provide light, and in Christ, we find the fullness of God's light, truth, and life, enabling us, as His followers, to become [lights in the world](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shining as Lights in the World").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.