or מְנֹרָה; feminine of מָנוֹר (in the original sense of נִיר); a chandelier; candlestick.
Transliteration:mᵉnôwrâh
Pronunciation:men-o-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôwrâh, `{{H4501}}`) primarily denotes a "lampstand" or "candlestick." Its definition as a "chandelier" is particularly apt, given its most prominent biblical manifestation: the multi-branched, ornate lampstand of the Tabernacle and Temple. The word is a feminine form related to מָנוֹר (mānôr), which in its original sense connects to the root נִיר (nîr), implying "to shine" or "to give light." Thus, the core meaning of מְנוֹרָה is an apparatus designed specifically to hold and display light, serving as a source of illumination. Its semantic range is quite narrow, almost exclusively referring to this specific type of lighting fixture, especially the sacred one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The vast majority of occurrences of מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôwrâh, `{{H4501}}`) refer to the sacred golden lampstand, the Menorah, found in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and subsequently in the Temple. Detailed instructions for its construction are given in [[Exodus 25:31-40]] and [[Exodus 37:17-24]]. It was to be made of pure gold, hammered out, with a central shaft and six branches (three on each side), adorned with decorative cups shaped like almond blossoms, buds, and flowers. Its purpose was to hold lamps (נֵרוֹת, nērōt, from `{{H5216}}`) that were to burn continually before the Lord ([[Exodus 27:20-21]], [[Leviticus 24:3-4]]). Aaron and his sons were responsible for tending its lamps every evening and morning.
In the Solomonic Temple, multiple golden menorahs were fashioned, alongside other sacred vessels ([[1 Kings 7:49]], [[2 Chronicles 4:7, 20]]). The prophet Daniel records the desecration of these sacred vessels, including the menorah, by King Belshazzar ([[Daniel 5:5]]).
A particularly significant prophetic usage appears in [[Zechariah 4:2-14]], where Zechariah sees a vision of a golden menorah with seven lamps, flanked by two olive trees. This vision is interpreted as a symbol of divine empowerment for Zerubbabel and Joshua, emphasizing that God's work is accomplished "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" ([[Zechariah 4:6]]). The continuous flow of oil from the trees directly into the lamps signifies a supernatural, unceasing source of divine anointing and illumination.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of light is central to understanding מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôwrâh, `{{H4501}}`).
* **נֵר (nēr, `{{H5216}}`):** This is the general term for a "lamp" or "light," referring to the individual lights that the menorah held.
* **אוֹר (ʾôr, `{{H216}}`):** A more general term for "light," often used in a theological sense to describe God's presence, truth, or guidance ([[Psalm 27:1]]).
* **מָאוֹר (māʾôr, `{{H3974}}`):** Denotes a "luminary" or "light-bearer," such as the sun and moon in creation ([[Genesis 1:14-16]]).
The menorah is also conceptually linked to other elements of the Tabernacle and Temple furniture, such as the Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense, all of which were integral to Israel's worship and symbolic of God's relationship with His people. The intricate craftsmanship and use of pure gold connect it to themes of holiness, purity, and divine glory.
### Theological Significance
The מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôwrâh, `{{H4501}}`) carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Presence and Illumination:** As the sole source of light in the Holy Place, the menorah symbolized God's perpetual presence among His people. Its continuous burning underscored that true spiritual light and understanding emanate solely from God. It was a tangible reminder that God Himself illuminates the path for His covenant people.
2. **Purity and Holiness:** Made of pure gold and requiring pure olive oil, the menorah emphasized the sanctity of God's dwelling place and the purity required to approach Him. Its elaborate design also spoke to the glory and majesty of the One it served.
3. **Israel's Witness:** As a lampstand, the menorah held forth light, making it visible. This can be seen as a symbolic representation of Israel's calling to be a "light to the nations" ([[Isaiah 49:6]]), reflecting God's truth and revelation to the world.
4. **Christological Foreshadowing:** In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself the "Light of the World" ([[John 8:12]], [[John 9:5]]), fulfilling the symbolic role of the menorah. He is the ultimate source of spiritual light, guiding humanity out of darkness. The Church, in turn, is depicted as lampstands in Revelation ([[Revelation 1:12, 20]], [[Revelation 2:5]]), charged with bearing Christ's light to a dark world.
5. **Empowerment by the Spirit:** The vision in Zechariah highlights that the light of God's people, and the accomplishment of His divine purposes, are not by human strength or might, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The continuous flow of oil from the olive trees symbolizes the unending supply of divine anointing.
### Summary
The word מְנוֹרָה (mᵉnôwrâh, `{{H4501}}`) refers specifically to a lampstand, most notably the seven-branched golden lampstand of the Tabernacle and Temple. This sacred object was central to Israelite worship, providing perpetual light in the Holy Place and symbolizing God's constant presence and divine illumination. Its construction from pure gold and the requirement for pure oil underscored themes of holiness and purity. Theologically, the menorah represents God as the ultimate source of light and truth, Israel's role as a bearer of that light, and prophetically points to the Spirit's empowerment. Ultimately, it foreshadows Jesus Christ as the true "Light of the World" and the Church's commission to reflect His light.
TRV