Exodus 25:31
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
Original Language Analysis
תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָ֣ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֣ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
H2889
טָה֑וֹר
of pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
4 of 14
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
מִקְשָׁ֞ה
of beaten work
H4749
מִקְשָׁ֞ה
of beaten work
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
5 of 14
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תֵּֽעָשֶׂ֤ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְרֵכָ֣הּ
his shaft
H3409
יְרֵכָ֣הּ
his shaft
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
8 of 14
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
וְקָנָ֔הּ
and his branches
H7070
וְקָנָ֔הּ
and his branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
9 of 14
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֥יהָ
his knops
H3730
כַּפְתֹּרֶ֥יהָ
his knops
Strong's:
H3730
Word #:
11 of 14
a chaplet; but used only in an architectonic sense, i.e., the capital of a column, or a wreath-like button or disk on the candelabrum
וּפְרָחֶ֖יהָ
and his flowers
H6525
וּפְרָחֶ֖יהָ
and his flowers
Strong's:
H6525
Word #:
12 of 14
a calyx (natural or artificial); generally, bloom
Cross References
Zechariah 4:2And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:1 Kings 7:49And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,Revelation 1:12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;Hebrews 9:2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.Revelation 4:5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Historical Context
The lampstand was made from one talent (approximately 75 pounds) of pure gold, hammered into shape. Its seven lamps provided the only light in the Holy Place, as the tabernacle had no windows—God's revelation alone illuminates.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the lampstand pure gold throughout, unlike other furniture with wooden cores?
- How did Christ's 'beaten' suffering qualify Him to be the light of the world?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden lampstand (מְנוֹרָה, menorah) is pure gold—no wood, only deity. Unlike the Ark and table (wood overlaid with gold), the lampstand is solid gold throughout, representing the absolutely pure light of God's nature. Its beaten work shows it's formed by hammer blows, perhaps prefiguring Christ's suffering that qualifies Him to be 'the light of the world' (John 8:12). Light is essential for fellowship; God's holiness requires illumination.