Exodus 25:32
And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה
And six
H8337
וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה
And six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 14
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
קְנֵ֣י
branches
H7070
קְנֵ֣י
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
2 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)
יֹֽצְאִ֖ים
shall come
H3318
יֹֽצְאִ֖ים
shall come
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙
and three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
5 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
קְנֵ֣י
branches
H7070
קְנֵ֣י
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
6 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)
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
out of the one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
out of the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙
and three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙
and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
10 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
קְנֵ֣י
branches
H7070
קְנֵ֣י
branches
Strong's:
H7070
Word #:
11 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)
Historical Context
The almond tree bloomed in late winter, first to wake from dormancy. Aaron's rod that budded was almond wood (Numbers 17:8), confirming God's chosen priesthood. The lampstand's tree form connected temple worship to Eden's tree of life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as the 'tree of light' provide both life and illumination?
- What does God's 'watchful' (almond tree) presence mean for your daily walk?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The lampstand's organic design: shaft, branches, bowls (flower-shaped), knops (bulbs), and flowers—like an almond tree. The almond tree was called the 'wakeful tree' (שָׁקֵד, shaqed, 'watching/wakeful') for its early blooming (Jeremiah 1:11-12), symbolizing God's watchful presence and quick response. The lampstand as a living tree represents Christ—rooted in God (shaft), branching to His people (branches), bearing fruit (flowers), providing light continually.